Melissa Morelli
I am a licensed clinical social worker in a private practice in San Francisco. My psychotherapy practice is primarily focused on helping people who are struggling with the effects of trauma, PTSD, relationship stress, life transitions, depression, anxiety, substance use and addiction. My public clinical work primarily focuses on people who are struggling with the effects of substance use, grief, trauma, psychosis and major medical complications. I have expertise in working with people who have a current or past history with drug & alcohol use and recognize that substance use may result from different psychological, social and biological factors that are unique to each person. I also focus on working with people who have loved ones who are at the mercy of the drug and alcohol use and are looking for ongoing support. I see drug & alcohol use as a way of coping with challenges that we face throughout life and use a non judgmental, harm reduction and trauma informed approach to our work.
Strengths
I have worked in a number of different outpatient settings providing psychotherapy, case management, running didactic & psychotherapy groups in substance use treatment programs, primary care and other medical facilities. My experience helps me to have a deep understanding of the complexities that we as individuals carry with us and the unique approaches a person may need to support healing and growth.
Ideal clients
I primarily work with adults who are seeking support with relationship stress, depression, anxiety, grief, life transitions, people vulnerable to poverty and people affected by trauma. I specialize in substance use, addition and those affected by loved ones who are at the mercy of their addiction. Palliative and hospice care have been at the forefront of my work for several years now and find that support during this time is vital.
Origin story
My own life experiences have taught me that everyone's story is unique and that healing often begins when we truly feel seen, heard, and or accepted. When we are in the midst of a crisis or feel overwhelmed in our own mind, having someone outside of our experience who can help us make sense of it, can be powerful & healing. I have witnessed how life's circumstances, family dynamics, and systemic challenges can shape a person's emotional well being and the relationship you have with yourself and others. Support is a necessary part of life - I find value and importance in having a space to provide that.
Treatment methods
Psychodynamic
Suffering and healing are impacted by our past, our present and deeply intertwined with our environments. I find importance in developing an understanding of your perspective, how you relate to others, internalize experiences, find solutions to problems and make meaning out of these ideas. My approach to therapy is grounded in psychodynamic training which facilitates self-exploration and healing. I believe the power of therapy lies in improving your relationship to the world, the people close to you, and ultimately to yourself.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Woman
Top specialties
Addiction / Substance Use
Depression
Life Transitions
Other specialties
Anxiety
Attachment Issues
Childhood / Intergenerational Trauma
Codependency
Grief
Loneliness / Isolation
Personality Disorders
Self Esteem
Suicidal Ideation
Trauma and PTSD
Serves
Adults (18 to 64)
Elders (65 and above)
Individual Therapy
Licensed in
CaliforniaLicense 76972