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Hi and thank you for having the courage to take this first step.
Life is a journey. Through my passion to empower you, I will help move you on a path forward in life. I will guide you through discovering your strengths and self-awareness to bring you clarity and direction. I am open-minded and create an environment that promotes healing and transformation.
I was born and raised in upstate New York. Completed my bachelors in exercise science from Ithaca College and a masters in social work from University of South Florida. I am a licensed clinical social worker, LCSW, in the state of Florida. I have over 8 years clinical experience and also the owner of a private practice.
I specialize in trauma, sex therapy, polyamory, kink, LGBTQIA+, relationships, couples, My integrative therapeutic approach utilizes trauma focused, cognitive behavior, and mindfulness techniques. These approaches are briefly described as: trauma informed care (TIC) is about safety, transparency, trustworthiness, voice, choice, and empowerment; cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is about the connection of our thoughts, feelings and behaviors and how they affect our daily lives; mindfulness based (MBCT) is being accepted and aware of yourself. Other types of evidenced based techniques I incorporate are strength based, solution focused, family systems, holistic, client centered and culturally sensitive.
My office hours are Monday - Wednesday 9am - 3pm; Thursday - by appointment only. Live sessions are offered via phone or video.
I look forward to helping you grow and move you forward into the next chapter in your life. Let’s get started!
Additional areas of focus:Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Grief, Sleeping disorders, Depression, BDSM, Kink, Alternative Sex Culture, Communication problems, Infidelity, Men's issues, Polyamory / Nonmonogamous Relationships, Post-traumatic stress, Self-love, Sexual Assault and Abuse, Sexual Dysfunction, Sexuality, Women's issues
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Melissa Pesce. 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.
Melissa Pesce has honestly been a balm in my life. I truly was lost, scared, and confused in general about life. I had a horrible experience with a previous therapist (not from BetterHelp) and honestly it truly scarred me from trusting any other therapists... or get any help for that matter. Melissa is patient, kind, funny, and lets you know what's up when needed. To be honest, I can't view how my life would be right now without wanting and getting the help I needed...and Melissa was truly the person who gave me the comfort of knowing everything will and is going to be okay.
Written on Jan 15, 2024 after therapy with Melissa for 1 year and 4 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, lgbt, and self esteem
Melissa is always responsive, caring and reaches out if she has not heard from me.
Written on May 22, 2023 after therapy with Melissa for 2 years and 10 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, and adhd
Melissa is a kind soul and very thoughtful. I highly recommend her to anyone looking for guidance
Written on May 15, 2023 after therapy with Melissa for 4 weeks on issues concerning relationship issues, and intimacy-related issues
Melissa is the absolute best when it comes to supporting me and helping me get through life. She has been my therapist for about 2 years and I appreciate everything she has done while I am on my journey of growth and healing.
Written on Feb 03, 2023 after therapy with Melissa for 2 years and 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, and adhd
Melissa is an excellent therapist that listens really well and provides helpful feedback and techniques. She’s responsive and professional and made me feel very comfortable opening up and looking at myself. I feel I am more equipped in my personal life and a better communicator. Thank you so much!
Written on Dec 21, 2022 after therapy with Melissa for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, and trauma and abuse
I have been in and out of therapy for many years. Melissa is the only therapist that I have come back to. She is always extremely flexible with scheduling and really focuses on changing the perspective rather than allowing me to complain about everything. Definitely recommend if you’re ready to stop loathing and start changing
Written on Dec 14, 2022 after therapy with Melissa for 2 years and 5 months on issues concerning lgbt, trauma and abuse, and grief
Love Melissa. She's real and down to earth and I much appreciate that. She listens and provides real world feedback/advice.
Written on Sep 07, 2022 after therapy with Melissa for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, coaching, and adhd
Melissa is a talented therapist who has helped me to manage issues around sex and intimacy as I age. Her talent combined with the easy to use betterhelp system is a powerful combination.
Written on Jul 04, 2022 after therapy with Melissa for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, and intimacy-related issues
Melissa got me through some difficult times. She also had opened me to slow down my thoughts before I speak. I will forever be indebted to her.
Written on Jun 23, 2022 after therapy with Melissa for 1 year and 3 months
I am able to talk with Melissa about anything. From polyamory to kink and childhood trauma to current patterns. I appreciate the space she holds and the healthy pushing outside my comfort zone!
