Melissa is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the states of Arizona and California and also holds a California credential as a School Social Worker (PPSC). In addition to her private practice, she provides services through the Lomi Psychotherapy Clinic in Northern California. Melissa earned a PhD in Transformative Studies from the California Institute of Integral Studies and a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of New England.
Arizona LCSW-18590, California LCSW86368
California Pupil Personnel Services Credential, 230094661
“Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose. In that space lies our growth and our freedom.”
- Viktor E Frankl
- The focus of Melissa's work is in two areas:
- The impact of Complex PTSD and PTSD
- Coping effectively with moderate to severe mental illness
Complex PTSD and PTSD
Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) results from experiencing prolonged interpersonal trauma, often starting at a young age when the individual is wholly reliant on or in some way attached to the person(s) causing the trauma. Symptoms can develop over time to become severe and long-lasting. PTSD
PTSD often results from witnessing or experiencing a single life-threatening event. The event might be a natural disaster, an accident, or an unexpected assault. PTSD can also develop from the death of someone close or from a serious personal illness or injury. People who work in high-stress occupations, like emergency responders can develop PTSD as well. For some individuals, symptoms of PTSD can last many years.
Moderate to Severe Mental Health Issues
Those who deal with more severe and chronic symptoms of mental illness may find challenges in many aspects of life, from basic daily functioning to impaired cognition, erratic moods, and loss of ability to manage and cope with important relationships. Substance use can increase or further complicate the challenges.
Melissa works with individual adult clients, and the work may include one or more collateral individuals. A collateral individual is typically a spouse or partner, family member, or friend who participates in therapy to further the treatment interests of the client. A collateral individual is not considered a client because she or he is not the subject of the treatment.