Find a Therapist in California

Hi, my name is Ana Melendez and I am so happy that you are taking one of the first steps towards wellness and healing. Remember help comes in many forms and being open to therapy will provide you with different aspects to view situations and learn new ways to cope with whatever comes your way. I believe that with support and guidance we have the ability to empower ourselves and others. My goal is to build a strong and trusting therapeutic alliance by maintaining empathy and positive regard in order to help you foster necessary change. As your therapist, I want to provide a safe, open and nonjudgmental space where you can feel free to share and work towards creating the changes necessary to heal and grow. 

My background includes working with young to older adults in community mental health for the past 8 years. I have experience conducting individual sessions and group therapy. My go to modalities are person centered, solution focused, strengthen based, motivational and cognitive/dialectical behavior therapy. My education includes bachelors in criminal justice, masters in forensic psychology and masters in social work. I encourage you to take control of your mental health and enjoy the self growth journey. 

My favorite things to do is enjoy family time, TV shows, traveling, music festivals and anything dog related. When it’s not hot outside taking walks at the park with my 2 big doggies is the best. 

Much can happen in life that we never saw coming and/or that never wanted for ourselves. But I am here because I believe that in spite of this, there is still a greater hope. As your counselor, I will collaborate with you in your journey to regain and nourish that hope as you seek healing, clarity, and change. Together, we will establish a safe environment to explore the issues that are consuming you, set goals toward change, learn more about yourself and your values, find clarity, and establish with the tools you need to keep going. 

I like to incorporate a person-centered approach and use interventions from different modalities, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, solution-focused therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and dialectical behavioral therapy.  I also have experience with faith-based counseling.

About me: I obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree of Social Work with a focus on US/Mexico Border Issues and a Master Degree of Social Work. I have worked in the field of social work by helping individuals and families of individuals going through chronic illness, grief and loss, trauma, anxiety, depression, caregiving, communication issues, relationship issues, financial stressors, burn-out, and self-care. My experience has been with adults, ages 18 – 80. 

Outside the clinical field, I enjoy spending time with family, reading, learning more about my faith and continuing to nourish my hope, hiking, taking walks, visiting the beach, having good ice cream, and exercising. 

I would be very honored to start this new journey with you to regain the hope, strength, skills, and clarity that you are seeking.