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Melissa Sonthonax

Melissa Sonthonax

LMHC

Florida

Collaborative, goal-focused counseling for everyday life

Continue with Melissa

At a glance

Credentials
LMHC
License
LMHC, Florida / MH15970
Experience
10 years
Languages
English
Location
Florida

Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.

    • Motivational approach
    • Goal oriented
    • Practical steps

    About Melissa

    Melissa Sonthonax is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) based in Florida. She has 10 years of experience helping people navigate anxiety, depression, stress, and life transitions. Melissa focuses on practical steps that build confidence and calm daily life.

    Melissa uses straightforward conversations to help people set realistic goals. She helps clients notice patterns in thinking and behavior, and then tries small changes to test what feels helpful. Sessions aim to strengthen skills people can use between appointments.

    Her work includes support around relationships, intimacy concerns, addiction and recovery, and problems with self-esteem and social anxiety. Melissa also addresses issues like abandonment, attachment struggles, codependency, and anger. She helps people who feel isolated, stuck, or unsure about life purpose and money matters.

    She draws on several approaches to shape sessions, including Motivational Interviewing, client-centered methods, cognitive behavioral strategies, mindfulness, and narrative work. Those approaches are used to tailor practical plans that match each person's goals. Melissa emphasizes collaboration so clients steer the pace and focus.

    People who choose Melissa can expect clear, goal-oriented conversations and action steps to practice outside sessions. She aims to create an atmosphere where clients can speak openly and leave with concrete ideas to try. To begin, clients complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule based on availability.

  2. How her approaches translate to online therapy

    Melissa integrates Motivational Interviewing, client-centered work, and cognitive behavioral tools into sessions. Motivational Interviewing focuses on helping people find their own reasons to change and can be useful for goals around addiction, habits, and motivation. Client-centered methods emphasize listening and understanding the person's view to build trust and clarify priorities. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at thinking patterns and teaches practical skills for anxiety, panic, and low mood.

    Choosing the right approach is part of the work. Melissa collaborates with each person to identify goals and then adapts techniques to fit those goals. She discusses options and adjusts the plan as progress and preferences become clearer.

    Confirm current session options before booking since formats were not specified in the biography. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life by reducing travel and allowing more flexible scheduling. It can also let people have shorter check-ins, avoid needing to be on camera for every meeting, or choose times that fit around work and family commitments. Licensed professionals can tailor the mix of discussion, skills practice, and goal-setting to what helps each person most.

  4. Areas of expertise

    Primary focus

    Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes

    Also works with

    AddictionsFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesAnger managementDepressionCoaching

    Additional focus areas

    AbandonmentAttachment issuesCodependencyCommunication problemsDrug and alcohol addictionEmptinessForgivenessGuilt and shameImpulsivityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMoney and financial issuesPanic disorder and panic attacksSelf-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issues

    Therapeutic approaches

    Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapySolution-Focused Therapy

    Experience

    10+ years

    Listed in

    Florida

    Languages

    English

  5. Frequently asked questions

    What concerns does Melissa address?

    She helps people with stress, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, relationship and intimacy issues, career questions, addictions, and coping with life changes. Additional focuses include abandonment, attachment issues, codependency, and panic.

    How would you describe her therapy style?

    Sessions are collaborative and practical. Melissa uses conversational methods to set goals and try small behavior changes between meetings.

    What experience does she bring?

    Melissa has 10 years of experience working in the mental health field, supporting people with anxiety, depression, life transitions, and related concerns.

    What are her credentials and location?

    She holds the LMHC credential and practices in the state of Florida.

    In which languages can sessions be held?

    Sessions are offered in English.

    Can people from other countries work with her?

    She does not accept international clients at this time.

    How are session fees and billing handled?

    Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

    How do I start working with her?

    Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to therapist availability.

  6. Online talk therapy is not emergency or medical care. Stopping or cutting down alcohol or other drugs can be unsafe without medical advice. In immediate danger? Crisis numbers

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