Resident in Counseling
Pronouns: She/Her
You already have everything you need inside of you to be well; my role as your therapist is to be a thought partner and collaborator on your wellness journey while enhancing the power you hold within.
“Normality is a paved road. It’s comfortable to walk, but no flowers grow” -Vincent van Gogh
Melina is a Resident in Counseling and provides individual, couple, and group counseling services via telehealth in Spanish and English. She is a graduate of Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University and received a Bachelor of Science in Criminology, Law & Society with a minor in Conflict Analysis & Resolution from George Mason University.
Melina has a constructivist approach using systems and narrative-based interventions. Melina has experience working with topics related to difficult life transitions, identity, relationship issues, depression, systems of oppression and privilege, self-esteem, anxiety, spirituality, previously incarcerated individuals, trauma and resilience, and LGBTQIA+.
Melina has worked in K-12 schools facilitating the implementation of mindfulness, restorative justice, and trauma-informed practices in schools. She also facilitated wellness groups for students, staff, and families on topics such as trauma, vicarious trauma, identifying core values, exploring dimensions of identity, bereavement, teen parenting, navigating school as an unaccompanied minor, and post-high school transitioning for students with IEP’s and 504 plans. Melina has also worked as an academic advisor empowering adult learners to navigate community college, balancing work, family, and career/life transitions effectively.
As a Resident in Counseling, Melina is currently involved in the state licensure process for the Commonwealth of Virginia. She is actively pursuing a License in Professional Counseling (LPC). As a new clinician, Melina provides a fresh and up-to-date approach to therapy, valuing the therapeutic relationship as central to achieving goals toward wellness. She works under the supervision Reland Finch, LPC. In the event clients have any questions or concerns about Melina’s work, her supervisor can be contacted at rfinch@healthyminds-therapy.com.
