Melissa Strauss, LPC
Compassionate LPC for individuals and families
- Strengths-based approach
- Relationship and attachment
- Stress and anxiety support
About Melissa Strauss
Melissa Strauss is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with 13 years of experience supporting individuals, couples, and families through life transitions and emotional challenges. She describes her approach as warm and engaging, and she works collaboratively with clients to build on existing strengths while attending to each person’s unique needs. As an LPC, Melissa holds professional licensure to provide counseling and therapy in Pennsylvania and New Jersey and brings a practical, client-centered focus to her work.
Melissa tailors evidence-informed methods to each client, drawing from techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, and Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT). She addresses a broad range of concerns including stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and intimacy issues, grief, trauma and abuse, self-esteem and body image, eating and sleeping problems, parenting and blended family dynamics, fertility and fatherhood issues, career and school stress, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and identity-related matters including gender dysphoria and LGBT concerns. Her practice also supports people coping with life purpose questions, isolation or loneliness, caregiver stress, and family-of-origin difficulties.
Melissa aims to create a therapeutic experience in which clients feel heard and empowered to shape the work together. She emphasizes practical coping skills alongside deeper relational and attachment-focused work, adapting her style to match each person’s goals and preferences.
Melissa tailors evidence-informed methods to each client, drawing from techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, and Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT). She addresses a broad range of concerns including stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and intimacy issues, grief, trauma and abuse, self-esteem and body image, eating and sleeping problems, parenting and blended family dynamics, fertility and fatherhood issues, career and school stress, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and identity-related matters including gender dysphoria and LGBT concerns. Her practice also supports people coping with life purpose questions, isolation or loneliness, caregiver stress, and family-of-origin difficulties.
Melissa aims to create a therapeutic experience in which clients feel heard and empowered to shape the work together. She emphasizes practical coping skills alongside deeper relational and attachment-focused work, adapting her style to match each person’s goals and preferences.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
LGBTFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCoachingADHD
Additional Focus Areas
Attachment issuesBlended family issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stressCommunication problemsControl issuesEating and food-related issuesFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFertility issuesGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMen's issuesPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthSelf-loveSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaTraumatic brain injuryWomen's issues
Therapeutic Approach
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Attachment-Based Therapy Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) Gottman Method Mindfulness Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy Somatic Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy Internal Family Systems
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Melissa Strauss have?
Melissa Strauss has 13 years of experience working with individuals, families, and couples.
Is Melissa Strauss a licensed therapist?
Yes. Melissa Strauss is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). License details are PA LPC PC008592 and NJ LPC 37PC00767200.
In which languages does Melissa Strauss provide therapy?
Melissa Strauss provides therapy in English.
Where is Melissa Strauss located?
Melissa Strauss is located in Pennsylvania.
How can I work with Melissa Strauss as my therapist?
You can work with Melissa Strauss through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Melissa Strauss work with international clients?
Yes, Melissa Strauss works with international clients.
How much does therapy with Melissa Strauss 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.
Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps clients identify what matters most to them and build practical habits that support chosen values. It focuses on increasing psychological flexibility so people can pursue meaningful goals even when difficult thoughts or feelings arise, and it is often useful for stress, anxiety, and coping with life changes.
Attachment-Based Therapy centers on understanding how early relationships shape expectations about closeness and trust. This approach helps people and couples explore attachment patterns, improve communication, and repair relationship strains - useful for intimacy issues, blended family concerns, and family-of-origin work.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) targets unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns by teaching concrete skills for managing symptoms and changing reactions. It is frequently used for depression, anxiety, sleep difficulties, and problem-solving around day-to-day challenges.
Melissa approaches the choice of method as a collaborative process. She works with clients to determine which modalities fit their needs, goals, and personal preferences, and she adapts techniques over time as the work evolves.
Offering video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, online therapy provides flexibility for people with busy schedules, caregiving responsibilities, or geographical limits. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care and to access licensed professionals from different locations, including international clients.