A close-up portrait of a woman with long brown hair, light skin, and a slight smile, standing outdoors with blurred greenery in the background.

Melissa W Cooper

About Melissa

Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist

California #141326

EDUCATION, LICENSES & Trainings

  • New York School for Social Research Bachelor of Arts (BA)

  • New York University Graduate School of Social Work (Clinical Social Work)

  • Pacifica Graduate Institute Master of Arts (MA Counseling Psychology with emphasis on Jungian (Depth) Psychology

  • Marriage & Family Therapist licensed in CA #141326

  • Level 1 & 2 Trained in EMDR

MEMBERSHIPS

Specialties

A large seashell with orange and white stripes resting on wet pebbles, reflecting water and in natural daylight.
Close-up of a pink lotus flower with dark blurred background

ABOUT MELISSA

When I was young I spent as much time as possible playing in the woods surrounding our house. With my dog by my side, I would hike, climb, and explore the wonders of nature. While sitting with my feet in the river, I created fantasies of fairies, unicorns, and other characters from stories I read. It felt safe and I was never afraid as the trees swayed in the wind, putting on a private dance for my entertainment. I felt their energy and knew they were my friends, making me feel peaceful and calm. My spirit was alive!

I still feel the power of forests and the way they nurture my spirit. When facing challenges in my life I often turn to them, seeking peace and safety to process what is troubling me. As a psychotherapist, whether in person or virtually, I create a safe and empathetic space and use a holistic approach, sharing the therapeutic practices that I have learned, experienced, and found helpful in my life.

Outline of a butterfly with two human faces in profile on each side, facing each other.

I chose the butterfly to represent my role as a therapist, serving as witness to clients making a conscious choice to grow and change, leaving their old life behind and turning to the future. Look at the wings carefully and you will see two faces looking at each other, representing the conscious and unconscious lives that we are invited to bring into balance.