Perfectly Imperfect Counseling
Hi, Im Melani- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and I am so glad you are here. I am a believer in second chances, and someone who knows personally that there is beauty to be found in areas that feel broken. I created Perfectly Imperfect Counseling as a space for people who are tired of hiding their pain, stuck in shame or guilt, and struggling to find the balance of living a perfectly imperfect life; for those who are ready to show up for themselves to find the message even when its messy.
At Perfectly Imperfect Counseling you will find more than just traditional talk therapy. My goal is to look at the whole you- your story, your nervous system, your beliefs and faith, your creative and logical sides, and even the areas of your life that seem quiet or tucked away. Sometimes we learn to hide parts of ourselves because it hasnt been safe to lean into who we are, and I long to help you change that and create lasting change and transformation.
Whether you are navigating something for the first time, or you have been battling for a while, I want to be a safe, non-judgmental space for you to share the real you. Maybe its anxiety or depression, perhaps its parenting or relationships, maybe you have some deep faith questions or life mysteries to explore. Whatever you are walking through, I would be honored to walk alongside you and help you write a story you can love.
Healing is possible, and you don’t have to do any of it alone.
A place to be real
Life isn’t tidy or perfect. Healing isn’t linear. But the good part is, you do not have to face any of it alone. This is a safe space for the “anxious over-thinker,” the strong one who is secretly exhausted, the teen feeling misunderstood or out of place, or the parent unsure of where to turn and what to do next. If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship or parenting issues, faith questions and exploration, or seasons of feeling stuck, tired, unseen, and are in need of change, then this is the place for you. My goal is to act as a guide to help you discover and reconnect with who you were always meant to be.
Healing that honors the whole you
Therapy is not a “one-size-fits-all.” I work to tailor each session to individual client needs. I enjoy combining traditional and evidence based approaches with holistic and creative tools to meet you where you are. Some modalities I use often or specialize in are as follows:
Narrative therapy: I believe everyone has a story. It is my goal to assess the past, take an active role in the present and help you write the future you want.
Attachment work: I believe in utilizing attachment styles and family systems to uncover areas that may need attention but might not have been safe to explore before.
Inner-child work: sometimes its important for us to offer a safe space for the young us that didn’t have one.
Enneagram: I love integrating the enneagram and other personality tools to help clients gain a deeper understanding of themselves and how they relate to the world.
Trauma informed care: utilizing trauma informed care is vital to me as we navigate the past and are mindful of old wounds that might require further healing.
Creative approaches: like journaling, art therapy, music therapy and somatic exercises.
My goal is to help integrate body, mind and spirit- because true healing is holistic.
Who I work with
I offer therapy for:
Women and Men: facing issues related to anxiety, burnout, and identity. For those struggling to discover or rediscover who they are and who are looking for a safe space to explore difficult questions, messy seasons, and to work toward healing and building a life they can thrive in.
Teens: who are struggling with self worth, identity, emotional overwhelm, performance pressure in school and sports, and those who are struggling to find meaning or purpose. Also for those who are navigating difficult family situations.
Couples: who are wanting to build healthier communication skills, work through wounds, rebuild trust or establish healthy rhythms in your relationship.
Parents and families: who are trying to create a healthy vision and mission, work as a team, connect authentically and work through miscommunication or break unhealthy patterns.
Faith meets psychology
If your faith is part of your story-whether it’s vibrant, complicated or barely hanging on-I hold space for that. I desire to integrate faith gently, honoring your pace, exploring doubts and questions, and working through your personal experiences. I know church hurt personally, and I believe that hurt people do hurt people. I also believe that God meets us in our messes and not just in our victories. While I love to take a holistic approach, I work with clients of all faith systems, beliefs, and backgrounds. I take cues from my clients and want everyone to feel safe, heard, and seen.
The therapy space
Currently offering virtual therapy only to anyone in California.
What you can always expect:
A calm, safe, judgment-free space
A place that offers warmth, empathy and compassion through trauma-informed and evidence based care
Tools that fit you, not just your symptoms
Focus on Sustainable change, through small attainable goals that set you up for progress not perfection.