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LCSW and AASECT sex therapist dedicate to helping individuals, couples and families build deeper connection, authenticity, and healing in their relationships.

You might be feeling overwhelmed, stuck in patterns that no longer serve you, or carrying the weight of past experiences. I’m Melissa, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and I’m here to support you. I offer a warm, steady space where you can feel safe, heard, and in control of your healing. Using EMDR and trauma-informed CBT, we’ll work together to help you feel more grounded, build self-compassion, and create healthier, more fulfilling relationships.

My passion is to help others find more joy and meaning in their lives. I work creatively and collaboratively with adults, teens, and children to explore the heart of the matter. I have experience working in the schools, with a team at a counseling clinic, and in private practice. I specialize with teenagers and their families and moving into couples work as well.

I received my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from California State University at Northridge in 1996, and my Masters in Social Work from the University of California at Los Angeles in 1998.I have been practicing as a mental health therapist since 1998. I earned my Washington state license as a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in 2003. I met all qualification and was granted a license in California as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in 2023.

I grew up a carpenter’s son and followed his example in my early adulthood. By my mid 20’s I began working with others by teaching guitar, after school sports, yoga, and meditation while continuing to work as a handyman. From 2012-2014 I was fortunate enough to be able to teach High School Psychology classes that included Adolescent Social Psychology, Intro to Psychology, and Positive Psychology. For my practicum in 2012 I spent a year at James Lick High School in East San Jose, CA working with individuals and groups. From 2013-2016 I was a community-based therapist meeting clients in their homes, at their schools, or in the community. I provided individual and family support throughout Santa Clara County. This was an invaluable training that allowed me to see what people would talk about in session, since I would be in their homes with them and often see the issues firsthand. In 2017 I worked at Brightquest Treatment Center in La Mesa, CA. This was an incredible experience. I worked in this residential facility with folks with severe psychiatric disorders that often also involved addiction. The intense nature of the treatment and regular interaction with clients provided a unique learning experience and genuine connections. I learned a great deal from the residential Milieu Therapy approach.

I also had the opportunity to work as a Military Family Life Counselor, supporting military service members and their families. I feel that I learned a lot and, since I was a Navy brat, I derived a great deal of meaning being able to give back to service members in this way.

Since 2018 I have been working in private practice helping children, teens, adults, and families in person and online. I continue to work on my professional development by studying, taking trainings, consulting with colleagues, and working to practice what I learn in a balanced way.

Clients often describe therapy with me as grounding, validating, and clarifying. I provide a space where you don’t have to perform, explain yourself away, or have everything figured out.

We move at a pace that feels safe while still supporting meaningful and lasting change. My goal is for you to feel more regulated, confident, and emotionally secure—within yourself and in your relationships.

People matter. You matter.

As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I am excited to be a part of your journey towards emotional health and flourishing, as well as deepening your relationships. I believe hope can be found for you, and by supporting your growth, we can discover the possibilities for finding healing and building empowerment!

My goal is to provide you a safe space to be genuinely yourself. Rather than getting lost in clinical language I believe that we will best connect by being human, and that through our work together you will grow your voice to shape your relationships and communicate effectively.

Together, we will identify your goals and even uncover the deeper needs that we can collaboratively work towards. As we work towards your ability to communicate about and effectively address your feelings, transform your relationships and behaviors, and build your sense of self, we can freely adapt our goals to fit your needs and growth!

I'm so honored that you're here. Informed by my own life experiences and those as a mother, I understand the complexities of family, identity, and change across the lifespan, which has led me to focus my work on those experiencing infertility and with older adults.