Meet Melissa and Polar
Melissa
Melissa Whitman is a Licensed Professional Counselor and owner of Breaking Free Counseling and Consulting, LLC. With over a decade of post-licensure clinical experience and well over a decade of leadership and supervisory experience across private practice and community mental health settings, she brings a unique combination of clinical expertise, leadership experience, and business knowledge to her work. Her background includes navigating the complexities of private practice operations, insurance credentialing, billing systems, and practice development.
Her approach is rooted in attachment theory, somatic approaches, and trauma-informed care, shaped by years of walking alongside clients and clinicians through some of their hardest moments. Whether providing individual therapy, clinical supervision and consultation, or helping therapists build independent and sustainable private practices, Melissa believes meaningful growth happens through connection, collaboration, and relationships.
She's often joined by Polar, her UDS Facility Dog, who works alongside her to support the therapeutic process. Outside of work, Melissa enjoys singing, reading, watching trashy Netflix shows, and spending time with the people she loves.
Polar
Polar's journey began at just eight weeks old in a Pennsylvania prison program, where inmates helped raise and train him before he continued his training with United Disabilities Services (UDS). It quickly became clear that Polar had a special gift: rather than bonding with just one person, he wanted to connect with everyone he met. That natural warmth made him a perfect fit for his role as a UDS Facility Dog.
For the past five years, Polar has worked alongside Melissa, providing comfort and connection to trauma survivors, first responders, veterans, healthcare professionals, and others navigating difficult experiences. One of his favorite parts of the job is greeting people as they arrive, helping create a welcoming environment from the moment they walk through the door. Whether he's offering a gentle nudge, resting quietly nearby, or leaning in for some extra affection, Polar has a way of helping people feel comfortable, connected, and supported. His calming presence can also help clients feel grounded as they navigate difficult emotions and experiences.
Polar's compassion extends beyond the therapy room. He has supported first responders following the 2024 East Tennessee floods, helped children practice coping skills through his "Polar Breathing Buddies," and was recently named a finalist for the FHE First Responders Therapy Dog Award.
When he's off the clock, Polar enjoys chasing his Frisbee, going for walks, and convincing anyone nearby that he deserves a little peanut butter. And while he takes his job seriously, he certainly doesn't mind when clients sneak him an extra pet or treat during a session!