Insurance

Melissa takes Cigna and Aetna

Certifications and Specialties

Melissa holds a License in Marriage and Family Therapy in the State of Florida, is a National Certified Counselor, an Out-of-State Telehealth Registered Marriage and Family Therapy Provider in South Carolina (https://llr.sc.gov/TeleHealth/Counselor.html), and a Certified Relationship Educator. She specializes in: relationship issues, sexual trauma, adolescent issues, depression, anxiety, and grief. 

About Melissa

I’m Melissa Miranda, a cisgender bisexual female and proud third-generation Hispanic with roots in American, Argentinian, Puerto Rican, and Cuban heritage. Born in Miami, FL, I bring a rich cultural perspective to my work as a therapist. As a vegan with a deep love for animals and nature, I am committed to living with compassion and empathy for all beings, both human and non-human. In high school, I aspired to become a lawyer, as I wanted to be able to give people a voice and help them advocate for themselves, regardless of their background or the challenges they faced, however, I realized there was another part to my passion: my fascination with the human brain - its complexity, adaptability, and resilience. Through college, I continued learning about people on a deeper level, learning how the dynamic of ourselves and others plays a part in our development, and how different parts of us show up in relationships throughout our lives. I love hearing people's stories and have always been a "good listener" so all of this naturally led me to become a therapist.

As a survivor of sexual and relational trauma, and having grown up in a family where healthy communication about emotions and mental health was a challenge, I’ve experienced firsthand the impact of unresolved relational dynamics and complex trauma over time. My passion for therapy stems from a deep desire to create positive change in the lives of individuals and couples. I’m dedicated to providing a safe space where people can learn what healthy communication truly looks like, especially in a world where it’s not always taught. My goal is to help increase emotional expression and understanding because every human deserves to have a voice, to be seen, and to be heard.

I love the beach and just sitting and appreciating nature around me, whether by just having a coffee on my porch while listening to the birds sing or going on a hike and enjoying the scenery (when it is not scalding hot outside and I can actually survive the trek). I love to sing Karaoke, dance, cook and host friends at my house, sometimes all at the same time! My favorite hobby is to explore vegan restaurants and markets around Orlando, and discovering new small businesses I can support with during my bouts of ~retail therapy~. When I am at home and need some stillness to recharge my battery, I like to play my Nintendo Switch or watch Bob's Burgers. 

Education

Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Central Florida

Certificate in Behavioral Forensics from the University of Central Florida

Master's Degree in Marriage, Couple, and Family Therapy from the Univerisity of Central Florida

Certification in PREP 8.0 (Prevention and Relationship Education Program) 

Approach

I strive to create a supportive and empathetic environment through a holistic and integrative approach. My therapeutic style incorporates Systems Theory, Internal Family Systems, and Narrative Therapy, while also drawing from other techniques to tailor my approach to each individual’s needs. Recognizing that no healing journey is alike, I focus on understanding each client’s unique story—exploring their highs and lows, and uncovering the context that may be contributing to their challenges. My goal is to build a strong rapport with clients and empower them by fostering self-trust throughout their healing journey. At the end of the day, you are the expert on yourself and on your relationships. My role is to support and guide you in discovering the insights and tools that will facilitate your path to healing.