MELANIE GONZALEZ, PSYD, LMFT
She/Her/Ella
Resilience
It takes resilience to get through life. Resilience can look all kinds of ways. Reaching out for support when you know you need help is one way you show your resiliency.
You may be coming to me feeling lost and like your world is a bit chaotic. I aim to provide structure and support for you.
I work to slow things down for you. We break things down into smaller, more digestible pieces of information to help you begin to increase your self awareness and feel more in control again. We work to identifying areas to implement change interventions to get you relief fast.
Collaboratively, we work to target your goals and help you take charge of your life. Integration of a whole person concept, helps take a holistic view of your life and provide insight to help support the change you need.
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 couples 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.
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.
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:
Life Coach and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist registered with the Board of Behavioral Sciences in the State of California
Founder of Grounded Connections Counseling, Inc.
Masters Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, Syracuse University
Doctorate of Psychology (PsyD) in Marriage and Family Therapy, Alliant International University
Certificate of Advanced Study in Trauma, Syracuse University
Specialized training with the Transgender/GNC community, Syracuse University
Gottman Method Couples Therapy (Level 1 & 2 trained), Gottman Institute
Certificate in Horticultural Therapy, Institute for Horticultural Therapy
Member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)
Member of California Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (CAMFT)
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.
Click below to take the first step towards your growth and healing. I look forward to our work together.
Fees for Services
$190 - Individual Counseling
$225 - Couple Counseling
If sliding scale is needed, please refer to the other wonderful associate therapists at our practice.
