Melissa Sonthonax, LMHC - Therapist in Florida

About Melissa

Melissa Sonthonax practices with a client-centered focus that encourages people to notice strengths and build practical habits. She holds a Licensed Mental Health Counselor credential - LMHC - and brings ten years of experience to her work in Florida. Melissa speaks English and uses straightforward, goal-oriented conversation to help clients clarify what matters to them and take small steps forward.

She often blends Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with mindfulness techniques to address worry, low mood, and stress.

Background and approach

That means she helps people spot unhelpful thinking, try new behaviors, and use simple awareness exercises to calm the body and mind. Sessions are collaborative and focused on skill building rather than abstract theory. Melissa also draws on motivational interviewing and narrative therapy when helpful.

Motivational interviewing supports change by exploring a person’s own reasons and readiness for change. Narrative methods look at the stories people tell about their lives and help them rewrite parts that feel stuck or limiting. Her clinical interests include anxiety, depression, relationship and intimacy concerns, addictions, self-esteem, coping with life changes, and financial or career stresses.

She works to set realistic goals and develop clear steps clients can practice between sessions. The tone in her work is direct, compassionate, and practical. People who reach out can expect an individualized plan that reflects their situation and priorities.

Melissa emphasizes building everyday skills so clients can manage panic, improve communication, and feel more capable navigating challenges in life and relationships.

Practical therapeutic approaches for online care

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and building a trusting relationship so the person sets the pace and goals; it’s useful when someone needs a supportive space to sort priorities and feel heard. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, helps people identify unhelpful thoughts and try different behaviors to reduce anxiety, panic, or low mood. Mindfulness Therapy teaches simple breath and attention practices to lower stress and increase calm in everyday moments.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with each person to choose or combine methods based on their needs, goals, and preferences. That means trying approaches, checking what helps, and adapting the plan together rather than following a one-size-fits-all recipe.

Online sessions offer flexible ways to meet: video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These formats make it easier to fit therapy into busy days, practice skills between meetings, and use the mode of communication that feels most comfortable. The focus remains on clear goals, practical tools, and steady progress even when meeting remotely.

Client-Centered Therapy

The direction comes from you rather than from a set programme. The therapist offers a warm, non-judgemental space to think out loud and work at your own pace. Online, this rests on the relationship rather than on being in the same room.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT looks at the link between what you think, how you feel, and what you do. You work on noticing unhelpful patterns and practising steadier responses. It suits online sessions well, because much of the work happens between appointments and can be talked through from anywhere.

Mindfulness Therapy

Attention training: noticing thoughts and physical feelings as they arrive without being carried off by them. Much of it is practice you do yourself, so guidance over video or audio works much as it would in person.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns can be addressed in sessions?

Melissa works with a wide range of issues including stress, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, addictions, relationship and intimacy-related concerns, anger, and coping with life changes.

What is her general therapy style?

The approach is client-centered and practical, focusing on skills and small changes. Melissa mixes cognitive behavioral techniques with mindfulness and other methods to help people change thoughts and behaviors.

How much experience does she have?

She has ten years of experience working in mental health and has spent that time supporting people with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and life transitions.

Where is Melissa licensed and based?

She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, LMHC, licensed in Florida with the registration FL LMHC MH15970.

Which languages are supported for sessions?

Sessions are offered in English.

What session formats are available online?

Therapy can be conducted via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging depending on client preference.

How are sessions priced?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with her?

To start, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a session according to therapist availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Stress, Anxiety
Relationship issues
Self esteem

Also works with

Therapeutic approaches

Experience: 10 years
Licensed: Florida
Languages: English

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