online therapy in CA, therapy for anxiety online, therapy for moms
online therapy for anxiety, depression, stress, and relationship struggles

ABOUT

Therapist for Moms

Online therapy for moms with anxiety, depression, stress, postpartum and relationship struggles.

holistic therapy for the whole person

Hey there!

My name is Melissa and I’m a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and I’m a mom of 2.

Prior to becoming a mom, I had worked with hundreds of families and pretty much thought I had the whole-parent thing figured out. I couldn’t have been more wrong!

Motherhood definitely rocked my world and most surprising to me, it was even more so the 2nd time around with my youngest.

The things that worked for my first didn’t work for my youngest. The constant struggle of trying to attune to my new baby while also meeting my young toddler’s needs was a lot and I really struggled in it.

It took several years before I started to feel like myself again. It’s also lead me to be super passionate about supporting other moms through their postpartum time and throughout their parenting.

Taking that first step for help can be difficult. Choosing to see a therapist means that you have decided that you want things to change in your life.

Whatever your reasons for seeking help, I’m here to provide you with a safe, nonjudgmental place to explore your concerns and develop new tools.

Therapy is a great tool to help you learn more about yourself and guide you to feeling better and happier.

a therapist for women conducting an online therapy session

My Therapy Services

  • Therapy for Moms

    Whether you're a new mom or seasoned mom, parenting is really hard. It can also bring up a lot of our own "stuff" including feelings of inadequacy and guilt, anxiety, anger and past traumas from our childhood.

    Therapy is a great place to get support and process your thoughts and feelings on motherhood, your relationships and your life.

    You don’t have to sacrifice yourself to be a good mom.

    You can be happy, have meaningful relationships and your own life and be a great mom.

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  • Postpartum Therapy

    The Postpartum time is certainly a lot. Postpartum Anxiety and Postpartum Depression are common struggles after having a baby. Your body has gone through a lot, there are hormonal changes, the physical recovery from childbirth, coupled with sleep deprivation, and having to address the constant needs of a brand new baby.

    Some anxiety and low mood are normal, however, it can easily cycle out of hand. Getting support is imperative.

    Therapy will address some common pain points in the postpartum time and help you develop a plan to better support yourself and baby. You don’t have to feel alone in this. Support is available!

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  • EMDR Therapy

    EMDRY therapy is a specialized treatment that is very successful in treating past hurts, traumas, and distressing experiences.

    EMDR therapy can help with distressing experiences around infertility, pregnancy, and birth trauma.

    Childhood hurts and traumas often get triggered throughout your parenting experiences. EMDR therapy can also target these and help you process through these past experiences.

    EMDR therapy can also help with intrusive thoughts, anger/rage, anxiety, postpartum depression, and postpartum anxiety.

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  • Anxiety Therapy

    Anxiety Disorders are the most common Mental Health diagnoses. While there are many different approaches to treating anxiety, some are going to work better than others depending on what symptoms a person is experiencing.

    I take a brain-body approach to treating anxiety. Understanding how anxiety is initiated in our brain and how it shows up in our body is an important aspect in treatment.

    In my therapy you will learn all about the brain-body experience of anxiety. You’ll also learn about ways to work with and heal your anxiety using this approach.

    Anxiety does not need to take over your life!

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  • Depression Therapy

    Depression can be really difficult and take over our lives. The things that used to bring us joy are no longer fulfilling. We may feel burnt out, overwhelmed, and/or just don't care anymore. Sometimes depression comes out as anger.

    How ever your depression shows up, it can feel like nothing you do will matter, that things can never change. You can get better and therapy can help.

    In my therapy we'll explore more about your depression, what it "tells" you, and how your past experiences may have influenced it. We'll identify actionable steps you can take to help yourself.

    Depression is treatable, you can feel better.

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  • Online Anxiety Course

    Have you been struggling with your anxiety, but aren’t quite “up” for doing therapy? Or maybe you are in therapy and want to add in a more educational approach with clear steps to take to help yourself?

    Whether you have been experiencing anxiety for a while, or maybe it’s just started to rear its head, whether your in therapy, have been in therapy before, or never been to therapy- my online anxiety course can help!

    This course takes a holistic approach in treating your anxiety. You’ll learn a lot about anxiety , including how it’s initiated in the brain and shows up in the body with actionable steps to take to help yourself.

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My Values

  • Everyone has an important story to tell and that they have an unique experience and perspective that deserves to be heard and respected.

    I offer an inclusive and safe space for everyone, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, those in the LGBTQ+ community, and all other marginalized groups.

    We are all equal and deserve to be treated as so. I value decency, respect, and compassion for all beings. Everyone deserves to be seen, heard, and understood.

  • I believe that our society is deeply rooted in patriarchal systems that often marginalize and oppress women. These systems can have a significant impact on women's mental health, relationships, and overall well-being.

    I strive to create a safe and supportive space where you can explore your experiences and challenges without judgment. I am committed to empowering you to make informed decisions about your life and to advocate for your needs.

    My approach to therapy is informed by a feminist perspective, which means that I recognize the impact of gender, race, class, and other social identities on your mental health. I am dedicated to working with you to challenge societal norms and expectations, and to build a more equitable and just world.

  • I recognize that our country has been built on White Privilege with a lens of Heteronormativity and Able-Bodied that creates systemic and oppressive barriers for those in the BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities, those with disabilities, and other marginalized group.

    I am committed to continue to learn about how I can be Anti-Racist and an Ally. I will continue to check my own White Privilege and use my Privilege to be a voice for change.

    I believe women have a right to make their own decisions regarding their body and their healthcare. I am also committed to stand up and fight for women’s autonomous rights over their bodies.

  • Being authentic as a therapist is important to me. This includes being transparent in session fees, which you will find here, any diagnosis, and treatment prognosis.

    I also welcome and will elicit feedback. If there is anything I ask that you are not comfortable sharing, that is okay! Also, if I say something that is confusing, offensive, or just does not connect, please let me know.

    I view therapy as a collaborative process and I am always open to hearing how you are thinking/feeling about the therapy process. Ultimately you know your life best and I'm here to help support you in living the life that you want to have.

My Education & Experience

  • Masters of Arts in Marriage & Family Therapy from Alliant International University of San Diego

    Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo

  • Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (License Number 52656)

  • Integrative Somatic Trauma Therapy Certificate Program

    Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional Certification

    Certified Clinical Trauma Professional Training Certification

    TeleMental Health Certification

    Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Advanced Training

    Gottman Couples Therapy Training, Level 1

    Special Education Advocacy Program

  • Current owner of MMP Therapy, providing online Individual therapy to adults in California.

    Previous Director and Clinical Supervisor of an adolescent short-term residential mental health program.

    Previous Director of a nonprofit, community counseling clinic. Provided Individual, Couples, and Family Therapy.

    Previously provided therapeutic services to students and their families at local elementary, middle, and high schools.

  • Member of California Association of Marriage & Family Therapists (CAMFT)

I consider myself a lifelong student. Here is more about my education and experience.

What My Therapy Clients are Saying

  • “Melissa is amazing. She has a rare combination of compassion and intellect which allows you to feel heard while also knowing you are learning with each session. And she does all this with a reassuring smile. Truly one of the best.”

  • “She has done an excellent job of putting into perspective things I’ve been struggling with.”

  • “She is an excellent therapist who provided precisely the kind of care that I needed at a challenging time.”

  • “I thought Melissa was a great therapist- very understanding and kind. I would highly recommend her.”

  • “Melissa has been such an amazing resource of wisdom. She listens and provides input when appropriate. We love working with her.”

GET STARTED

Reach out today.

Schedule a free consultation or an intake session.