Melissa offers a therapeutic approach that is warm, non-judgmental, and engages the client. Her approach provides a safe way to deal with major life changes. Melissa strives to create a positive and calm atmosphere of acceptance for her clients as they work to achieve their goals. She will offer you insight and provide you with thoughtful feedback.
About Melissa
"You are the sky. Everything else is the weather."
- Pema Chodron
Her background includes extensive training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) including Mindfulness practices, Solution Focused/ Brief Therapy and Psychodynamic approach. She combines her theoretical approach and evidence based practice techniques with strength-based methods. Results are best achieved through a process of self-reflection and discovery that takes place within the context of a safe and honest relationship between the therapist and the client.
Therapeutic Methods
modalities I use in session
Meet Phoebe
Phoebe might pop up in the corner of a video session or might work with us on a walk and talk session. Phoebe is a Certified Therapy Dog.
Phoebe is the sweetest two and half year-old Labrador Retriever. Phoebe is a kind and intuitive soul, and provides others great comfort and joy.
about the therapy pup
Melissa was born and raised in New York. Melissa earned her bachelors degree from Muhlenberg College, PA. She began her professional career while in college where she interned at KidsPeace National Hospital, PA.
Melissa continued to pursue her passion for psychology and continued her education at Notre Dame de Namur University in California. She completed a graduate thesis titled “Providing the “RELEASE” through an art therapy journal while promoting insight; for adolescent self injurers. Melissa earned a Masters degree in Marital Family Therapy and a Masters in Art Therapy Psychology.
Melissa received the “Changing a Life Time “ award from the State of California during National Foster Care week.
Yoga & Mindfulness
Yoga has a subtle, clever way of short circuiting the mental patterns, that cause anxiety.
In some cases where clinically appropriate, Melissa may suggest exploration of yoga to target specific symptoms or needs. As a trained yoga instructor, she has found bringing this practice to the therapeutic space to be healing.
Melissa is fortunate to have trained directly with founding theorists in the field of psychology. Her advanced skills allow her to understand issues from multiple perspectives and communicate clearly with her clients in mind. Her problem solving skills facilitate her client’s ability to reach solutions and make her valuable and respected.
