- Grief and loss
- Trauma recovery
- Caregiver support
About Melanie
Melanie Reyes is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in California who helps people navigate grief, stress, anxiety, and major life changes. She supports those facing trauma, caregiving strain, grief, addiction concerns, and difficulties with sleep, self-esteem, or career shifts. Melanie speaks English and Tagalog and brings 12 years of clinical experience to her work.
Her approach is warm and straightforward. Sessions focus on listening first, then finding practical steps that reduce distress. She uses a mix of talking, mindfulness exercises, and paced techniques to help people manage feelings and notice small changes that add up.
Melanie draws on client-centered therapy to follow each person’s priorities. She also uses Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for trauma-related symptoms, and mindfulness methods to build calm and focus. These approaches are used to help with grief, trauma, relationship strain, and coping with illness or caregiving challenges.
In therapy she aims to make goals realistic and measurable. Conversations often include learning emotion regulation tools, practicing new ways to communicate, and gently processing difficult memories. Clients may work on improving relationships, handling compassion fatigue, or adjusting to life transitions.
To begin, a person selects the Start Therapy button, completes a short matching questionnaire, and schedules according to therapist availability. Melanie emphasizes collaboration so clients shape the pace and focus of their healing journey.
Her approach is warm and straightforward. Sessions focus on listening first, then finding practical steps that reduce distress. She uses a mix of talking, mindfulness exercises, and paced techniques to help people manage feelings and notice small changes that add up.
Melanie draws on client-centered therapy to follow each person’s priorities. She also uses Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for trauma-related symptoms, and mindfulness methods to build calm and focus. These approaches are used to help with grief, trauma, relationship strain, and coping with illness or caregiving challenges.
In therapy she aims to make goals realistic and measurable. Conversations often include learning emotion regulation tools, practicing new ways to communicate, and gently processing difficult memories. Clients may work on improving relationships, handling compassion fatigue, or adjusting to life transitions.
To begin, a person selects the Start Therapy button, completes a short matching questionnaire, and schedules according to therapist availability. Melanie emphasizes collaboration so clients shape the pace and focus of their healing journey.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
AddictionsGriefSleeping disordersParenting issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigue
Additional focus areas
AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeBlended family issuesBody imageCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFertility issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHospice and end-of-life counselingImmigration issuesIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobiasPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationSelf-harmSelf-loveSexual assault and abuseSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic approaches
Client-Centered TherapyEye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingPsychodynamic TherapySomatic TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy
Experience
12+ years
Credentials
California
Languages
English, Tagalog
How her approaches translate to online work
Client-centered therapy focuses on the person’s concerns and priorities. The therapist follows what matters most to the client, reflects understanding, and helps set practical goals that fit daily life. This approach helps people who want a collaborative space to make sense of their feelings.EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a method used to reduce the intensity of distressing memories. It involves guided processing of past events and can help with trauma symptoms and painful memories when applied carefully with a therapist.
Mindfulness therapy teaches simple attention and grounding practices to reduce reactivity and improve focus. Those techniques can help with anxiety, sleep problems, and stress related to caregiving or illness.
Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences, and what feels manageable. Clients and the therapist decide together whether to focus on mindfulness practices, trauma processing, or goal-oriented skill building.
Many people find online therapy fits into busy routines and helps keep momentum between sessions. Confirm the therapist’s current session options before booking so you know which formats are available. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a lunch break, reduce travel time, or choose sessions that match your energy level without promising a specific format.
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Melanie address?
She works with stress, anxiety, grief, trauma and abuse, depression, addictions, sleep problems, self-esteem, and coping with life changes among other issues.
What is her therapy style like?
Her style is client-centered and collaborative, focusing on listening first and then using practical steps like mindfulness and skills practice to reduce distress.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has 12 years of experience working with a range of concerns including caregiver stress, chronic illness, grief, and trauma-related issues.
What credentials and location are listed?
She holds the LMFT credential and practices in California as a CA LMFT.
Which languages are available in sessions?
Sessions are offered in English and Tagalog.
What session formats are offered?
The biography does not specify session formats; please confirm current session options before booking.
How does billing and cost work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I get started with this therapist?
Select the Start Therapy button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.