CBT Therapist Directory

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Melanie Stauffer, LMFT

LMFT supporting healing in relationships and trauma
  • Trauma and abuse
  • Couples and family
  • Mindfulness and CBT

About Melanie Stauffer

Melanie Stauffer is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) practicing in California with six years of clinical experience. As an LMFT she is trained to work with individuals, couples, and families, applying a relational lens to help clients navigate challenges in connection, communication, and emotional regulation. Her practice serves adolescents, adults, couples, and families, and she has focused experience supporting first responders, veterans, and people coping with grief related to chronic illness, infertility, and the loss of loved ones or pets.

Melanie works with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, codependency, issues faced by adult children of addicts or alcoholics, parenting struggles, career transitions, shame, and low self-esteem. She also supports people who have experienced physical trauma, emotional abuse, or who live with post-traumatic stress. Her style blends evidence-informed approaches such as cognitive-behavioral techniques, person-centered care, trauma-informed practices, and mindfulness to tailor treatment to each person or family.

Clients can expect a warm, respectful, and empathic presence; Melanie emphasizes authenticity and intuition while avoiding stigmatizing labels. She collaborates with clients to develop individualized plans, guides boundary-setting when needed, and focuses on practical steps toward greater fulfillment and resilience. Melanie honors the step it takes to reach out and offers steady support for those ready to begin work on meaningful change.

Areas of Expertise

Primary Focus

Also Specializes In

AddictionsFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigue

Additional Focus Areas

AbandonmentAttachment issuesCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependencyCommunication problemsFamily of origin issuesFertility issuesFirst responder issuesGuilt and shameIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesPost-traumatic stressSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issues

Therapeutic Approach

Attachment-Based Therapy Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Mindfulness Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy

Frequently Asked Questions

How much experience does Melanie Stauffer have?

Melanie Stauffer has 6 years of experience as a practicing therapist.

Is Melanie Stauffer a licensed therapist?

Yes. Melanie Stauffer holds the LMFT credential. She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California - CA LMFT 84737.

In which languages does Melanie Stauffer provide therapy?

Melanie Stauffer provides therapy in English.

Where is Melanie Stauffer located?

Melanie Stauffer is located in California.

How can I work with Melanie Stauffer as my therapist?

You can work with Melanie Stauffer through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.

Does Melanie Stauffer work with international clients?

Melanie Stauffer does not currently work with international clients.

How much does therapy with Melanie Stauffer 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 with therapy is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your 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.

Attachment, Cognitive Strategies, and Online Care

Melanie uses attachment-based methods to explore how early relational patterns shape current relationships and emotional responses; this approach helps when struggles revolve around abandonment, intimacy, or family-of-origin issues. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is also a core part of her work - it involves identifying unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and practicing practical skills to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress. Trauma-focused techniques are applied when past events continue to affect day-to-day functioning, offering structured ways to process difficult memories and reduce reactive patterns.

Finding the right approach is part of therapy itself. Melanie collaborates with each person to assess needs, goals, and preferences, and she adjusts methods over time so the plan fits the individual or couple. This collaborative process helps ensure therapeutic work feels relevant and manageable.

Online therapy offers flexible ways to engage - through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging - making it easier to access care around work, family, or other commitments. These formats allow consistent contact with licensed professionals and therapists, support continuity of care, and make it simpler to practice skills between sessions while maintaining regular therapeutic momentum.

Ready to start therapy with Melanie Stauffer?

Take the first step toward a better you.