About Melissa
Melissa McManis, LCSW, is a professional therapist dedicated to helping individuals overcome trauma and improve their mental health. With years of experience in trauma recovery and EMDR therapy, Melissa brings compassion and expertise to every session.
How Therapy Can Help
You might wonder how therapy can help you and if Melissa would be a good fit. Considering therapy is a brave and important step towards growth and healing. It signifies your commitment to moving forward and addressing your trauma.
Professional Journey
Melissa became licensed in California in 2010 as an LCSW, following her Master’s Degree. Since then, she has continued learning and growing. Her career began in 2006, working with families experiencing various crises and trauma. Melissa has pursued additional training to specialize further.
Specialized Training
Melissa is trained in somatic therapy and EMDR therapy, which are effective for treating clients with experiences of sexual abuse and assault. She has also studied sexuality and somatic sex therapy, coaching clients on how to reconnect erotically with themselves and others.
Personal Life and Philosophy
Melissa lives in Mission Viejo with her partner, two puppies, and a cat. She previously lived and practiced in Northern California. Melissa is dedicated to personal growth, therapy, and healing connections. She practices yoga and meditation as part of her self-care routine.
2010 LCSW in State of California
2021 Trained in the Somatica Method of Sex and Relationship Therapy
2022 Trained in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing from EMDR Center of Southern CA, and EMDRIA approved provider
Schedule a free 15-minute consultation
From Somatica Website: https://www.somaticainstitute.
“The Somatica Training is one of a very few CAMFT/BBS-approved sex therapy training programs that offers continuing education to Marriage & Family Therapists (MFT), Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW), and Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC).
It provides them with holistic, in-depth knowledge and a wide range of tools to help clients address issues in the realm of sexuality and intimate partnerships.”
Note: this sex training also is for other professionals that want to pursue a career in Sex Therapy and I practice it under the boundaries of a professional sex therapy training as a licensed professional therapist. I do not utilize any hands on in my Somatica approach but can refer you to other professionals such as massage therapists, etc as an adjunct to your therapy with me if you’d also like to try another modality as part of overall holistic wellness.
I am open and affirming to all sexual and gender identities, relationship structures, and am a safe sex positive space for straight and queer individuals either in traditional or alternative partnerships.