Melanie Edwards
ASW 140050 | Supervised by Kelly McAnelly, LCSW 120845
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
Therapy Style:
Warm
Compassionate
Non-judgemental
Skill training
Collaborative
Culturally sensitive and affirmed
Curious and gently challenging
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
Education & Credentials
Master's in Social Worker
Bachelor’s in Journalism, Minor in Leadership Studies
Registered Associate Clinical Social Worker 140050
Availability:
Accepting virtual clients
Accpeting in person clients in Tustin
Fee:
$130 for individuals | $180 for couples & Families
Sliding scales may be available
Insurance:
Unitedhealthcare | Aetna | Optum | Blue Shield
Superbill for All PPO
Get Started with Melanie
Schedule a free consultation to ask questions and explore your goals!
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