Melizza Esperanza, LCSW - Therapist at Grow Therapy

Melizza Esperanza

Melizza Esperanza

(she/her)

LCSW
10 years of experience
Virtual

Hello, I'm Melizza Esperanza, a licensed clinical social worker dedicated to helping adults on their journey toward healing and growth. I specialize in addressing challenges like mild to moderate anxiety, mild depression, chronic and terminal illness, grief and loss, complex family dynamics, and stress. You don't have to go through this journey alone; I'm here to provide compassionate, tailored support. Together, we'll explore maladaptive patterns, seeking not only to understand their roots but also to discover new, adaptive patterns and systems that lead to healing and empowerment. My practice is ideally suited for adults seeking support in the following areas: developing coping skills, developing self-esteem and self-care, addressing and adjusting to stressor(s), managing symptoms of mild to moderate anxiety, managing symptoms of mild depression, processing impacts of chronic or terminal illness, processing grief and loss, learning and processing the impact of growing up with emotionally immature caregivers and parents. If you find yourself within these categories and are ready to embark on a journey of self-awareness, healing, and personal growth, I am here to offer compassionate support tailored to your unique needs. My approach combines various modalities, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR, Internal Family Systems, Mindfulness and Somatic Experiencing. I take a trauma-informed, holistic approach, ensuring our work is tailored to your unique needs. Your well-being and growth are my priorities, and I'm excited to embark on this journey of healing and transformation with you. If you're ready to take the next step, please reach out—I'm here to support you on this path of positive change and self-discovery.

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

In our first therapy session, I will work with you to establish a safe and confidential space where you can comfortably share your concerns, goals, and any relevant background information. We will discuss your expectations for therapy, explore your reasons for seeking counseling, and begin to build a therapeutic relationship based on trust and collaboration to determine a personalized treatment plan that aligns with your needs and goals.

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

It is important to me to always cultivate a warm and holistic approach to healing. I also want you to know that while I bring my expertise in therapy, I firmly believe that you are the expert in your own life and experiences. I see our therapeutic journey as a partnership, where we work together to explore and understand your unique perspective, needs, and goals. Your voice and insights are highly valued, and I'm here to support and empower you in achieving the positive changes you seek.

Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.

My practice is ideally suited for adults seeking support in the following areas: developing coping skills, developing self-esteem and self-care, addressing and adjusting to stressor(s), managing symptoms of mild to moderate anxiety, managing symptoms of mild depression, processing impacts of chronic or terminal illness, processing grief and loss, learning and processing the impact of growing up with emotionally immature caregivers and parents. If you find yourself within these categories and are ready to embark on a journey of self-awareness, healing, and personal growth, I am here to offer compassionate support tailored to your unique needs. It's essential to clarify that my expertise is primarily focused on specific areas, and I may not be the best fit for individuals dealing with certain challenges, such as: PTSD, severe anxiety, OCD, hoarding, agoraphobia, moderate depression with suicidal thoughts, severe depression, eating disorders, sex-related concerns, intimate partner violence or stalking.

About Melizza Esperanza

Identifies as

Specializes in

Serves ages

Licensed in

Accepts

Appointments

Virtual

My treatment methods

Acceptance and commitment (ACT)

I am trained in ACT therapy and it is really helps clients in becoming more flexible with their thoughts and feelings. I use this treatment method to help clients deal with tough emotions and thoughts while doing things that really matter to them.

Somatic

I am trained in Somatic Experiencing, which is a therapeutic approach that focuses on resolving chronic stress and trauma by engaging the body's innate ability to self-regulate and heal. It allows clients to safely explore and release stored physical and emotional tension, promoting lasting healing from trauma.

Mindfulness-Based Therapy

I use mindfulness therapy to help you become more aware of thoughts, feelings, and actions that can hold you back, so you can make changes in how you think and react to improve your well-being.

EMDR

I am EMDR trained, and this treatment helps clients develop and access internal and external resources to cope with distress and process traumatic experiences. EMDR also helps process and integrate stressful and traumatic memories in a way that reduces their ongoing psychological impact, improving client's wellbeing and quality of life.

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

CBT is valuable in therapy because it gives you the tools to challenge and change negative thoughts, leading to a more neutral and/or positive state of mind.