Hello! I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with extensive experience in mental health counseling, crisis intervention, and social services. With a deep understanding of the complexities surrounding domestic violence, sexual trauma, substance abuse, and military culture, I have dedicated over 10 +years to to supporting individuals and families facing significant challenges. I graduating with a Master of Social Work from New Mexico Highlands University in 2015 and quickly built a reputation in clinical expertise, empathy, and solution-oriented approach. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in New Mexico, Texas, and Utah, i have worked in diverse settings, including the U.S. Air Force, the Veterans Affairs system, and various state and local agencies.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In the first therapy session, I focus on creating a welcoming and safe environment by introducing myself, explaining confidentiality, and encouraging the client to share their concerns. Together, we explore their personal and mental health history, current challenges, and goals for therapy. I provide an overview of my therapeutic approach, how it aligns with their needs, and what they can expect in future sessions. The session emphasizes collaboration, empowering the client to take an active role in their healing journey. We conclude with a summary of key points, an optional reflective task, and scheduling the next appointment.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
As a provider, my greatest strengths lie in my ability to build strong therapeutic relationships and tailor evidence-based treatments to meet individual client needs. I excel in creating a safe, supportive environment where clients feel heard and empowered to achieve their goals. My diverse clinical expertise allows me to address complex challenges effectively, from trauma and mental health disorders to relationship dynamics and personal growth. With a deep commitment to fostering resilience and well-being, I take pride in guiding clients toward meaningful and lasting change.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
My ideal client is someone who seeks meaningful change and is motivated to engage actively in their therapeutic journey. They may present with challenges related to trauma, stress, relationships, or mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD.
About Melissa Vazquez
Specializes in
Serves ages
Licensed in
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Appointments
VirtualMy treatment methods
Couples Counseling
Assess to understand the couple's relationship dynamics, communication patterns, and individual perspectives. Work with couples to identify goals for counseling, whether to improve communication, rebuild trust, or strengthen emotional connection. I help couples identify negative cycles of interaction and work toward creating secure emotional bonds. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): I address maladaptive thought patterns contributing to conflicts and teach couples practical strategies for resolving issues. Solution-Focused Therapy: I guide couples to recognize strengths in their relationship and build on positive interactions to create lasting changes.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
My experience with Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT) includes working with individuals, couples, and families across a variety of settings, including military environments, domestic violence programs, and clinical mental health care. I have utilized SFT to help address issues such as relationship challenges, trauma recovery, career transitions, and emotional regulation
Psychoeducation
Psychoeducation has been a cornerstone of my practice across diverse roles, including work with military personnel, trauma survivors, and individuals coping with mental health challenges such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, and substance use. Through psychoeducation, I have helped clients and their families better understand their conditions, treatment options, and coping strategies, fostering informed decision-making and improved outcomes.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I have extensive experience utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to treat a variety of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD, and Insomnia. My experience spans individual, group, and family settings, working with diverse populations such as military personnel, survivors of domestic and sexual violence, and individuals facing significant life stressors or mental health challenges.
Cognitive Processing (CPT)
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is a primary treatment modality I use to address Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and trauma-related symptoms. CPT has proven effective in helping clients understand and process the impact of trauma on their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.