Meet Desiree Messina
Desiree Messina is more than a therapist—she’s a caring confidante who genuinely believes everyone deserves a chance to find relief from life’s heaviest hurdles. She has devoted over 15 years to helping individuals in outpatient programs, residential centers, and private sessions.
Now, as a member of the Nava Therapy team, Desiree blends her extensive clinical experience with a warm, personal style. Her goal is to create a supportive space where clients are not just heard but also truly understood.
A Personal Perspective on Athletics
A Personal Perspective on Athletics
During her years playing college lacrosse and coaching the sport, Desiree saw firsthand what it’s like to strive for a challenging goal amid relentless performance pressures. She also observed the emotional demands through her brother’s professional hockey career and in her guidance of Division I athletes. In her view, the physical side of athletics is widely recognized, but the emotional strain often goes unaddressed—leaving many athletes feeling isolated or overstressed. By drawing on her own background in competitive sports, Desiree is able to help clients unpack the psychological toll of training, competition, and constant expectations. She offers empathetic strategies recognizing the athlete’s drive while respecting the need for balance and well-being.
Specialized Support for Eating Disorders
Specialized Support for Eating Disorders
Desiree specializes in addressing a wide range of eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, binge eating, and orthorexia, as well as related substance-use concerns. She understands that body-image struggles can often go hand in hand with anxiety, depression, or PTSD, creating a cycle that feels impossible to escape. Over the years, Desiree has refined her therapeutic approach to meet each person’s unique needs, ensuring that no two treatment plans look exactly the same. She recognizes the individual behind the diagnosis and works collaboratively to develop personalized strategies for recovery—fostering a sense of hope, empowerment, and self-acceptance along the way.
Guiding Life Transitions
In addition to her clinical and athletic expertise, Desiree focuses on helping adolescents and young adults navigate critical turning points—such as moving from high school to college or adjusting to new responsibilities in academics or sports. She believes in walking alongside clients through the highs and lows, offering steady support that evolves with them as they enter each new chapter. By taking a future-focused perspective, Desiree helps individuals develop the resilience and coping skills needed to weather inevitable challenges, all while celebrating personal growth and self-discovery.
An Invitation to Seek Support
An Invitation to Seek Support
Desiree’s commitment to both physical and emotional well-being makes her an excellent addition to Nava Therapy’s empathetic, client-centered team. She’s open to talking about a range of concerns—whether you’re dealing with disordered eating, sports-related pressures, or general stress and uncertainty. Relying on a therapeutic style tailored to every client’s unique goals, she aims to help people build resilience, deepen self-awareness, and nurture overall health.
If you believe it’s time to prioritize your own healing journey, Nava Therapy is here to help you connect with Desiree. Together, you can work toward comfort, clarity, and confidence—creating a space for growth and lasting change.
