About Me
Hi, I’m Melissa Perez.
I’m here to support you and your family as you seek growth, change, and cope with life’s stressors.
My areas of specialty include working with children/teens and their families, and with adults experiencing overwhelm and anxiety.
Why choose to work with me?
Hi, I'm Melissa Perez. As a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I use principles from Attachment Theory, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, play therapy, and family systems theories to help clients work towards their goals. I specialize in working with children, particularly infants and young children, and trauma. I also work with individuals who desire to include faith-based practices into their therapeutic work. I am fluent in Spanish and am passionate about working with Spanish-speaking individuals and families. I believe in providing a supportive and encouraging environment in which you can feel safe to express yourself. I am here to support you!
“We did not feel prepared to be the heirs of such a terrifying hour, but within it we found the power to author a new chapter”
— Amanda Gorman
My Story
I’m passionate about helping children and teens overcome anxiety because I’ve seen firsthand how anxious thoughts can negatively affect an individual in all aspects of life, including at school and socializing with peers. My hope is to provide a space for children and teens to express themselves, become self-confident, and learn positive coping skills that they can use as they grow. I love my work because I know that I am not only making a difference in a child’s present situation, but I am helping them learn tools they can use for the rest of their lives!
My Qualifications
Here are some things you might like to know about me:
I have a Bachelor’s degree in Child and Adolescent Development from Cal State University, Northridge and a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Fuller Seminary.
I am licensed to practice therapy in the state of California (LMFT 112312)
I have a history of working in community mental health, where my areas of focus included working with children experiencing a range of mental health disorders (primarily anxiety and trauma), the prenatal and postpartum community, and domestic violence survivors.
Some of my certifications include the following:
Motivational Interviewing
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy
Certified Educator of Infant Massage
Positive Parenting Program
Managing and Adapting Practices
Prepare/Enrich Facilitator
40 Hour Domestic Violence Counseling
Aggression Replacement Training
I have also achieved roster status for Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), a conjoint therapy modality for children under the age of 5 and their caregivers
Hablo español
