Welcome! I’m a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Supervisor, and School Counselor based in Florida. With a Specialist Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and a Master’s Degree in Guidance and Counseling, I have over 20 years of experience helping individuals overcome life's challenges and reach their mental health goals. Whether you're navigating a difficult situation or looking to maximize your potential, I believe that it's never too early or too late to start your journey toward healing and growth. I’m here to support you through the process, providing a safe and compassionate space to explore and overcome obstacles. Together, we’ll work to uncover your strengths and develop a path forward that aligns with your goals. Let's take this journey together.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In our initial session, we’ll start with brief introductions and discuss the issues you’re currently facing. We’ll also talk about your goals and set expectations for our future sessions. This first meeting is an opportunity for us to get to know each other and begin building a strong therapeutic partnership.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
With over 20 years of experience working with teens and adolescents, I have the expertise, knowledge, and, most importantly, the ability to build a trusted rapport with this unique group of individuals.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
I have a passion for working with women, teens, and individuals from all walks of life who are navigating life changes and seeking motivation in their daily lives. Many of my clients are looking for a compassionate listener and support in gaining the tools they need to rebuild their self-esteem and find a clear sense of direction in a world that can often feel discouraging.
About Melissa Falco-Diaz
Melissa Falco-Diaz offers therapy covered by UnitedHealthcare/Optum - Medicaid in Florida.
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
CBT has been a primary therapy method in my practice for over 20 years. CBT empowers clients by teaching them practical skills to identify and challenge negative thought patterns and behaviors. By fostering a greater awareness of their thoughts and reactions, clients can develop healthier coping strategies, leading to improved emotional well-being and enhanced problem-solving abilities. Ultimately, CBT helps clients regain a sense of control over their lives and promotes long-term resilience and growth.
Motivational Interviewing
Motivational interviewing is a counseling approach that I utilize to help individuals explore and resolve ambivalence about change. By emphasizing empathy, collaboration, and evoking the client's own motivations for change, it encourages self-exploration and commitment to positive behaviors. The benefits include increased motivation, confidence, and readiness for change, leading to more successful outcomes in areas such as addiction recovery, health behavior change, and goal attainment.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy focuses on solutions and goals rather than problems. Its benefits include rapid progress, as it helps clients identify their strengths and resources to create practical solutions to their challenges. SFBT also fosters a sense of empowerment and self-efficacy, leading to increased confidence and resilience in facing future difficulties. It's particularly effective for clients seeking brief, focused interventions to address specific issues and achieve tangible results.
Psychodynamic
Psychodynamic therapy delves into unconscious patterns and past experiences to understand present emotions and behaviors. Its benefits include deeper self-awareness, insight into underlying issues, and resolution of longstanding emotional conflicts. By exploring the roots of psychological struggles, clients can achieve profound personal growth and lasting transformation. Psychodynamic therapy also strengthens interpersonal relationships and enhances coping mechanisms, leading to improved overall well-being and fulfillment.
Person-centered (Rogerian)
Rogerian therapy, also known as person-centered therapy, focuses on creating a supportive and empathetic therapeutic relationship. Its benefits include fostering self-exploration, enhancing self-acceptance, and promoting personal growth. By providing a safe and nonjudgmental space, Rogerian therapy empowers clients to explore their thoughts and feelings freely, leading to greater self-understanding and emotional healing. This approach emphasizes the importance of the client's subjective experience and their innate capacity for positive change.