“I take an active role…

…with my clients, meaning active listening, collaborating on goals of treatment, and recognizing behaviors and thoughts impeding positive change.”

- Melissa Berman

Individual Counseling

I take an active role with my clients, meaning active listening, collaborating on goals of treatment, and recognizing behaviors and thoughts impeding positive change. I am well versed in all psychological theories, but I most employ the techniques of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with a humanistic approach.  I take a compassionate and empathetic approach to help you make changes that will positively affect your overall well-being.

Family Counseling

I tailor my strategies to meet the needs of the family.  Some families need a safe space to share feelings and thoughts that are difficult to express, others need strategies to help communicate more directly and efficiently, and many families are facing challenging circumstances and need support and guidance through those times.

In regards to family systems, I have been most inspired by the teachings of Salvador Munichin and his philosophies of structural family therapy. I can elaborate on this more in session but structural family therapy relies on creating clear communication, expectations and boundaries within the family system.

Couples Counseling

I provide a safe space for couples to discuss sensitive topics. Couples need a neutral person to be a listening ear. Maintaining a healthy relationship takes work, and therapy can provide the space and time couples need to communicate effectively. When working with couples, I most often employ the theories and strategies of John Gottman and the Gottman Institute, and emotionally focused therapy. 

SpecialtIES

ANXIETY

Everyone experiences anxiety. Some anxiety can be  a good thing, but when you cannot control your worrying thoughts or you avoid situations entirely, it’s time to get some help. I help clients reduce symptoms of anxiety using a variety of methods. During our first session, you will share your story, including descriptions of your childhood, home environment, family dynamics, school and work experiences, formative relationships, and distinct memories. We will use your story to better understand how you arrived at your current belief system, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Then we will move to the present and explore what situations currently trigger your anxiety. We will talk through each trigger, and I will teach you coping skills. We will practice new ways of thinking, and develop healthy habits which reduce overall anxiety. As we work together, you will be more in control of your thoughts and behaviors, which will result in more calm and regulated emotions. 

Some people cannot identify triggers of their anxiety. For you, anxiety seems to come out of nowhere, or you may just wake up with an anxious feeling that lasts throughout the day. That is ok. We will work on thought patterns, routines, exercises and behaviors that will reduce generalized anxiety.

DEPRESSION

For clients experiencing depression, I offer a humanistic approach, with active listening and guidance to help you make positive changes. You will share your story, so we can understand the roots and causes of your negative thoughts, feelings and behaviors. We will discuss what aspects of your life today may be contributing to your depression. Together we will develop systems of support which can include positive relationships, daily or weekly habits, coping skills, communication skills, and more all of which will help regulate your emotions and allow you to feel more joy. I support my clients without judgment and with an understanding that making changes is hard and takes time. I will listen and guide  you through challenges and setbacks. With time and a strong support system, you will be able to take positive steps that will  improve your overall mental health. 

Adolescence

I have expertise in working with school-aged adolescents. This expertise comes as a combination of my education, work experience and understanding of the school system. I hold master’s degrees in psychology, education and school counseling. In addition to my MFT license, I hold a teaching credential and school counseling credential. I spent ten years as a English teacher at North Hollywood HS, Taft HS and SOCES magnet school. While I absolutely loved teaching, my passion eventually became more focused on social emotional support for my students and families. Over the past five years, I have worked with students on academic and behavior issues, depression, anxiety, divorce, grief, substance abuse, gender and sexual identity, and more. What I have learned in my 15 years of working with adolescents, is that often what they most need is a trusted, non-judgmental ear to listen. We then take weekly, small steps in learning the best strategies to develop coping skills, build resilience and make positive changes.

Students with Disabilities

When a child has been diagnosed with a disability, a parent’s world immediately changes. Parents usually know very little about disabilities as research studies and information is often brand new and not widely shared. I have worked closely with students who have been diagnosed with specific learning disabilities, ADHD, autism, health impairments, depression and anxiety. In many instances, a student with a disability struggles in school. They may have even been labeled as a disciplinary problem, and if their grades are suffering, their self-esteem can be greatly affected. It is not easy for a parent to be totally reliant on the school and teacher for guidance. The world of education and special education is a different language filled with unfamiliar words and acronyms. In my role as Bridge Coordinator for LAUSD, I oversaw all services related to students with disabilities, including IEPs, 504s, and SSPTs. I stay up to date on all special education policy, law, and evidence-based educational practices.  I am here to guide you and your child to advocate and get the support and services they need to thrive.