- CBT techniques
- Emotion-focused work
- Mindfulness practice
About Melissa
Melissa Perez-Halley is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensed in Texas with five years of professional experience. She helps people who are dealing with stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties, trauma and abuse, low self-esteem, and depression. Melissa also notes a focus on blended family issues and related concerns such as communication problems and divorce or separation.
Her approach centers on practical conversation and active listening. Sessions look at specific patterns that cause stress and try out new ways of handling tense moments. She uses concrete tools from cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness to interrupt unhelpful thoughts and soothe strong emotions.
Melissa also draws on client-centered and emotionally-focused ways of working to explore attachment and relationship patterns. Motivational interviewing techniques are used when people want clearer momentum toward change. She aims to help clients make steps that feel doable and clear rather than abstract.
In sessions she pays attention to how past relationships and family history affect current choices. That can include family of origin issues, abandonment concerns, or negotiating a new blended household. Conversations often cover communication habits, setting boundaries, and rebuilding trust.
Practical matters are part of the work. Melissa discusses what small changes might look like day to day and how to test them. For anyone worried about starting, she keeps the process straightforward: a short intake, a shared plan, and regular check-ins to see what is or isn’t working.
How her approaches translate to online sessions
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on a respectful, listening-based conversation that helps clients clarify what matters to them and set their own goals. This style supports people who are figuring out roles and boundaries in a blended household. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) gives concrete steps to change thinking and behavior patterns, which can help with stress, anxiety, and repetitive communication problems. Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) looks at how attachment and emotional responses shape relationships and can be useful when loyalty conflicts or trust issues come up in stepfamily life.Choosing the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with each person to identify which methods feel most helpful. That may mean trying short experiments, adjusting techniques, and checking in frequently about progress and comfort with the approach.
Confirm the specific session formats before booking, as this profile does not list formats. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy blended household schedule, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. Some methods translate well to shorter focused meetings, while others benefit from longer conversations; Melissa will discuss what works best for the client’s goals and daily life.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
5+ years
Listed in
Texas
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she address related to blended households?
Melissa addresses a range of issues relevant to blended family life, including blended family issues, communication problems, divorce and separation, and relationship stress.
How would she describe her therapeutic style?
She combines client-centered conversation with practical tools from CBT and mindfulness, and uses emotionally-focused methods to look at attachment and relationship patterns.
How much clinical experience does she have?
Melissa has five years of professional experience working with clients on stress, anxiety, trauma, and relationship concerns.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensed in Texas and practices from that state.
Are sessions offered in other languages?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does she work with international clients?
She accepts international clients in addition to those in Texas.
How are sessions scheduled and what is the cost structure?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin if I want to work with her?
Start by selecting the See online therapy options button, complete the 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.