Profile / United States
Melissa Sonthonax, LMHC
Florida
LMHC - Anxiety and Relationship concerns
See online therapy options- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Mindfulness techniques
- Goal focused coaching
About Melissa
Melissa Sonthonax is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Florida with 10 years of experience. She helps people who are struggling with stress, anxiety, relationship concerns, low self-esteem, career questions, addiction, and life changes. Melissa also addresses issues like anger, depression, intimacy-related concerns, and coping with major transitions.
She uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy alongside client-centered and mindfulness approaches to help people notice unhelpful thoughts and try different behaviors. Sessions focus on practical steps clients can use day to day. Goals are broken into small actions so progress can be tracked and adjusted.
Melissa also draws on motivational interviewing and narrative therapy when helpful. She supports people working through abandonment and attachment issues, codependency, communication problems, and struggles with guilt, shame, or emptiness. She helps with impulsivity, isolation, money and career stress, and panic symptoms.
In sessions she emphasizes setting clear goals and practicing new skills between meetings. Conversations look at thoughts, feelings, and actions, and include techniques to manage anxiety and improve confidence. Clients leave with specific strategies to try in real situations.
Her work is practical and structured. People who want concrete tools to change habits, reduce worry, and improve relationships may find this approach useful. Melissa offers services in English and practices in Florida as an FL LMHC.
How Melissa Uses Structured Therapies Online
Melissa often uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people identify unhelpful thoughts and test new behaviors. CBT focuses on practical exercises and coping skills that can be practiced between sessions and applied to anxiety, depression, panic, and stress.She also integrates client-centered techniques that emphasize listening and collaboration, and mindfulness practices that teach simple attention and grounding skills. Client-centered work supports people in clarifying goals, while mindfulness helps reduce reactivity and improve focus.
Choosing the right mix of approaches is part of the work. Melissa will collaborate with clients to decide which methods fit their needs and goals, and she adjusts plans as progress is made. This is discussed openly so clients understand why particular techniques are being used.
Confirm current session options before booking, as formats are not specified here. Online sessions can make it easier to fit meetings into a busy schedule, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and remove travel time. Many people find it simpler to practice skills in their everyday routines when sessions are held remotely.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
10+ years
Listed in
Florida
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does she address?
She helps people with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and intimacy concerns, low self-esteem, career questions, addictions, anger, and coping with life changes.
How would she describe her therapeutic style?
Her approach is practical and structured, using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with client-centered and mindfulness elements to focus on thoughts, behaviors, and clear goals.
How much experience does she have?
She has 10 years of experience working in the mental health field.
What credential does she hold and where is she based?
She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) licensed in Florida.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Are international clients accepted?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are sessions scheduled and what does cost look like?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are not safe, use the crisis numbers.