MELISA RUELAS
MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPIST INC
Hello
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in adolescent therapy, individuals, couples and family therapy. I have maintained my private practice for over 10 years. I received my Bachelor in Science in Child and Adolescent Development from California State University Fullerton and my Master in Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from Loma Linda University. Before becoming a therapist, I have had the pleasure of working with children in multiple educational settings. I see therapy as a way of helping clients cultivate genuine compassion for themselves. My focus balances an exploration of the client’s past strengths and present goals.
More about Me
I’m a native Southern Californian born and raised. I spent all of my childhood and adolescent years in Orange County. After college I ventured out of the area and eventually started a family. After calling Temecula Valley my home for the past 20 years, I am excited to have moved back to Orange County to further grow my private practice that I started in 2014.
My clinical experiences thus far have allowed me to work with a multitude of clients. Mental health issues that include anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, grief, Bipolar, at-risk youth, addiction, life stages, Infidelity, marital conflict, parenting, and family conflict. I currently work with adolescents, adults, couples and families. Modalities of choice include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and Solution Focused. I am currently working on my Gottman Methods Couples Therapy certificate to further expand my growth in treating couples. I am very eclectic in my behavioral approach with clients to align with what works best for them.
I like to tell my clients, " The best outcome of therapy would not be to change any part of self, but rather get to know yourself better." I find it very rewarding to support clients in their journey to being a better version of themselves. I work collaboratively with clients to help understand themselves better to reduce unwanted symptoms and to prevent them from reoccurring.
Outside of my role as a therapist, I find enjoyment in other aspects of my life. I have been married for almost 24 years and we have two children together. I am passionate about animals and support a few rescues to advocate for our local animals in need. I have a house full of pets as well as foster animals when I can. I enjoy being physically active by going to the gym, hiking, paddleboarding and running. Spending time with my family and pets is my absolute favorite thing.
"I thrive to be the therapist I would want my loved ones to have"