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MS Portrait of Melissa Sonthonax

Melissa Sonthonax

Growth-focused counselor using practical methods

LMHC Florida

Experience
10 years in practice
Focus areas
Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Self esteem
Approaches
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Client-Centered Therapy
Languages
English
Continue with Melissa

About Melissa

Melissa Sonthonax is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) practicing in Florida who draws on a decade of clinical experience to help people manage stress, anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, and addictive behaviors.

Background and approach

She uses a mix of evidence-informed methods including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), client-centered techniques, mindfulness practices, motivational interviewing, and narrative approaches to tailor plans that fit each person's situation. Melissa emphasizes collaborative goal-setting and practical steps to strengthen coping skills and build self-confidence.

Her work focuses on both emotional and behavioral change, addressing issues such as low self-esteem, social anxiety, panic, anger, intimacy challenges, and life transitions. She also supports clients facing substance use concerns, codependency, attachment wounds, and financial or career stress, helping them create concrete goals and strategies for daily life.

Sessions are shaped around the client's needs so that interventions feel relevant and actionable. Melissa aims to create an open, respectful space where clients can explore their thoughts and values while developing healthier patterns.

With a practical orientation toward behavior change and self-awareness, she guides people toward clearer priorities, improved communication, and increased resilience.

Approach-Driven Online Care for Practical Change

Melissa blends Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and client-centered methods with mindfulness practices to support people through emotional and behavioral challenges. CBT helps identify unhelpful thoughts and build concrete skills to manage anxiety, panic, and mood symptoms, while client-centered therapy focuses on empathic listening and collaborative goal-setting so clients feel heard and respected. Mindfulness techniques are used to cultivate present-moment awareness and reduce reactivity, which can be helpful for stress, impulsivity, and relationship difficulties.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist works with each person to weigh options, try strategies, and adjust the plan based on what fits the client’s goals and preferences, so treatment evolves as needs change.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, offering flexibility for busy schedules and varied communication styles. These options make it easier to maintain consistent work on goals, access therapy from different locations within Florida, and use communication modes that suit comfort and convenience.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does she commonly address?
She works with a wide range of issues including stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and intimacy-related problems, low self-esteem, addictions, anger, and career or life transition challenges.
What is her therapeutic style like?
Her style blends client-centered listening with structured approaches such as CBT and motivational interviewing to set goals and develop practical skills for everyday challenges.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She brings 10 years of experience working with people facing anxiety, social fears, depression, life changes, and related concerns.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) practicing in Florida with the credential listed as FL LMHC MH15970.
Does she offer services in languages other than English?
Sessions are provided in English, and she is not accepting international clients at this time.
Which session formats are available?
Clients can connect through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging depending on availability and preference.
How does payment and cost work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions are provided through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What are the steps to begin working together?
To get started, select the Start Therapy button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes

Also works with

AddictionsFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesAnger managementDepressionCoaching

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAttachment issuesCodependencyCommunication problemsDrug and alcohol addictionEmptinessForgivenessGuilt and shameImpulsivityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMoney and financial issuesPanic disorder and panic attacksSelf-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapySolution-Focused Therapy

Experience

10+ years

Licensed

Florida

Languages

English