Therapists in Astoria, NY

John D. Melendez is a bilingual, English and Spanish speaking, Mental Health and Substance Use Counselor experienced in providing assessment and treatment to adolescents, adults, and families from diverse ethno-cultural and racial backgrounds in order to determine appropriate services and referrals needed, implementing short-term and long-term goals in collaboration with clients.

You may find you’re a deeply creative and sensitive person, going through major life transitions, a spiritual awakening, or a dark night of the soul. You want to grow your self-confidence and self worth, but are unsure where to start. You may feel unsatisfied with the way things are but are unclear on what you actually want and what exactly is holding you back. There may be habits, beliefs, and behaviors that are no longer serving you, but you aren't sure how to change them. I’ve been there and understand. My goal as a therapist is to accompany you as a guide on your path of personal empowerment and self discovery.

I work with individuals who are seeking comfort and evidence based models to deal with their anxieties, life stressors, trauma, depression, family and relationship issues, and ADHD. I use empathetic listening, trauma informed and a strength based approach to help individuals meet the goals that they want to meet. These goals could be how to live each day and to learn how to prioritize themselves and their mental health. Being fluent in American Sign Language and being a CODA, I am familiar with the struggles that Deaf individuals face and the uniqueness of being raised in Deaf culture.

I am a therapist that strongly believes that "there is always hope for a better tomorrow". I am an experienced therapist specializing in issues of depression,phobias,PTSD,anxiety,panic attacks, ADHD, ADD, eating disorders and obsessions.I work particularly well with couple/marital issues,family issues and drug addiction.

I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Speech at Northwestern University and his Master’s Degree at Hunter College School of Social Work (now the Silberman School of Social Work). I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and trained as a substance abuse counselor at New School.

I have been a Clinical Psychologist for the past 24 years. I am specialized in treating children, adolescents, adults and couples experiencing various relationship and individual problems. Areas of specialization include: anxiety, depression, panic attacks, and family relational problems. In addition, I specialize in treating children with ADHD/ADD and other learning disabilities. In addition to providing psychotherapy, I also administer psychological and neuropsychological evaluations.

Many of us will experience anxiety, depression, or trauma in our lifetime. We tend to carry these experiences silently and heavily weighed down by them, often leaving us feeling hopeless, exhausted, isolated, and unhappy. For some, they can also lead to significant mental health issues and unhelpful coping strategies. This pain is significant. Your suffering is real. And, if you're reading this, you've probably tried everything to fix it. You may have believed that nothing could change or get better. I am here to help you challenge those beliefs and provide you with a set of skills to help you cope with your distress.

I believe everyone deserves the opportunity to live a fulfilling life, as joy is our natural state of being. Through generational trauma, and various other events that transpire through one's life, the mind, body and spirit get coated with pain. I work with clients who desire to move past this pain. I believe that healing takes place by transcending limiting beliefs and feelings that are often found on a subconscious level. By uprooting these thoughts and feelings and processing the pain that may arise, the goal is to transcend them to live a more joyous life.

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (PhD, LMHC, NCC) who works with adults, emerging adults, and older adolescents navigating the healing process surrounding mood disorders/issues, life/career transitions, generational trauma, identity exploration, and relationship difficulties. Empathy, genuine concern for you and your past and present lived experiences, authenticity, and unconditional positive regard are at the forefront of our relationship.

Many people struggle with mental health issues but are afraid or nervous to get the help that they need, all while unaware that this is a completely normal process. As a psychotherapist, my goal is to reduce that fear by providing a welcoming therapeutic environment hat allows each client to do the necessary work at their own pace. Said mental health issues may include but are not limited to anxiety, depression, ADHD, or trauma as they can also manifest in anger management issues, self esteem concerns, difficulties with life transitions, relationship/intimacy concerns, imposter syndrome or more.

If you're here for ENM knowledgeable relationship therapy, monogamous relationship therapy, or LGBTQ+ individual therapy you've come to the right place. With over 25 years of experience (including my early days as a Conflict Mediator during recess), I bring a mix of warmth, enthusiasm, and a safe space for laughs, tears, and vulnerability. While holding safe boundaries for my clients, I believe in the power of transparency and being my genuine self in my work with people. I am affirming and open-minded, while encouraging you to try new ideas or behaviors that support your healing.

Your mental health care is important because you are important. I want you to feel safe to bring your whole self to therapy, and to feel nurtured in the process. Encouraging authenticity, inclusivity, and humor, we will collaborate to establish a foundation of trust and increased awareness. Utilizing psychodynamic, somatic and mindfulness techniques to meet your needs. I know that connecting with a therapist can be a challenge, and I welcome a conversation to explore if working together feels like a good fit. My goal is for all of you to feel welcome.

I am an experienced psychotherapist providing short and long term psychotherapy for adults. My areas of specialty include the treatment of addiction & substance abuse (personal or familial), trauma, anxiety, depression, self-esteem/identity issues, grief & loss and resolving relationship and family of origin issues. Our work together will involve a collaborative effort to understand and undo unhealthy patterns of behavior and thinking. This process will help to resolve sources of distress while focusing on one's personal strengths; developing greater insight as well as healthier coping skills.

First off, congratulations on taking a major step for yourself by seeking a therapist. It would be an honor to help you further develop your sense of self, explore the depth of what you've experienced and begin to find and celebrate the joy in your life. I spent many years early on in my career with Monte Nido and Affiliates, holding roles ranging from Recovery Coach to Lead Therapist and pair my strong passion for recovery advocacy with my therapeutic specializations through my supervisory work with eating disorder non-profit Project HEAL.

You are unique. Using a client-centered approach, I work with your individual needs and focus for therapy. Sometimes a person may seek change in their lives or want to process their unresolved experiences and understand themselves better. Whether you are sad about the past or worried about the future, I am well versed in multiple therapeutic modalities to be able to help.

Whether you’re looking to tackle unwanted and unhelpful behaviors or striving to work through a traumatic experience - your wellbeing and healing is my number one priority. Clients working with me can expect a compassionate, nonjudgmental and encouraging environment to effectively communicate stressors and dive deeper into the root of emotional patterns. I believe in empowering clients to take ownership of their emotions, to speak about challenging life experiences, and identify healthy coping behaviors to lead a positive life.

Contact via Email preferred. I am dedicated to establishing an authentic connection and creating a safe space for you to begin/continue your process of growth and healing through self-discovery. While each person is unique, our time together will focus on working collaboratively on your individual needs and goals. In meeting you exactly where you are with empathy and intuition, we will work towards exploring what is at the core of your struggle and develop the elements and tools needed to meet these needs and goals.

I believe in an eclectic and individualized approach to helping folks achieve their unique goals and objectives, and to cultivate an optimal quality of life. I've worked with people who have experienced breast cancer, those recovering from complex post-traumatic stress disorder, individuals who’ve experienced intimate partner violence, people struggling with or recovering from alcohol use disorder, as well as those managing day-to-day anxieties and periods of depression. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I've helped my peers and allies explore identities, navigate relationships, etc.

You must be exhausted from life's many challenges and confusion about the state of your life. I am available to help you navigate and bring meaning to your life by listening and validating your feelings as well as providing compassion and support to do the hard work necessary for wellness. Each day is a new present, but traumas from our family origins may prevent us from moving forward. I will work patiently with you to set goals in therapy and work through loss and trauma.