Melanie Giarratano

Melanie Giarratano is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC, LCMHC) based in New York. She draws on clinical work and research to help people manage strong emotions and life changes. Her approach is warm and straightforward, aimed at people who want practical tools and clear steps forward.

She completed a bachelor’s degree in neuroscience at the University of Delaware and a master’s degree in mental health counseling at SUNY College at Old Westbury. Early research on stress and post-traumatic responses shaped how she understands trauma and fear. That background informs her current clinical work in inpatient psychiatric settings with people who have significant trauma histories.

Melanie blends several therapy styles to match each person's needs. She uses client-centered methods to offer listening and encouragement, motivational interviewing to set goals, and cognitive behavioral techniques to identify thought patterns and build coping skills. She also draws on psychodynamic ideas to understand development and relationship patterns when useful.

Her work covers a range of concerns including stress, anxiety, addiction, relationship issues, depression, parenting strain, anger, bipolar mood concerns, ADHD, and trauma. She runs both group and individual sessions in clinical settings and focuses on practical steps like thought logs, homework, and skill practice.

Outside of sessions she models regular self-care through activities like yoga, biking, and spending time with friends and family. She encourages clients to find small daily practices that improve mood and resilience.

How these approaches translate to online work

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and creating a nonjudgmental space. Online sessions can preserve that same tone by letting the therapist follow your pace and priorities in conversation.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) teaches practical skills to change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors. In an online format CBT can include guided worksheets, thought logs, and real-time coaching about coping strategies.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) offers concrete skills for emotion regulation and distress tolerance. Delivered online, DBT skills work can help people manage intense feelings and practice grounding techniques between sessions.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. Melanie will collaborate with each person to pick methods that match their needs, goals, and comfort level. She adjusts homework, skill practice, and pacing based on feedback and progress.

The biography does not list explicit session formats, so confirm current options before booking. Many people find online sessions useful because they can fit appointments into a busy day, shorten travel time, choose shorter check-ins when needed, or use phone-only meetings when video is difficult. These practical benefits can make it easier to keep up with regular work on stress, anger, trauma, and mood concerns.