Melinda Perales, LMFT#138151, CSAT, CMAT, RACS

***I offer a free 30-minute initial consultation. Visit my website to get more information at http://solylunatherapy.org *** I am committed to providing quality, affordable psychotherapy for EVERYONE and am in association with Axis Mundi Center for Mental Health to accomplish my mission. I offer a sliding scale rate for those who qualify; please ask if you are interested in applying. I also offer a discounted individual psychotherapy session rate for CA State Licensed Mental Health Clinicians (associates included)- spaces are limited, so please ask if you are interested. I am passionate about working with individuals, couples, and therapeutic groups on their journey to reclaiming their authentic selves. I am known and appreciated for leaning in with loving-kindness and delivering straightforward feedback. I use a Psychodynamic Approach that emphasizes Mindfulness, Attachment Theory, and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy; I also bring in culturally relevant practices that are familiar and comforting. My hope is for clients to learn a new way of expressing what is true for them in therapy. The power of vulnerability and authenticity is usually revealed fairly quickly once safety and trust are established. For couples, I advocate developing personal boundaries that align with one’s vision of one's highest self while also honoring one's partner's boundaries. This can seem challenging when what feels at stake is your needs and overall well-being. However, I believe that, within the healing process, a new way of intimacy can be achieved by staying connected and supportive while expressing all points of truth. With enough practice in leading with vulnerability and empathy, strengthening the three points to the couple's bond- Tú, Yo, y Nosotros- can be achieved. For transformation to occur, I encourage all my clients to be curious and kind with their pain and to allow their emotions to be felt, seen, and heard. The work done in therapy can be done in the darkest hours of life and be met with new hope and exciting beginnings; it is possible! I am a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT), a Certified Multiple Addictions Therapist- Gaming Addictions (CMAT), a Rainbow Advocate and Educator (RAE), and in a PsyD program in the final phases of completing my case study on Sex and Love Addiction and earning my doctorate degree. There is a light that never goes out.