Melissa Zuza, M.A., LMFT

It is Melissa’s belief that one of the greatest challenges we all face is recognizing and connecting to the strength to grow that lies within each of us. She enjoys helping people connect to a strong solid base within themselves while developing tools they can use throughout their lifetime.

Melissa believes the strength to heal lies within each of us and can often be accessed through the deep and sacred bond that develops throughout the therapeutic process. She works from a standpoint that each person be accepted as an individual and growth be fostered through an emphatic therapeutic connection. Further, you as the client choose what our focus is and where your inner exploratory journey will lead us. Whether recovering from trauma, dealing with depression, anxiety, abandonment, chronic illness or any emotional challenges, Melissa feels it is critical that each person’s inner voice be identified and fostered to grow.

When working with individuals dealing with chronic illness Melissa explores the vital interconnected relationship that exists between our body and mind. Life events that affect our emotional self affect our physical health and vice versa. Many medical studies have shown that the Mind-Body dynamic is something to be explored, not ignored. Further, autoimmune specific research has shown a link between autoimmune disease and a history of trauma. Evidence has shown that dealing with disease process in a more thorough way involves addressing and working with past trauma as well as addressing the medical issues with your primary physician. Whether a stress filled day causes a headache or an overactive immune system attacks our own cells causing inflammation, learning to calm your mind can help create an optimum environment for overall better health and decreased negative symptoms (in this case headache and inflammation).

Melissa is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #MFT103836.  She received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Spanish from Rutgers University and her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University. She works from a relational psychodynamic perspective incorporating strength building through Positive Psychology as well as integrating CBT strategies as needed.

Areas of Clinical Interest: Chronic illness, Autoimmune Diseases, Mind-Body Connection, Trauma, Depression, Anxiety, Stress Management, Eating Disorders, Addictions, Life Transitions, Therapeutic Abandonment, Meditation, and Hypnosis
Modality: Adults, Adolescents, Children, and Couples
Therapy Language(s): English and Spanish
Rate per Session: $200
Accepts Insurance: No
Flexible Fee: Yes
Office Locations: Pasadena, Santa Monica
Phone: (800) 483-9591 ext. 114
Fax: (626) 351-9493
Email Melissa Zuza