Written on Jan 04, 2022 after therapy with Melissa for 1 year and 5 months
This was my first experience with solo therapy and I am extremely grateful having Melissa as my therapist. She is giving me the tools to reach my personal goals and empowering me thru each session. Thank you Melissa
Written on Dec 20, 2021 after therapy with Melissa for 2 weeks on issues concerning relationship issues, self esteem, and coping with life changes
I came into therapy because someone wanted me to, I didn’t think it was going to work. Melissa was fantastic, she’s not afraid to call out your bullshit and empower you from the call out. If you’re NOT wanting someone who just sits there listening, come to Melissa, she’s awesome.
Written on Sep 09, 2021 after therapy with Melissa for 1 year and 3 months on issues concerning relationship issues, grief, anger management, and coping with life changes
Melissa is such a comforting person that is able to help you feel heard and find your voice.
Written on Aug 24, 2021 after therapy with Melissa for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, self esteem, anger management, and adhd
Melissa was my counselor with Regain and I kept her for individual therapy through BetterHelp because she is phenomenal. She really listens and engaged with me and is always giving me useful tools to assist me through my anxiety and other situations. Thanks, Melissa!
Written on May 17, 2021 after therapy with Melissa for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, and self esteem
Melissa has been for me every step of the way for what it coming close to a year now. I can't thank them enough for how accommodating they have been for me and how much they understand my condition! I never feel pressured to do anything that would make me uncomfortable and she never hassles me about forgetting things. I feel Melissa genuinely loves their job and cares for the people they work with. I am still working on finding ways to tackle my deep rooted issues, but even just working with surface level stuff has made me a better me. Thank you!
Written on May 09, 2021 after therapy with Melissa for 7 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, and bipolar disorder
I’ve had Melissa as long as I’ve been using BetterHelp. She’s great! Real easy to talk to.
Written on Apr 15, 2021 after therapy with Melissa for 7 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, grief, and self esteem
Melissa is a very kind and warm therapist. She is highly skilled and effective in her work. She is also authentic and easy to connect to. I highly recommend her!
Written on Mar 26, 2021 after therapy with Melissa for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and intimacy-related issues
One of the most compassionate therapists I’ve had the pleasure of working with
Written on Jan 28, 2021 after therapy with Melissa for 5 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, lgbt, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and adhd
My sessions with Melissa have been amazing. I don't know how I could have gotten through 2020 without her help.
Written on Nov 13, 2020 after therapy with Melissa for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
Melissa has been an amazing support to me. She is a wonderful listener and she also asks great questions that really get me thinking. She has helped me to basically redirect my life so that I am on a more positive path. I am very grateful for her services!
Written on Nov 05, 2020 after therapy with Melissa for 2 months
I’m incredibly grateful to have found Melissa through Pride Counseling, she’s helped me so much.
Written on Oct 26, 2020 after therapy with Melissa for 9 months
She listens well and has great ideas to help move forward
Written on Aug 14, 2020 after therapy with Melissa for 1 month on issues concerning anger management, and adhd
I’ve only been messaging with Melissa for a short while, but I can already feel the difference of having her. It feels like I have someone I can open up to at anytime, on my fingertips. It helps keep my anxiety in control, knowing that whatever the day brings, I can message Melissa.
Written on Jul 22, 2020 after therapy with Melissa for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, intimacy-related issues, and self esteem
I really appreciate Melissa giving me insight and the confidence I needed to have to deal with my life
Written on Jul 19, 2020 after therapy with Melissa for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
Melissa has been an absolute amazing counselor to me. I went through a very difficult breakup 2 months ago (During this current Pandemic) and she really helped me find inner strength and peace.
She challenged me to find what it is that I am looking for, and to always be kind to myself. I highly recommend Melissa if you are going through a very difficult breakup.
Written on Jun 29, 2020 after therapy with Melissa for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, grief, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, and coping with life changes
I've made considerable progress in life thanks to Melissa's knowledge and expertise. I look and back on life before working with her and it's hard to imagine I could have kept going that way. She is an attentive, intuitive, well educated, and skilled counselor. She has been life changing.
Written on Jun 16, 2020 after therapy with Melissa for 1 year and 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, and grief
She is extremely understanding and supportive!
Written on May 03, 2020 after therapy with Melissa for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Melissa is amazing! She really makes me feel heard. She can get to the heart of the matter very quickly and asks thought-provoking questions that make me consider things that I hadn't even thought of. Her profile really stood out to me when I was looking for a counselor and I'm SO glad I found her.
