Melissa Sonthonax
LMHC
Practical, person-focused counseling for everyday struggles
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- Goal oriented
- Behavior focused
- Mindful techniques
About Melissa
Melissa has ten years of experience in the mental health field. She helps people set realistic goals and build everyday habits that support better functioning. Sessions focus on changing outer behaviors to grow confidence and improve how people handle daily demands.
Her work often addresses addiction concerns, communication problems, attachment and abandonment issues, and struggles with guilt, shame, or impulsivity. She also supports people dealing with loneliness, career uncertainty, money worries, and purpose-related questions.
Melissa blends client-centered work with cognitive behavioral ideas and mindfulness practices to keep sessions down to earth. Motivational interviewing and narrative tools are used when helpful to clarify values and rewrite unhelpful stories about oneself.
People can expect an individualized plan rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Melissa aims to create a calm space where clients can talk through their situation, set concrete steps for change, and track progress toward the life they want.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
10+ years
Credentials
Florida
Languages
English
How Melissa integrates approaches for online work
Melissa commonly uses client-centered methods to create a supportive, collaborative space. This approach emphasizes listening closely to each person's concerns and shaping sessions around what matters most to them.She also applies cognitive behavioral therapy, which focuses on identifying unhelpful thought patterns and trying small, practical behavior changes to reduce symptoms like anxiety, panic, or anger. Mindfulness techniques are used to help people notice their reactions, manage stress, and build calm routines.
Finding the right mix of these approaches is part of the process. The therapist works with clients to decide which methods match their goals and preferences, and adjusts the plan over time as needs change.
Session formats are not specified in the original biography, so confirm current options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when needed, or reduce travel time so therapy fits around work and family responsibilities.
At a glance
- Listed location
- Florida
- Experience
- 10+ years
- Credentials
- LMHC
- Languages
- English
- License (Florida)
- LMHC · No. MH15970
- NPI
- 1235617093
As listed by the therapist. You can check a license with the state board and an NPI with the national registry.
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does Melissa address?
Areas listed include stress, anxiety, depression, anger, relationship and intimacy concerns, low self-esteem, addictions, and coping with life changes.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
She uses a client-centered approach combined with cognitive behavioral and mindfulness ideas to create practical, goal-focused plans.
What is her professional background?
Melissa holds a Master in Psychology and has ten years of experience working in the mental health field.
Where is she licensed and located?
She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, FL LMHC, practicing in Florida.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can she work with clients outside the United States?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are fees and payment handled?
Cost varies by location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Choose the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to therapist availability.
Before you start
- Online talk therapy is not a court-ordered or mandated anger-management course, and it does not provide attendance certificates.
- Check that the location and license details above fit where you live.
- If anyone is at risk of being harmed, contact emergency services or a domestic-abuse helpline first. See the support lines for the US, UK and Australia.