Javier Meléndez, LCSW - Therapist at Grow Therapy

Javier Meléndez

Javier Meléndez

(he/him)

LCSW
7 years of experience
Virtual

------------For Cash Pay: Sliding Scale Available Upon Request --------- Hi, I’m Javier, a trauma-focused ecotherapist and founder of Eutierria Therapy. I help Black, Indigenous, and People of Color heal from deep-rooted trauma, especially the historical and intergenerational wounds that affect identity and belonging. My approach blends trauma-informed care, cultural sensitivity, and nature-based practices to guide you on a holistic journey of self-discovery, healing, and reconnection with both your cultural heritage and the natural world. At Eutierria Therapy, I focus on healing the individual and the collective by fostering a deeper connection to the Earth and ancestral wisdom. Together, we’ll explore your roots, build resilience, and strengthen your relationship with the land through mindfulness, land-based rituals, and somatic practices. Whether you're facing trauma, life transitions, or seeking spiritual connection, I’m here to support your journey toward wholeness. If you’re ready to reconnect with your heritage and the natural world, let’s work together to reclaim your sense of self and create a life of deep connection and empowerment.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

What to Expect in Your First Session In your first session at Eutierria Therapy, we’ll begin building a therapeutic relationship grounded in trust, safety, and mutual understanding. This is a time for us to get to know each other, explore why you’ve come to therapy, and discuss how we can work together to meet your goals. My approach is client-centered and collaborative, ensuring you feel heard and supported from the start. A Safe and Welcoming Space Whether we meet in person or virtually, my priority is to create a space where you feel comfortable and safe. I recognize that starting therapy can bring up a mix of emotions, and I’m here to support you in navigating those feelings. If in-person, the space will reflect nature’s calming influence. If virtual, I ensure our session fosters the same sense of connection and security. Setting the Stage We’ll begin with introductions, where I’ll share my background and approach so you know what to expect. This is your chance to ask any questions about the therapy process. Then, I’ll invite you to share what’s bringing you to therapy—whether it’s specific challenges or broader goals. We’ll move at your pace, with no pressure to dive too deep too soon. Listening to Your Story I’ll focus on understanding your story—your experiences, struggles, and hopes for therapy. We may explore your history, including significant life events, trauma, or cultural and spiritual influences. If you’re seeking to address collective or intergenerational trauma, we can begin that conversation when you’re ready.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

My strengths lie in my holistic and culturally sensitive approach, my commitment to helping people heal from deep-rooted trauma, and my ability to create a safe, empowering space for clients. Holistic and Integrative Approach I combine trauma-informed care, culturally sensitive therapy, mindfulness, and nature-based practices to address mind, body, spirit, and environment. My integrative approach ensures therapy is personalized to meet each client’s unique needs and supports their overall well-being. Cultural Sensitivity and Inclusivity I honor the importance of cultural heritage in the healing process. By incorporating clients' traditions and spiritual practices, I help them reclaim their identity as a source of strength and resilience. I believe culturally sensitive therapy is key to transformative healing. Expertise in Healing Deep-Rooted Trauma I specialize in helping people heal from trauma that may have been passed down through generations or shared by communities, such as the effects of historical events or cultural disruptions. By exploring your personal history and cultural background, I help you make sense of your experiences and break free from patterns that may be holding you back. Creating a Safe and Empowering Space I strive to create a safe, welcoming environment where clients feel heard, respected, and supported. My clients often describe feeling a deep sense of safety and trust, which allows them to fully engage in the healing process.

About Javier Meléndez

Specializes in

AnxietyGriefLGBTQSelf Esteem

Licensed in

Accepts

Appointments

Virtual

My treatment methods

Trauma Informed Care

I specialize in trauma-informed care, focusing on healing collective trauma, including shared historical and intergenerational trauma. My approach is deeply rooted in understanding the profound impact of trauma on individuals and communities. I help clients navigate their healing journey by fostering safety, trust, and empowerment within the therapeutic space. In my practice, I integrate my personal approach of Eutierria Therapy, which combines nature-based practices with traditional therapeutic techniques, allowing clients to reconnect with their bodies, emotions, and ancestral roots as part of the healing process.

Culturally Sensitive Therapy

Culturally sensitive therapy is central to my work, particularly as I help clients reclaim their cultural heritage and ancestral identities. I honor and integrate the cultural backgrounds, traditions, and spiritual practices of my clients, recognizing their importance in the healing process. My approach includes exploring the impacts of colonization, fostering connections to ancestral lands, and emphasizing the role of cultural wisdom in restoring a sense of self. Through this, clients can expand their identity, root themselves in their ancestral place, and develop a reciprocal relationship with the natural world.

Mind-body approach

In my practice, I employ a mind-body approach to help clients cultivate a broader awareness of their role within the larger ecosystem. I guide clients in reconnecting with their bodies and the natural environment, using practices such as mindful observation, nature-based rituals, and somatic techniques. This approach helps clients develop a deeper spiritual and ecological connection, fostering healing and resilience. By integrating the mind-body approach with nature-based practices, clients can achieve a holistic sense of well-being that honors both their physical and emotional selves.

Javier Meléndez, LCSW