MELANIE GONZALEZ, PSYD, LMFT
She/Her/Ella
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Authentic
Being your authentic self is the greatest gift you can give yourself. It comes with an immense freedom to live in a way that holds no limits. I would love to help you own your authentic self and build your confidence to share your unique self with the world.
CLIENTS I LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH?
I enjoy working with motivated clients who are ready to start work immediately! I strive to empower my clients to be unapologetically themselves. I enjoy working with BIPOC identified individuals and relationships and navigating social justice issues and offering support in processing racial trauma. I find working with medical, emotional, and physical trauma processing one of my strengths. I also greatly enjoying working with the queer and gender diverse community as well as non-traditional relationship dynamics. I love helping clients explore their spirituality and discover their spiritual paths and life meanings.
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Top Challenges I Work Best With:
- LGBT+ Care
- PTSD & Trauma Recovery
- Spirituality Exploration
- BIPOC Issues & Stress
- Women's Issues & Empowerment
WHY I BECAME A THERAPIST...
As a person who grew up apart of a marginalized community, I realized the impact of privilege and discrimination and how the barriers faced by those oppressed by society could impact our metal health. Having been educated on systems theory, my approach with clients considers the many systems we are in and how the intersectional identities we carry can shape our experiences and leave us predisposed to trauma and negative experiences in life. I have decided to spend my career supporting those who are in minority identified communities reach a healthy, happy way of living in spite of societal oppression. I am unapologetically me and I hope that through our work together, you will feel that way one day soon. We all deserve to be seen and heard and feel we in community with the space we live in.
WHAT DOES STARTING THERAPY LOOK LIKE?
If you are interested in working with me, please call us at 949-329-5233 or fill in the contact form below and a representative from our office will get back to you to see if I would be a good fit for your needs.
If it is deemed we are a good fit, you will receive your intake documents through your email to be completed electronically in the client portal of our electronic health record. There will be about 6-8 pages to sign in order to begin services, including informed consent forms, intake questionnaires, demographic questionnaire, and credit card form, etc. The exact forms will depend on the treatment service and need for counseling.
What can I expect in a first session?
During the first session, I will cover the practice policies and go over your intake questionnaires to ensure we have a good grasp for establishing treatment goals. The first session will be used to gather more information about yourself (or your relationship with your partner), your relationship with the problem at hand, and establishing clearly defined goals for treatment, as well as establishing therapeutic rapport to ensure a comfortable space for your continued growth in treatment.
MY APPROACH
As an integrative therapist, I incorporate three main theories in my approach to clients. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Attachment Theory, and Mindfulness. With couples, I integrate Attachment Theory and Gottman Couples Therapy. But, as I cater to each and every client specifically, I may incorporate other modalities (such as art therapy) as deemed appropriate to help ensure I am meeting your specific needs.
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My style is to be direct and through the process of questioning and conversation we are able to get to deeper levels of understanding and insight. The work you put into therapy is an invaluable investment in yourself and your future. I am here to help you get the most out of your investment.
MY PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND:
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Life Coach and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist registered with the Board of Behavioral Sciences in the State of California
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Founder of Grounded Connections Counseling, Inc.
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Masters Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, Syracuse University
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Doctorate of Psychology (PsyD) in Marriage and Family Therapy, Alliant International University
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Certificate of Advanced Study in Trauma, Syracuse University
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Specialized training with the Transgender/GNC community, Syracuse University
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Gottman Method Couples Therapy (Level 1 & 2 trained), Gottman Institute
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Certificate in Horticultural Therapy, Institute for Horticultural Therapy
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Member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)
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Member of California Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (CAMFT)
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AAMFT Approved Supervisor
TAKING THE FIRST STEP.
I know it can feel like you’re in a tough spot right now, I've been there as well. But if you’ve read over this, if you’ve resonated with what’s here, then I’d highly recommend you reach out to start therapy.
Even if not me, then with another therapist.
Getting your mind back to the right state can be the most important thing you do in your life.
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Click below to take the first step towards your growth and healing. I look forward to our work together.
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Fees for Services
$200 - Individual Counseling
$250 - Relationship Counseling
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If sliding scale is needed, please refer to the other wonderful associate therapists at our practice. I am also in network with Lyra and Corporate Counseling Associates EAP.
