Hi! My name is Melanie. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Neuroscience at University of Delaware and my Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling at SUNY College at Old Westbury. I have experience with adults, teenagers, children, Veterans, substance users, and the developmentally disabled. I also have a lot of experience with relationship counseling as it is a prevalent factor among most populations. I conduct group and individual therapy in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
In my undergraduate studies, I conducted extensive research with PTSD in rats. This was an eye-opening experience as it taught me about the human stress reaction and how humans with trauma function differently from humans without trauma due to lacking the ability to extinguish fear. I use this in my practice as I currently work in an inpatient psychiatric setting with patients who have extreme trauma history. My graduate studies focused on the psychodynamic approach to counseling in which I learned about human development, family context, relationships, and transference/countertransference. I utilize this approach when working with clients as it helps me to understand the individuality if my clients based on their personal development.
I use a myriad of theoretical approaches in my practice as I believe that all client's circumstances and personalities are different and treatment should be personalized. I focus on motivational interviewing in my practice as it is goal oriented and encourages a client toward change-talk and change-action. I use person-centered therapy once the client presents as motivated, but needs support and encouragement. I am here to listen without judgement and guide you through your own transitional journey. I am a firm believer of solution focused therapy in which a client is encouraged to focus on the present and future. I love to utilize CBT for a motivated client in order to deconstruct their thoughts/feelings/behaviors and identify the interrelationship between these thoughts/feelings/behaviors. One way to work on this is by teaching about faulty thinking errors/distortions and offering some positive coping skills to restructure thinking. This approach is best for clients who are willing to take their counseling further by completing homework, thought logs, charts, etc.
Lastly, I emphasize the need for self-care in my clients. I am personable and friendly in my practice and I owe this to having balance in my life. When I am not counseling, I practice yoga, ride my bike, see my friends or family, play with my dog, go outside, or go shopping. I encourage all clients to utilize self-care and do what makes them feel happy and free.
Additional areas of focus: Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Parenting issues, Anger management, Bipolar disorder, Coping with life changes, ADHD, Attachment issues, Communication problems, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD), Jealousy, Mood disorders , Self-love, Social anxiety and phobia, Young Adult Issues
Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy
NY LMHC 009995
UT LCMHC 12912533-6004
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Melanie Giarratano . We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Melanie has truly helped me work through my toughest issues and most difficult times. I wasn’t conflicted if I wanted to return back to therapy after haven taken a break but knowing that I could return to Melanie made my decision much easier. She challenges me and guides me at the same time. With her help, I have been able to move forward with my personal and professional issues safely. I feel confident knowing that I have Melanie to lean on during these times.
Written on Oct 24, 2021 after therapy with Melanie for 1 year and 5 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, anger management, and coping with life changes
I’ve been working with Melanie on and off for about a year. She is extremely patient and her energy makes you feel like you’re in a safe space. I’ve seen a lot of growth in my life after working with Melanie from both a health standpoint (quitting smoking) and coping with my anxiety. I highly recommend her and really enjoy coming back and working with her when I need it!
Written on Aug 09, 2021 after therapy with Melanie for 1 year and 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, and coping with life changes
Only good words for Melanie, very experienced
Written on Mar 29, 2021 after therapy with Melanie for 10 months on issues concerning relationship issues, grief, and coping with life changes
Melanie listened and gave me feedback. I appriciate that very much, im feeling better now, thank you!
Written on Mar 14, 2021 after therapy with Melanie for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, grief, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, anger management, and career difficulties
Working with Melanie has been a wonderful experience and I would highly recommend her to anyone going through a tough time/who needs help with anything in general. While I am relatively new to therapy and did not have that great of an experience with my first ever therapist, Melanie has taught me how therapy truly works, how progress is made through utilizing the many tools and exercises involved in helping to process your emotions and experiences in a healthy and open way. She has been responsive, rational, insightful, professional, and in a way, a friend to me through this entire process of healing and growing. Though I have ways to go, I am glad I have her to help guide me in the future through the many obstacles life throws at all of us. It is without hesitation that I recommend her.
Written on Feb 04, 2021 after therapy with Melanie for 10 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, sleeping disorders, self esteem, coping with life changes, coaching, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Melanie has been amazing in helping me over the past few months. She listens carefully and brings clarity to my thinking. It has been of tremendous value to me.
Written on Feb 01, 2021 after therapy with Melanie for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and adhd