Written on May 03, 2020 after therapy with Melissa for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, grief, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, and coping with life changes
Melissa is AMAZING! She has helped me process so much in such a short amount of time. And during these unprecedented times, I have found email to be the best way to communicate, and she replies quickly and with great insight! I am very grateful to have found her, and Betterhelp.
Written on Apr 21, 2020 after therapy with Melissa for 4 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, parenting issues, and self esteem
Melissa is so good at making me feel heard and seen! She really pays attention and "gets it". She also has an awesome way of giving me the gentle "push" that I sometimes need. I give her my highest recommendation!
Written on Apr 06, 2020 after therapy with Melissa for 4 months
Melissa is a knowledgeable and caring therapist that has given me guidance to become a better person. Therapy with her has been a great and healing experience since day one. I can't imagine seeing another therapist because therapy has been so effective. I am truly grateful for her knowledge and expertise.
Written on Jan 24, 2020 after therapy with Melissa for 2 months on issues concerning trauma and abuse
I love Melissa. She understands me and is supporting me through this hard time.
Written on Jan 17, 2020 after therapy with Melissa for 6 months on issues concerning relationship issues, and intimacy-related issues
Melissa is great and I highly recommend her.
Written on Jan 07, 2020 after therapy with Melissa for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, grief, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, anger management, and coaching
Melissa has been a gentle and insightful counselor since day one. I’ve come a long way toward reaching my goals with her support and guidance.
Written on Dec 27, 2019 after therapy with Melissa for 6 months
My first session with Melissa was incredibly helpful to me. I am already learning quite a bit and I feel more self aware. Melissa is a very good listener...and I am a wordy person so I’m grateful for her. She has been a clear communicator and has offered flexibility with scheduling. I would recommend Melissa to anyone searching for a great counselor! I have messaged her quite a bit and have had only my first phone session, but I am absolutely looking forward to continuing with her.
Written on Dec 02, 2019 after therapy with Melissa for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, self esteem, coping with life changes, and adhd
Melissa has reminded of the importance of being gentle with myself. She is also great about letting me be myself and helping me to have room to grow instead of trying to make me conform to her moral agenda.
Written on Nov 21, 2019 after therapy with Melissa for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coaching, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Melissa is the person I have been searching for all these years. I've gone through SO many trauma groups, doctors, therapists, social workers, volunteer support counselors and she is just the perfect fit. Melissa listens, she understands and validates my feelings. When I need her, she's there and genuinely cares. We need more people like her to fix the mental health system. Life saving. Truly.
Written on Nov 09, 2019 after therapy with Melissa for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, and adhd
Melissa is great. She gives great advice and listens.
Written on Oct 19, 2019 after therapy with Melissa for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, parenting issues, and anger management
Melissa and I have connected very well and she goes above and beyond to assure that my concerns addressed.
Written on Sep 18, 2019 after therapy with Melissa for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, self esteem, coping with life changes, and adhd
Melissa has been awesome! Going through the loss of my spouse to just being sad he’s not here to share in joyful things happening.
Written on Sep 05, 2019 after therapy with Melissa for 2 months on issues concerning relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, parenting issues, and coping with life changes
Love Melissa.I miss her on weeks we don't talk. She's just wonderful and has helped me tremendously.
Written on Aug 13, 2019 after therapy with Melissa for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, anger management, and coping with life changes
She is very helpful and immediately picked up the style of therapy that worked for me. I never feel like I have to sugarcoat my feelings or feel like I have no one to speak to when I am down.
Written on Jun 24, 2019 after therapy with Melissa for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, sleeping disorders, and self esteem
Melissa has honestly been helping me realize a lot of things and has helped me feel comfortable. She knows how to listen yet talk to me and help me.
Written on Jun 04, 2019 after therapy with Melissa for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, self esteem, and adhd
Melissa is a wonderful caring counselor who helps in several different ways and will work with you so that you are able to speak to her or video with her whichever method you prefer.
Written on May 31, 2019 after therapy with Melissa for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, self esteem, and bipolar disorder
Melissa is great. She's gentle, and very respectful. I feel extremely comfortable speaking with her. I have great confidence in her advise, and I greatly value her input.
Written on May 02, 2019 after therapy with Melissa for 2 weeks
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