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 perspective to therapy and works with a wide range of concerns including stress, anxiety, depression, grief, childhood and adult trauma, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, addictions, relationship and family difficulties, and compassion fatigue.

Her therapeutic stance is client-centered, collaborative, and strength-based. Clients can expect a warm, down-to-earth clinician who pairs empathy with practical skills and evidence-informed interventions. Melanie believes in helping people identify and use their existing strengths to navigate life changes, manage intense emotions, and rebuild after loss or trauma.

Melanie earned her master’s degree from New York University and spent many years providing therapy in a community mental health clinic in New York City, serving underserved populations. She now practices in California from a rural setting where she values calm and time in nature.

Skilled in a variety of approaches, Melanie uses cognitive behavioral strategies, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, EMDR, psychodynamic techniques, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness practices to tailor treatment to each person’s needs. She is allied with the LGBTQ community and is experienced supporting people with significant trauma histories. She looks forward to hearing clients' stories and supporting their work toward greater well-being.

Therapeutic approaches and online care that fit your life

Melanie draws from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, and Trauma-Focused Therapy to tailor care to each person’s needs. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps clients notice difficult thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them, then commit to actions that align with personal values - it is often used for anxiety, depression, and life transitions. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes empathy, active listening, and collaboration so clients feel understood and empowered to find their own solutions - it is helpful for building self-esteem and improving relationships. Trauma-Focused Therapy concentrates on processing and reducing the impact of traumatic experiences, offering structured support for people coping with post-traumatic stress, complex trauma, and related symptoms.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Melanie works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods fit their goals, preferences, and life circumstances, adjusting strategies over time as needs change.

Online therapy options - including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging - offer flexibility for busy schedules, reduce barriers related to location, and make it easier to maintain continuity of care. These formats allow licensed professionals to deliver the same core therapeutic work in ways that adapt to each client's routine and comfort level.