Melissa Chairez
Hi! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who enjoys working with teens and young adults as they navigate the ups and downs of life. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, stress, school or college pressures, relationship challenges, family concerns, or simply trying to figure things out, I'm here to support you. I understand that adolescence and early adulthood can come with a lot of changes, expectations, and uncertainty. My goal is to create a space where you feel comfortable being yourself, talking openly about what you're going through, and working toward meaningful changes at your own pace. Together, we'll focus on understanding your emotions, building healthy coping skills, and finding ways to feel more confident in yourself and your everyday life.
I enjoy helping teens and young adults navigate life's challenges, build confidence, and recognize their strengths. I believe therapy should be a space where you can be yourself, feel supported, and even share a little laughter along the way.
First session
Starting therapy can feel a little intimidating, especially if it's your first time, and that's completely understandable! Our first session will be an opportunity for us to get to know each other and talk about what brought you to therapy. I'll ask questions about your experiences, current challenges, and what you're hoping to work on, but there's no pressure to share everything all at once. We'll also talk about your goals, what you can expect from therapy, and how we can work together moving forward. My goal is for you to leave our first session feeling heard, supported, and a little more comfortable with the process. You don't need to have all the answers or know exactly where to start. We'll figure that out together.
Strengths
One of my greatest strengths is my ability to connect with teens and young adults in a way that feels genuine and comfortable. I want my clients to feel like they can show up as themselves without worrying about being judged or having to say the "right" thing. I bring warmth, patience, and a down-to-earth approach to my sessions. I also believe there's room for humor, laughter, and lighter moments in therapy, even when we're working through difficult emotions. My goal is for our sessions to feel like a supportive conversation where you can be yourself while also learning, growing, and making meaningful progress.
Ideal clients
My practice primarily focuses on working with teens and young adults who may be struggling with anxiety, overthinking, stress, self-esteem, relationships, family challenges, or the pressures of school, college, and everyday life. Maybe you're feeling overwhelmed, having a hard time expressing your emotions, or simply trying to figure out who you are and what you want. You don't have to have everything figured out before starting therapy. With my background in school-based mental health, I understand many of the academic, social, and personal challenges that come with growing up and transitioning into adulthood. I especially enjoy helping clients better understand themselves, build confidence, develop healthier coping skills, and feel more comfortable navigating life's challenges. Whether you're new to therapy or have been in therapy before, I'm here to meet you where you are.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use CBT to help you better understand how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected. Sometimes, the way we think about situations can make anxiety, stress, or difficult emotions feel even more overwhelming. Together, we'll work on recognizing unhelpful thought patterns, looking at situations from different perspectives, and developing healthier ways to respond. My goal is to help you build practical coping skills that you can use in your everyday life, even outside of our sessions.
Solution-Focused Brief Treatment
Sometimes, figuring out where to start can be the hardest part. With Solution-Focused Therapy, we'll focus on what you'd like to change and the small, realistic steps that can help you get there. Rather than focusing only on what's going wrong, we'll explore what's already working, recognize your strengths, and build on the progress you've made. I believe even small changes can make a meaningful difference over time.
Strength-Based
I believe everyone has strengths, even when they're having a hard time recognizing them. Through a strengths-based approach, I'll help you identify the qualities, abilities, and experiences that have helped you get through challenges in the past. Instead of focusing only on your struggles, we'll also celebrate your progress, recognize your accomplishments, and build on what makes you unique. My goal is to help you feel more confident in yourself and your ability to handle life's challenges.
Supportive
Sometimes, you just need a space where you can talk about what's going on without feeling judged or pressured to have everything figured out. Through supportive therapy, I provide a comfortable and understanding environment where you can express your thoughts and feelings openly. I'll be there to listen, offer encouragement, and help you work through difficult emotions and situations. Together, we'll focus on helping you feel more supported, understood, and confident in navigating life's challenges.
Interpersonal
Our relationships with others can have a big impact on how we feel about ourselves and the world around us. Through interpersonal therapy, I'll help you explore how your relationships, communication patterns, and life experiences may be affecting your emotional well-being. Whether you're navigating friendships, family conflicts, romantic relationships, or major life changes, we'll work together to better understand your needs, develop healthier communication skills, and build more meaningful connections with others.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
Doesn't specialize in
Licensed in
- CaliforniaLicense 128076