LCSW, 23 years of experience
Mi lengua materna es Espanol y soy fluente en Ingles y espanol. I am a dedicated and highly emphatic therapist. My style is Eclectic therapy because it allows me to utilize multiple theoretical orientations and techniques. I have been exposed to different cultures and I am grateful that I was able to connect with a diverse population from around the world. I believe that each person is unique and their experiences and needs are also unique and that’s why I use the technique that will fit the moment and the need. I am very flexible and will explain what and why I am utilizing the approach at the moment. I believe that patients already bring the answers or solutions within and my job is to help them identify their strengths and to work through their weaknesses. I have been working in the mental health field for twenty years. My personal experiences have made me the person I am today and also helped me to connect with people’s experiences. I believe in what I do because I know that people can change their circumstances all they need is willingness and a conscious personal awareness. My strengths are adults male/female (relational, self-esteem, domestic abuse, family issues, vocational, work problems/stress, couples, PTSD, trauma)., anxiety, panic attacks, trauma - PTSD. I was born in Nicaragua and have been living in California for the past 40+ years and I connect and understand the immigrant first/second generation culture and the struggles they may face. I am fluent/bilingual in English/Spanish.
Early in my field experience, I learned that it is important that in every session clients take something with them that they can use (coping skills, reassurance, referrals, suggested homework), and some input that if they can relate they can process (think or meditate about) during the time before the next session. In the first 10 minutes of the session, I already have a list of strengths or positive qualities that the clients have in them--I do this automatically without planning so I make sure that clients start early in therapy to become aware of their potential. After 8-12 weekly individual sessions clients will be able to move on with more knowledge, wisdom, and insight into the previous symptoms, they will know how to identify in the future if they need help, and they will have hope, acceptance
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, DBT, Solution Focus, Psychotherapy --Evidence-Based Interventions and I adapt to the person's unique needs at the moment.
My biggest strengths are compassion, high sensitivity to people's needs, willingness to walk the extra mile, and ability to identify with clients' needs with honesty and humility because we are always learning from each other. I love to teach parenting skills and relational skills because I think that if I can influence one person in the family, that person will bring the healthy changes needed in the family dynamic and the positive changes will go on throughout future generations. I believe that my job as a therapist or counselor and I respect and I am grateful for the trust that people put in me when they share their most intimate personal experiences that I hold as sacred.
Adults - mostly female issue, family relational issues (no couples), childhood trauma, ADHD, somatoform disorders, domestic violence, grieving, adjustment, acculturation issues, issues regarding first generation vs immigrant parents/ caregivers adjustment; experienced in different cultures across the world.
6 ratings with written reviews
July 31, 2025
I’m glad I took the step to seek help in this phase of my life. Melba had helped me stay grounded and empowered in my darkest days. I have made tremendous progress and couldn’t be more thankful for her guidance and time.
July 8, 2025
Melba really listened to my concerns and validated my experiences. Shes positive and direct and im looking forward to working with her in my healing journey!
June 20, 2025
Melba, thank you for making me feel heard and seen in our session. God willing we continue to find healing in my journey.