Gilbertte "Melissa" Berthier
I'm delighted to extend a warm welcome to you. My name is Gilbertte "Melissa" Berthier. I am a Florida Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) leading our empowering individual sessions. I have a master's level background in clinical social work and over 7 years of dedicated experience in the field. I provide compassionate, personalized therapy for adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationship challenges, and life transitions. My approach combines evidence-based practices, self-awareness, practical tools, and compassionate accountability to support meaningful growth. For those who desire it, I also offer Christian faith-integrated counseling. I believe healing isn't about perfection, but learning to embrace who you are while growing into who you're becoming.
Becoming, Not Perfecting. What if you gave yourself permission to love who you're becoming?
First session
Our first session is an opportunity for me to meet you exactly where you are. You don't need to have everything figured out, know exactly what to say, or arrive with all the answers. Simply come as you are. We'll take time to explore what brings you to therapy, the challenges you're navigating, and what you hope to gain from our work together. My goal is to create a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where you feel seen, heard, understood, and validated. I hope you'll leave our first session feeling a little lighter, encouraged, and empowered, knowing you don't have to navigate this season alone. You may not leave with all the answers, but my hope is that you'll leave with a greater sense of clarity, therapeutic support, and perhaps even a smile despite your circumstances.
Strengths
My approach to therapy is holistic, compassionate, and grounded in meeting you exactly where you are. I integrate evidence-based therapeutic approaches with the faith, spirituality, values, and beliefs that are meaningful to you. For clients who desire a Christian perspective, I also welcome the opportunity to thoughtfully incorporate Christian faith and spiritual principles into the therapeutic process. There is a heaviness in this world, and sometimes we find ourselves carrying pain, expectations, guilt, grief, or burdens we were never meant to carry alone. Together, we can begin to understand what you are carrying, what may be ready to be released, and what you need to move forward with greater peace, clarity, and resilience. I support clients navigating stress, anxiety, past trauma, grief and loss, relationship challenges, forgiveness, boundaries, and personal or spiritual growth. Self-compassion is also an important part of my approach. We can be incredibly hard on ourselves for not knowing how to navigate circumstances we have never encountered before. I believe it is unfair to expect ourselves to already possess every tool or skill needed for life’s uncharted places. Therapy can be a space to set down self-blame, better understand yourself and your experiences, and develop skills you may not have had the opportunity to learn before. My goal is to equip you with practical, lifelong tools for navigating challenges, establishing healthy boundaries, processing grief, practicing forgiveness, strengthening relationships, and approaching yourself with greater compassion. I will meet you exactly where you are.
Ideal clients
I support adults, particularly women, navigating anxiety, stress, trauma, grief and loss, depression, PMDD, relationship challenges, trust, forgiveness, boundaries, and personal or spiritual growth. My ideal client is someone who desires a deeper understanding of themselves, their values, and the patterns influencing their lives. I welcome women at different stages of their faith journey, whether they are grounded in their Christian faith, new believers, exploring their spirituality, or simply seeking personal growth. You don't have to have everything figured out or feel motivated every day. What matters is your willingness to learn, remain open to change, and take intentional steps toward growth. I believe motivation often follows action, and meaningful change requires both grace and accountability. Together, we'll work toward building self-awareness, aligning your actions with your values, and developing the consistency needed for lasting change.
Treatment methods
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I use ACT to help you recognize difficult thoughts and emotions without allowing them to dictate your decisions. Together, we'll explore what truly matters to you, identify the patterns that may be keeping you stuck, and practice making choices that align with your values. The goal isn't to eliminate uncomfortable feelings but to help you move forward with greater confidence, flexibility, and intention, even when life feels challenging.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use CBT to help you understand how your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors influence one another. Together, we'll identify unhelpful thinking patterns, challenge beliefs that may no longer serve you, and develop healthier ways of responding to life's challenges. My goal is to help you build practical tools you can apply outside of therapy, creating meaningful changes in how you think, feel, and respond.
Faith-based therapy
For clients who desire it, I incorporate Christian faith and spiritual perspectives into our therapeutic work. Together, we can explore how your beliefs, values, and relationship with God influence your emotional well-being, relationships, and personal growth. This may include reflecting on Scripture, exploring spiritual struggles, and applying faith-based principles alongside evidence-based therapeutic approaches. Faith integration is always guided by your comfort, preferences, and personal journey, whether you're grounded in your faith or just beginning to explore it.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
I use mindfulness-based practices to help you slow down, become more aware of your thoughts and emotions, and respond to challenges rather than react automatically. Together, we'll explore practical ways to stay present, manage stress, and recognize emotional triggers without judgment. This may include breathing exercises, grounding techniques, and learning to observe your thoughts without becoming overwhelmed by them. The goal is to help you create space between what you feel and how you choose to respond.
Person-centered (Rogerian)
I believe you are the expert on your own life, and my role is to walk alongside you with compassion, curiosity, and respect. I create a supportive, nonjudgmental space where you can explore your experiences, emotions, and challenges without pressure to have everything figured out. Together, we'll build on your strengths, deepen your self-understanding, and explore what meaningful growth looks like for you. I believe you can be met with grace while also being encouraged to take ownership of your healing and growth.
Location
Virtual sessions