- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Attachment-based work
- Emotion-focused methods
About Melissa
Melissa Strauss is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) practicing in Pennsylvania with 13 years of experience. She works with adults dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, grief, self-esteem, and a range of life changes. Melissa also lists blended family issues among her focus areas and supports people with communication problems, attachment concerns, and parenting stress.
Her style is direct and practical. She uses methods such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, and Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT). Sessions look at patterns that keep problems going and try concrete steps to change small daily routines.
Melissa pays attention to how past relationships shape current reactions. She talks through how family of origin or previous partnerships influence trust, loyalty, and boundaries in new households. That includes common stepparent stresses like divided loyalties, co-parenting with an ex, and merging routines with children in the home.
She also addresses practical life pressures that affect relationships. Topics often include coping strategies for anxiety, sleep and eating problems, career stress, and handling anger. When helpful, she integrates coaching-style work for clearer goals and next steps.
People can expect a collaborative, problem-focused approach that mixes talk with hands-on tools. Melissa invites clients to try techniques between sessions and to adjust the plan as needs change. Her practice serves English-speaking adults and accepts international clients.
How Melissa uses therapy approaches online
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on clarifying values and taking small, value-driven steps even when emotions are difficult. It is useful for anxiety, stress, and finding direction during life transitions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and teaches concrete techniques to change unhelpful patterns like avoidance, rumination, or unhelpful thinking. Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) helps map out interaction patterns in relationships and supports reshaping responses to increase emotional connection and clarity.Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist and client will review concerns, goals, and what has or hasn’t helped before. Together they decide which methods to try and adjust the plan over time based on what is actually working.
The biography does not list specific session formats, so confirm current online options before booking. In general, online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into busy days, allow shorter check-ins when time is tight, and remove the need to travel. Licensed professionals can use therapeutic tools and homework just as they would in person, helping clients practice new skills between meetings and apply them to blended household challenges.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
13+ years
Listed in
Pennsylvania, New Jersey
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does she address?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship problems, grief, self-esteem, parenting concerns, blended family issues, trauma, and related topics.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
Her style is practical and collaborative. She mixes talk with hands-on tools and homework to change daily patterns.
How much experience does she have?
She has 13 years of experience as a Licensed Professional Counselor working with adults on relationship and life-change concerns.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She is an LPC licensed in Pennsylvania and practices from that state.
Are sessions offered in other languages or internationally?
Sessions are offered in English, and she accepts international clients.
What session formats are available?
The original biography does not list specific session formats. Confirm current session options before booking.
How is cost handled?
Cost varies with location. Sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I get started?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is for adults and is not emergency care, mediation or legal advice. If you or a child are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Find someone else by name.