I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California with four years of experience working with adolescents, adults, couples and families in my private practice. I have over 18 years of experience working with at-risk adolescents and families in the system, and work with first responders, veterans, and individuals suffering from grief and loss due to chronic illness, infertility and due to the loss of a loved one or pet. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns, including: depression, anxiety, relationship issues, codependency, adult children of addicts/alcoholics, parenting problems, career challenges, issues with shame and low self-esteem. I also help many people who have experienced physical trauma, emotional abuse and suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder. My many years of experience working with people and my education have taught me how to be authentic, intuitive and empathetic.
I am supportive, warm and I create a safe space for my clients to share their thoughts and feelings without judgement. I treat my clients with respect, compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach is eclectic and combines cognitive-behavioral, person-centered, psychodynamic, trauma-informed care and mindfulness in my counseling practice. I am very flexible with my clients and will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs.
Thank you for taking time to read my profile. I honor you for reaching out to seek guidance and to find what will make you happy in your life. Often, that means setting boundaries to put yourself first in order to find fulfillment in your life. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. It will be worth it!
I am here when you are ready. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Additional areas of focus: Addictions, Family conflicts, Intimacy-related issues, Eating disorders, Parenting issues, Anger management, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Bipolar disorder, Coping with life changes, Coaching, Compassion fatigue, Abandonment, Attachment issues, Caregiver issues and stress, Chronic pain illness and disability, Codependency, Communication problems, Family of Origin Issues, Fertility Issues, First Responder Issues, Guilt and shame, Isolation / loneliness, Life purpose, Military and Veterans Issues, Post-traumatic stress, Social anxiety and phobia, Women's issues
Clinical approaches: Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy
CA LMFT 84737
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Melanie Stauffer. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Melanie is amazing, she really sees me, and has constructive insights.
Written on Aug 06, 2021 after therapy with Melanie for 9 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, sleeping disorders, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and adhd
Melanie is caring, focused, intelligent, thoughtful, and real. I feel confident sharing with her and would highly recommend her to others.
Written on Jun 03, 2021 after therapy with Melanie for 7 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, self esteem, anger management, and compassion fatigue
She is wonderful and meets my needs!
Written on Mar 30, 2021 after therapy with Melanie for 5 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and coping with life changes
phenomenal and supportive. takes the time to listen and offers useful and helpful feedback and suggestions. very encouraging and patient. flexible and understanding! can't say enough.
Written on Mar 10, 2021 after therapy with Melanie for 5 months
Melanie is kind, compassionate, and encouraging. She helps me set boundaries and feel confident in my decision making!
Written on Mar 01, 2021 after therapy with Melanie for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, and self esteem
Melanie is warm, understanding, and open. She truly just gets it and has a real knack for making sure you feel supported in any way that works best for you on any given day (because we all know each day brings something new). I have never had a therapist that makes me feel as seen and as heard as she does. She has directed me to tools that I didn’t even know I needed and has given me the courage to “use what you can and leave the rest” as she likes to say. I have grown a lot since working with her and I am truly thankful for her support and encouragement.
Written on Feb 01, 2021 after therapy with Melanie for 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and trauma and abuse