“The more you know yourself, the more clarity there is. Self-knowledge has no end - you don’t come to an achievement, you don’t come to a conclusion. It is an endless river.” -Jiddu Krishnamurti
About MElissa
I am a registered associate professional clinical counselor. I completed a Masters in Counseling at Loyola Marymount University and earned the PPS school counseling credential. I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Creative Writing from CSU Long Beach and earned an Alcohol and Drug Counseling Certificate from CSU Dominguez Hills.
I like to take the client-centered approach and meet the client where they are. We can explore actuality and the here and now. Through self-acceptance and self-compassion, the client can find empowerment, no matter what age, to love themselves and support themselves through each day.
I enjoy working with clients on an individual basis as well as facilitating groups, emphasizing human connection to show clients that they are not alone. Together we can share the safe space to identify strengths, values, find self-understanding through true identity and work on specific personal goals. Family collaboration is important to establish a healthy supportive system for the client. I am continuously evolving my competence in multicultural awareness in order to provide a safe and understanding space for all marginalized clients.
Work with Melissa
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1:1 Counseling
One on one with an attentive unbiased party can help an individual process the daily difficulties they may face and find empowerment to make the next step for a positive change.
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Teen Counseling
The teenage years are some of the most challenging. These transformative years come with many changes, so the exploration of the self and values can really help someone move forward.
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Play therapy
Through play, children can communicate in the only way they know. In this safe space they can explore new ways to express their emotions and feel validated with all the feelings they may be having.