Melanie Fikse, LPCC
Compassionate trauma-informed counselor in California
- Trauma-informed care
- Strength-based approach
- Practical coping skills
About Melanie Fikse
She earned her master’s degree at New York University and spent many years providing therapy in a community mental health clinic in New York City, serving underserved populations. Since relocating to California, she has worked for many years out of a rural community where she draws calm and renewal from the natural surroundings.
Melanie blends warmth and practical skill, offering interventions informed by cognitive behavioral therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy while remaining comfortable working with significant trauma histories. She also uses client-centered techniques that emphasize collaboration and each person’s strengths. She is allied with the LGBTQ community and brings compassion and down-to-earth guidance while teaching concrete skills to manage symptoms and build resilience.
Melanie believes people have inner resources for growth and healing and works alongside clients to discover and strengthen those resources. She is not currently accepting new clients.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
Additional Focus Areas
Therapeutic Approach
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Melanie Fikse have?
Melanie Fikse has 12 years of experience.
Is Melanie Fikse a licensed therapist?
Yes. She holds the credential LPCC, which stands for Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, and her California license is CA LPCC 3363.
In which languages does Melanie Fikse provide therapy?
Therapy is provided in English.
Where is Melanie Fikse located?
She is located in California.
How can I work with Melanie Fikse as my therapist?
You can work with Melanie Fikse through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Melanie Fikse work with international clients?
No. Melanie Fikse does not currently work with international clients.
How much does therapy with Melanie Fikse cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with a therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Therapeutic approaches and flexible online care
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people clarify their values and take committed action even when difficult thoughts or feelings are present. It is useful for anxiety, depression, and challenges that involve feeling stuck or unsure of direction.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thought patterns and testing them against real-life evidence, while teaching practical skills for changing behaviors and managing symptoms. It is commonly used for anxiety, depression, and mood-related concerns.
Client-Centered Therapy prioritizes the person's experience and creates a collaborative atmosphere where the therapist follows the client's lead, offering empathy and support as the foundation for change. This approach is helpful when someone needs a validating space to explore emotions and goals.
Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process and will be determined collaboratively based on each person’s needs, goals, and preferences. Melanie works with clients to try strategies, assess what helps, and adjust the plan so therapy fits the individual.
Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging allow people to access licensed professionals from where they are. These options make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules, accommodate different comfort levels with face-to-face meetings, and support continuity of care when travel or life changes occur.