- Trauma informed
- CBT and narrative
- English and Spanish
About Laura
Laura Melendez is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in New Jersey with 10 years of clinical experience. She works with adults facing stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, relationship difficulties, and major life changes. Laura also addresses attachment issues, codependency, communication problems, domestic violence, family of origin concerns, immigration stress, and feelings of guilt and shame.
Laura focuses on helping people rebuild self-trust and strengthen boundaries. She helps clients notice the stories they tell about themselves and how those stories influence choices. Sessions are collaborative and trauma-informed, with attention to culture and context.
Her practice integrates several evidence-based techniques. She uses cognitive behavioral methods to identify unhelpful thought patterns and skills to manage symptoms. Narrative approaches help people reframe and rewrite painful memories and self-beliefs. She also draws on mindfulness and relational work to improve emotional regulation and connection with others.
Laura works with survivors of domestic violence, coercive control, childhood and narcissistic abuse, sexual assault, and those coping with grief and loss. Her focus includes post-traumatic stress, somatic symptoms, and the impact of prejudice and discrimination on wellbeing.
Sessions are offered in English and Spanish for people located in New Jersey. She acknowledges how relationships, communities, and systems shape emotions and behavior. To begin, clients are asked to complete a brief matching questionnaire and schedule an initial session through the online options button.
How therapeutic methods translate to online sessions
Laura uses cognitive behavioral approaches to help people notice and shift unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. CBT techniques are practical and often include short between-session exercises to practice new responses to anxiety, guilt, or low mood.She also uses narrative approaches that invite people to revisit and reframe the stories they tell about themselves. Narrative work focuses on identifying dominant storylines and opening space for alternatives that reduce self-blame and shame.
Finding the right approach is a collaborative effort. Laura discusses goals, preferences, and life context with each person and adjusts techniques as needed. The plan is shaped together based on what feels most useful and doable.
Session formats are not listed in the biography, so confirm current options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life, such as shorter check-ins during a work break or scheduling from another town within New Jersey. They can also reduce travel time and help people keep regular appointments around other commitments.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Experience
10+ years
Listed in
New Jersey
Languages
English, Spanish
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she address around guilt and shame?
She works with guilt and shame tied to relationships, family history, trauma, and cultural or immigration experiences.
How does she approach feelings of guilt from childhood?
She uses narrative work and trauma-informed care to help people understand childhood stories and reframe self-blame.
What is her therapeutic style like?
Her style is collaborative and trauma-informed, combining cognitive behavioral tools, narrative techniques, mindfulness, and relational methods.
How long has she been practicing clinically?
She has 10 years of clinical experience as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
Where is she licensed and working from?
She is a New Jersey LCSW and provides services to people located in New Jersey.
Which languages are supported in sessions?
Sessions are offered in English and Spanish.
How are session fees handled?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What are the first steps to begin?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger or thinking about harming yourself, use the crisis numbers.