New to Grow
Hello, my name is Melisa Santacruz. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in the states of California and Florida, and have been practicing for 7 years. My work focuses on supporting individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, professional stress, parenting challenges, relationship concerns, self-esteem struggles, and life transitions. I specialize and am trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), mindfulness, Person-centered (Rogerian) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I am proficient in Spanish and English.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
My style is warm, intuitive, and affirming. I offer insight alongside an unconditional presence, creating a space where you feel welcomed, valued, and truly seen. I believe healing begins with safety and connection, and I strive to meet you exactly where you are.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
I have extensive experience working with survivors of sexual abuse and providing trauma-focused therapy. I guide clients in learning how to slow down, observe their thoughts and emotions without judgment, and become more aware of patterns that affect their behavior. From there, I integrate DBT skills such as emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness to help clients respond more intentionally rather than react impulsively.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
“What’s next?” is often a question we ask ourselves when we feel stuck, lost, disconnected, grieving, or navigating life’s changes. I am here to help you explore those uncertain and unfamiliar places. My goal is to create a safe, calm, and compassionate space where you feel truly seen and heard, so you can move forward in your personal growth journey. Healing can feel scary and uncertain, and it can also be deeply empowering and rewarding. You don’t have to do it alone.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I approach DBT from a balance of (radical) acceptance and change, validating clients’ emotional experiences while also helping them develop practical tools to manage intense emotions and improve behavioral patterns.