About

WELCOME!
Thank you for stopping by. My name is Dr. Melissa Valentina
I help people who are struggling with life changes, grief and loss, and relationship issues to reconnect with their true being so that they can live happier, more fulfilling lives.

We all go through things and times in our lives when we could use some help. You go about your life in the best way you know, and then something happens and everything changes, everything. Nothing seems normal anymore.

Some life events can make your world seem surreal and upside down. Suffering through stress and challenges can be crippling, but you don’t have to go through it alone.

Even the strongest of us sometimes need help navigating our course through life. I am dedicated to helping people heal wounds, past and present, and learn to move forward in life with a renewed sense of confidence and self-esteem

I love to help women on their road to empowerment; finding their voice, learning from patterns that don’t serve them anymore, and learning what they need and want.

While you cannot change what has happened, we can work together so that you learn from your past, discover your inner strengths, and create a better present and future.

Counseling with me provides valuable support and introduces skills to help you move beyond just surviving to thriving and to finding your way to a brighter outlook.

Imagine waking each morning with strength, clarity, and peace of mind, knowing that you are able to deal with any circumstances that come your way.

I believe that therapy helps people get through life events and challenges so they can learn and grow in the experience while they arrive at answers to questions they have and get to solutions that allow them to live to their potential and happiness.

Due to a loss in my childhood, my teenage years were confusing and foggy. I did not know how to handle the loss and there was no hospice or grief therapy available back then. Later, in my adult years, other losses got me into therapy, which helped me to move through the experiences and grow from them.

Divorce was a difficult decision for me. Choosing to stay or go and how to honor yourself is a life-altering experience and not to be taken lightly. This event caused me to recreate myself once again.

I am eternally grateful for the therapist who helped me heal from these life events. Getting a new perspective on issues has changed my life for the better and inspired me to help others with their challenges.

My Background

My interest in mental health began in a psychology class in high school. I have been fascinated with the never-ending possibilities of people.

A native of Florida, I also lived in Greece for a few years while in the U.S. Air Force. Being a veteran myself, I am dedicated to working with veterans on their life transitions.
Spending time in Brazil experiencing spiritual healing practices there reinforced my understanding of emotional states and how they can affect everyone. It was during this time in Brazil that I realized how each one of us affects and is affected by others in our circle of family, friends, and colleagues.
As a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I have worked with people who were experiencing anxiety, depression, grief and loss, couples counseling, and trauma recovery. As a veteran, I am honored to have worked with vets and trauma.

Results my clients report:
•increased confidence
•a sense of well-being
•improved self-esteem
•moving forward into their lives again with a renewed sense of who they are and who they aspire to be

I have worked in the mental health field since 2005 in various capacities and have had a variety of life experiences that add to my wisdom and therapeutic knowledge.
Degrees and certifications
•Ph.D., Marriage and Family Therapy - Nova Southeastern University
•Bachelors in Psychology - Nova University
•Certified in Hypnosis
•Work experience in the mental health field since 2005

Fun Facts
Travel, travel, and more travel! Where do you want to go? What’s on your list?
Learning is life-long for me.

Why Work With Me?
What will your experience in therapy with me be like? It will include
•being heard
•being acknowledged
•support for your efforts
•getting honest feedback and input
•empathy for your feelings and emotions

You owe it to yourself to calm, soothe, and heal so you can move forward with a sense of well-being and confidence. Creating the life you want and deserve and living to your full potential is what I do and help others do. I love what I do and truly love seeing and hearing the results of the people I get to work with.

My guiding principle is to support you in
-living your purpose
-more capable of handling stress
-more confident and self-assured
-more like your true, authentic self
-being more resilient to outside influences
-achieving a quality of life in which you feel stronger

For your convenience, I offer weekend appointments as well as during the week.