- ACT and CBT
- DBT skills
- Spanish speaking
About Melissa
Melissa Torres is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in Virginia with six years of experience. She works with adults who face stress, anxiety, depression, addiction, grief, relationship and intimacy-related issues, and family of origin concerns. Sessions are offered in English and Spanish.
Her approach focuses on practical skills and clear conversation. She uses methods such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Client-Centered Therapy, and Mindfulness Therapy to address thoughts, emotions, and behavior. In sessions she helps people notice patterns that come from childhood and family dynamics and learn ways to respond differently now.
Melissa often works on problems like codependency, attachment and abandonment worries, communication problems, and caregiver stress. She also supports people dealing with substance use, domestic violence aftermath, dissociation, and separation or divorce related issues. She addresses guilt, shame, and forgiveness when these come up in session.
Therapy typically involves setting concrete goals, trying new coping skills, and reviewing what does and does not help in day-to-day life. She blends talk therapy with mindfulness exercises and behavioral practice so clients can test changes between meetings. Progress is tracked in simple, observable ways.
Because she speaks Spanish and English, Melissa can switch languages during sessions when helpful. People who want to start are asked to follow the site steps to match and book their first appointment.
How Melissa blends evidence-based methods for online work
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice painful thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them, and then choose actions that reflect their values. It is often used for anxiety, avoidance, and life changes. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and uses practical exercises to change unhelpful patterns. CBT is commonly used for depression, anxiety, and stress. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) provides concrete skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness and is useful when strong emotions or relationship conflicts get in the way of daily life.Choosing an approach is collaborative. The therapist will talk with the client about goals, try methods that fit those goals, and adjust over time. That means some sessions focus on learning skills, while others focus on talking through family patterns or practicing new behaviors.
The biography did not list specific session formats, so confirm current online options before booking. Many people find online work easier to fit into a busy week, allowing shorter check-ins or sessions that don't require travel. Online work can make it simpler to use real-life examples from home, try in-the-moment skills practice, and carry new routines into daily life without rearranging a whole day.
Areas of expertise
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
6+ years
Listed in
Virginia
Languages
English, Spanish
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she address related to family background?
She works with family of origin issues, attachment worries, abandonment concerns, and patterns that trace back to childhood. These topics are discussed in ways that connect past patterns to present choices.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
She uses a practical, skills-focused style that blends talk therapy with exercises. Sessions include mindfulness practice, behavior experiments, and skill coaching.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has six years of experience as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. That experience has included work with anxiety, depression, addiction, and grief.
Where is she licensed and working?
She is a Virginia LCSW and practices in Virginia. Sessions are provided in English and Spanish.
Can sessions be conducted in Spanish?
Yes, sessions are offered in English and Spanish. International clients are not accepted at this time.
What session formats are available?
The original biography does not specify session formats. Confirm current session options before booking to know which formats are offered.
How does payment work and what does it cost?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. Exact pricing depends on your selected plan and location.
What are the first steps to get started?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session. That process pairs you with the therapist and books the initial appointment.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Looking for someone else? Find them by surname.