Melanie Fikse , LPCC

Melanie Fikse is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) practicing in California with 12 years of experience working with adults. She brings a trauma-informed, client-centered, and strength-based approach to therapy, combining practical skills with an empathic, down-to-earth presence. Her work focuses on a wide range of concerns including stress, anxiety, depression, grief, childhood and adult trauma, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, addictions, relationship and family challenges, and issues related to self-esteem and coping with life changes.

Trained with a Masters degree from New York University, Melanie spent many years providing therapy in a community mental health clinic in New York City, serving underserved populations. She later relocated to a rural area of California where the quieter surroundings inform her work and perspective. Melanie uses a range of evidence-informed interventions, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), EMDR, psychodynamic techniques, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness practices to tailor treatment to each person’s needs.

She approaches therapy collaboratively, helping people identify inner strengths, build practical coping skills, and navigate both the challenges and the joys of life. Melanie is allied with the LGBTQ community and is experienced supporting individuals with significant trauma histories, grief, mood disorders, and the complex effects of long-term stress and compassion fatigue.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care with Melanie

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) emphasizes learning to accept difficult thoughts and feelings while clarifying personal values and taking committed action toward a meaningful life. It can be helpful for anxiety, stress, and patterns that keep people stuck.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors, offering practical strategies for managing mood disorders, anxiety, and coping with life transitions.

Trauma-Focused Therapy addresses the effects of traumatic experiences by helping people process distressing memories and develop skills to reduce their ongoing impact, which can support recovery from post-traumatic stress and complex trauma.

Choosing the right approach is collaborative. Melanie works with each person to understand their needs, goals, and preferences, then tailors interventions and adjusts the plan as progress unfolds. This partnership helps determine which methods fit best for the individual.

Online therapy with Melanie is offered through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, providing flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These options make it easier to access consistent support from licensed professionals without traveling, and allow therapy to fit into everyday life while maintaining continuity of care.