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Melissa de Leon Mason

MSW intern

As a therapist, my approach to helping clients is rooted in a holistic perspective that combines mindfulness, a strengths-based approach, and evidence-based practices. Mindfulness serves as the foundation of my therapeutic work, helping clients cultivate self-awareness and be fully present in their experiences. I teach techniques such as deep breathing and meditation, which enable clients to gain control over their thoughts and emotions. Alongside mindfulness, I firmly believe in using evidence-based practices to focus on clients' strengths, and to recognize and nurture their innate abilities and resources so they can navigate challenges with confidence on their journey of healing and self-discovery.

MORE ABOUT MELISSA

Pronouns: She/Her

TREATMENT APPROACH

I approach therapy from a strengths perspective, knowing that every person carries with them valuable knowledge about who they are and the power to make change. I act as a guide and a safe place to be open, to explore, and to discover what is possible for you. I use mindfulness as well as evidence-based practice such as CBT and work to treat you in the way that is best for your unique needs.

SPECIALITIES

  • Anxiety

AGE OF SPECIALITY

  • Pre-Teens (11-14 yrs old)

  • Adolescents (15-17 yrs old)

  • Young Adult (18-25 yrs old)

  • Adult (25-60 yrs old)

  • Seniors (60+ yrs old)

TYPES OF THERAPY

  • CBT

  • DBT

  • Narrative Therapy

Smiling Portrait

"Do I contradict myself? Very well then I contradict myself, (I am large, I contain multitudes.)"

----Walt Whitman

KNOW YOUR THERAPIST

WHAT DID YOU GET YOUR DEGREE(S) IN AND WHERE FROM?

B.A. Political Science- University of Notre Dame; MSW in progress, Utah State University

SUMMARY OF PROFESSIONAL HISTORY

I’ve worked in non-profit organizations for two decades providing services for teens, young adults, and families. My first job was running family services at a homeless center in the Midwest. I’ve also worked with first-generation students at a community college, and refugees in Cairo, Egypt. Before starting grad school, I founded a non-profit organization in California helping locally resettled refugees connect with community services.

WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO BECOME A THERAPIST?

My favorite part of my work has always been interacting one on one with clients, getting to know who they are and what they want out of life, then helping them uncover their ability to make that happen.

WHATS YOUR THERAPEUTIC APPROACH?

Throughout my career working with people in the most difficult circumstances, I've been inspired by how unique and complex each individual is and by the strength and resilience buried inside every one of us.

WHAT KIND OF HOMEWORK OR ASSIGNMENTS DO YOU GIVE CLIENTS?

I issue challenges for clients to work on in between sessions. These can be very simple and are tailored to what we’ve been working on together and where you feel comfortable.

HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR MY FIRST SESSION WITH YOU?

Just think about where you are and where you want to be and be willing to talk. We can move forward together from there.

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