Melanie Fikse, LPCC

Melanie Fikse is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in California who centers her work on practical, evidence-based methods. She focuses on helping adults who are feeling overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, mood concerns, or struggles with relationships and self-worth. Melanie speaks in plain terms and aims to make change feel reachable rather than overwhelming.

She uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) alongside Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and client-centered techniques. Sessions focus on understanding unhelpful thoughts, building coping skills, and identifying values that guide decisions. Melanie also brings trauma-focused work when past hurts are getting in the way of day-to-day life.

Her style is collaborative and down to earth. She offers concrete tools like thought records, behavioral experiments, and values-driven exercises. At the same time she listens for strengths and practical resources clients already have, and builds from there.

Melanie trained at New York University, and has practiced for 12 years in community mental health and rural California settings. That mix gave her experience with a wide range of life circumstances and challenges. Clients can expect a blend of skill-building and empathic support tailored to their needs.

She provides therapy in English using a variety of online formats. People who want to start can complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule their first appointment.

How Melanie blends evidence-based approaches online

Melanie commonly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. CBT is often used for anxiety, depression, mood concerns, and stress because it teaches clear skills to test and shift thinking patterns.

She also draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, which helps people clarify their values and commit to small actions that matter to them. ACT supports coping with painful feelings while still moving toward a meaningful life, which can help with grief, low mood, and chronic stress.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Melanie works with each person to see which methods match their goals and preferences. She combines practical exercises with listening to build a plan that feels doable and relevant.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video lets people use visual cues and work through exercises together. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited or when someone prefers not to be on camera. Live chat and text allow brief check-ins, homework support, and more flexible contact between scheduled meetings. These options make it easier to fit therapy into work, family life, or other routines.