Melisa Santacruz
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.
I specialize and am trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), mindfulness, Person-centered (Rogerian) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
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.
First session
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.
Strengths
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.
Ideal clients
“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.
Treatment methods
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.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
Other specialties
Serves
Licensed in
- CaliforniaLicense 143379