Melanie Edwards

ASW 140050 | Supervised by Kelly McAnelly, LCSW 120845

Verified licensed therapist by Psychology Today

Life can feel overwhelming when you're trying to care for everyone else while quietly carrying your own stress, anxiety, or self-doubt. You may be navigating parenting challenges, helping your child through big emotions or behavioral concerns, adjusting to a major life transition, or feeling stuck in patterns that leave you emotionally exhausted. Whether you're facing anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, school-related stress, or simply feeling disconnected from yourself, you don't have to figure it out alone.

As a therapist, I strive to create a warm, welcoming space where you feel genuinely heard, supported, and accepted. I believe healing happens through authentic connection, curiosity, and collaboration. My approach combines compassion with practical, evidence-based strategies to help you better understand your emotions, strengthen healthy coping skills, improve relationships, and build confidence in navigating life's challenges. Together, we'll work toward meaningful, lasting change so you can feel more grounded, resilient, and empowered in your everyday life.

My Specialties

Individual Therapy

Art Therapy

Children & Teens Therapy

Family Therapy

Personaility Disorders

Complex Trauma

DBT Therapy

Family Therapy

My Path as a Therapist

My path as a therapist began long before I entered the therapy room. Throughout my career, I have been drawn to roles centered on supporting children, adolescents, young adults, and families through life's challenges. Working in schools, youth mentoring programs, and community organizations gave me the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds. These experiences inspired me to pursue a career in therapy, where I could help people navigate life's difficulties with greater understanding and confidence.

As I transitioned into clinical work, I gained experience providing therapy and psychosocial support to both children and adults experiencing a wide range of emotional and mental health concerns. From helping children develop emotional awareness and healthy coping skills in school settings to supporting adults navigating anxiety, depression, emotional dysregulation, and significant life stressors in higher levels of care, I developed an approach that balances empathy with practical, evidence-based interventions. These experiences reinforced my belief that healing looks different for everyone and begins with feeling genuinely seen, heard, and supported.

Today, I bring a collaborative, strengths-based, and trauma-informed approach to therapy. I integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), mindfulness, and art therapy to help clients build resilience, strengthen emotional regulation, improve relationships, and navigate life's challenges. Whether I'm working with children, teens, adults, or families, my goal is to create a supportive space where clients feel safe to explore their experiences, express themselves authentically, and create meaningful, lasting change.

My work has allowed me to connect with individuals and families from many different cultural, educational, and socioeconomic backgrounds. I recognize that every person's story is shaped by their relationships, identity, culture, and lived experiences. I approach therapy with curiosity, humility, and compassion, honoring each client's unique perspective while creating an inclusive environment where they can feel respected, understood, and empowered throughout their healing journey.

Top Issues I Work With:

  • Trauma (PTSD)

  • Family conflict/ Parent-Child Relationship

  • Social/Interpersonal Challenges

  • Family Transition / Divorce

  • Personality Disorders

  • Couples Issues

  • Children & Teens Behavioral Concerns

  • Anxiety and chronic stress

  • Depression and mood disorders

  • Grief and loss

  • Neurodivergent Affirming

  • LGBTQ+ support

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Therapy Style:

  • Warm

  • Compassionate

  • Non-judgemental

  • Skill training

  • Collaborative

  • Culturally sensitive and affirmed

  • Curious and gently challenging

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Trainings & Approaches

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

  • Art Therapy & Play Therapy

  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

  • Attachment / Relational

  • Trauma-informed Trained

  • Minfulness Approach

  • Holistic Approach

  • Cultural Responsiveness

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Education & Credentials

  • Master's in Social Worker

  • Bachelor’s in Journalism, Minor in Leadership Studies

  • Registered Associate Clinical Social Worker 140050

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Availability:

Accepting virtual clients

Accpeting in person clients in Tustin

virtual therapy that offers a flexible appointment time in California

Fee:

$130 for individuals | $180 for couples & Families

Sliding scales may be available

virtual therapy that offers an affordable fee in California

Insurance:

Unitedhealthcare | Aetna | Optum | Blue Shield

Superbill for All PPO

virtual therapy that is covered by insurance in California

Get Started with Melanie

Schedule a free consultation to ask questions and explore your goals!

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