My name is Melissa Rodríguez. I grew up in Puerto Rico and received my advanced education in clinical psychology and mental health counseling in Spain and the United States. I have over 15 years of experience working in the areas of health and clinical psychology including trauma, addiction, grief, chronic illness, eating disorders and immigration stressors. I also offer evaluations for immigrants, asylum seekers, and refugees.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
During our first session you will have the chance to reach a broader perspective of your past experiences by debunking myths about recovery and will expect a newfound sense hopefulness in your recovery.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
As a Latinx bilingual therapist, I have a broader view of the impact of culture and the importance of connectedness in psychotherapy. I am passionate about integrating different art modalities, such as music, literature, and cinema as part of the therapeutic process. As a compassionate listener, I thrive in helping others to reframe the past events with kindness and humor.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
One of the most common phrases of many people surviving trauma, immigration stressors, chronic illness or death is "I don't know how to fit in with others anymore." The disturbing feeling of separateness can be a painful emotional place to live. I offer a safe space for individuals who feel ready to share their life stories and face the obstacles with radical acceptance and grace. I am here to hold your pain and show you an alternative path where connecting with yourself and others could by a reality.
About Melissa Rodríguez
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Trauma-Focused CBT
TF-CBT has been an effective treatment for children, adolescents, and young adults and their nonoffending caregivers to identify, understand, and address the impacts of trauma ranging from emotional, behavioral, and learning manifestations. I have witnessed for more than 7 years how this modality has brought healing to families surviving trauma.
EMDR
Trauma is not a life sentence. Many individuals have struggled with trauma reactions, due to their difficulties in verbalizing what happened. EMDR does not require describing the traumatic event in detail and focuses on changing thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. This is an extraordinary modality for treating PTSD, anxiety, depression, addiction, and eating disorders.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
DBT is an outstanding modality based on collaboration, coping skills, and replacing unhealthy thinking with doable alternatives to minimize maladaptive behaviors. The effectiveness of this modality in treating eating disorders, borderline personality disorder, refugees, and trauma survivors has been transformative for my patient's lifetime.