Expertise in military, children, and third culture kids' mental health.
About Dr. Desirée Misanko
Dr. Misanko began her education at the University of Nevada, Reno, where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Psychology with a minor in Addiction Treatment. She then completed both her Master's and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Chicago, Illinois.
Dr. Misanko has extensive training working with diverse populations in outpatient clinical settings, rural community focused mental health, and faith based therapy. She has experience with children, adolescents, and adults, providing individual, couple, family, and group therapy.
Dr. Misanko adopts a collaborative approach, recognizing that no single method is suitable for everyone in the healing process. Consequently, she is trained in a range of therapeutic modalities, including psychodynamic, relational, and client-centered therapy. Her expertise encompasses various symptoms and mental health concerns, with specialization in grief, trauma, working with the LGBTQ+ community and Third Culture Kids / Adults (individuals raised in military families, on missionary assignments, and in the foreign service). Additionally, she has presented on the use of Geek/Alternative Culture in clinical practice and continues to integrate these interventions into her work.
Dr. Misanko's passion lies in facilitating the healing process through a mutual therapeutic alliance. This relationship provides support in fostering a healthy self-perception while helping individuals achieve their personal goals, ultimately guiding them toward feelings of peace, wholeness, and safety in their lives.
Illuminating your path to healing
Individual Therapy
Individual Therapy
Individual Therapy
In individual therapy sessions, I aim to support you in navigating a wide range of mental health challenges, whether it's anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship concerns. Together, we'll use evidence-based techniques to help you build resilience, develop healthy coping skills, and work towards your personal goals. I'm here to guide you every step of the way.
Couples Therapy
Individual Therapy
Individual Therapy
In couples therapy sessions, I’m here to help partners strengthen their connection, improve communication, and work through conflicts together. We’ll take a closer look at any patterns of behavior that might be causing stress in your relationship, and I’ll share practical tools to help you build a happier, healthier partnership. Let’s embark on this journey to create more love and understanding in your relationship!
Family Therapy
Individual Therapy
Family Therapy
My family therapy sessions are all about helping families come together, communicate better, and work through their challenges. I truly believe that every family has special strengths, and together, we'll discover those and build on them to create a happier and more supportive environment for everyone. My therapy is designed to help families build stronger relationships, improve communication, and resolve conflicts.
Play Therapy
Parent / Child Dyad Therapy
Family Therapy
Kids sometimes find it hard to share what's on their minds like teenagers or adults do. That's why I use a range of fun techniques in play therapy- like sand tray activities, art, and games- to help them learn important coping skills, connect more deeply, and express their feelings and challenges in a safe environment.
Parent Work Therapy
Parent / Child Dyad Therapy
Parent / Child Dyad Therapy
Raising children can be quite a journey, and it's perfectly normal for parents to seek a supportive space where they can feel empowered and validated. I work closely with parents of children, whether or not they're already in therapy, to help them feel more confident. Together, we develop personalized treatment goals for their child, problem-solve, create helpful in-home behavior modification tips, and discuss the daily challenges or questions that may arise along the way.
Parent / Child Dyad Therapy
Parent / Child Dyad Therapy
Parent / Child Dyad Therapy
It's natural to feel like you and your child might see the world a bit differently at times. This can sometimes make it challenging to connect and bond. Thankfully, dyad therapy is here to support both you and your little one in building those healthy attachments. It encourages creative ways for you to communicate and relate to each other, making your relationship even stronger!