LCSW
Melissa Brierley , LCSW
Therapist in New York
Online therapy - get matched and start messaging.
About Melissa
Her approach blends practical skills with deeper exploration. She uses cognitive behavioral techniques to identify unhelpful thoughts and build coping strategies. Dialectical behavior ideas are used to teach emotional regulation and distress tolerance when feelings run high.
Melissa also draws on psychodynamic ideas to look at patterns that repeat over time. For trauma and abuse issues she incorporates trauma-focused methods to address painful memories and reactions. These tools are chosen to match each person’s needs rather than as a one-size-fits-all plan.
Sessions focus on clear, doable steps. Clients can expect to talk through what’s most pressing, practice new skills, and reflect on patterns that get in the way. Melissa aims to make sessions collaborative and respectful of each person’s pace.
She practices in New York and offers multiple session formats to fit busy lives. Her style is straightforward and supportive, helping people build confidence and move toward goals.
How therapeutic approaches translate to online care
Melissa integrates cognitive behavioral therapy and trauma-focused therapy into online sessions to provide both skills and processing. Cognitive behavioral therapy involves identifying unhelpful thoughts and practicing concrete skills to change them, which works well in virtual sessions through structured exercises and between-session tasks. Trauma-focused therapy focuses on gently addressing traumatic memories and their effects, with pacing and stabilization strategies adapted to the online setting.Choosing the right approach is a team effort. Melissa will work collaboratively to understand goals, symptoms, and preferences, then suggest which methods to emphasize. That plan can change over time as needs shift and progress is reviewed together.
Online therapy offers several practical benefits. Video calls let people maintain face-to-face connection while saving travel time. Phone sessions can be a good option when bandwidth or camera use is difficult. Live chat and text-based messaging support brief check-ins, real-time coaching, and flexible scheduling that fits around work or caregiving. These formats make it easier to keep therapy consistent while life stays busy.
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Melissa commonly address?
She helps people with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, self esteem, career questions, and coping with life changes. Additional focuses include body image, communication problems, divorce and separation, guilt and shame, isolation and post-traumatic stress.
What therapeutic style does she use in sessions?
She uses a mix of approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and trauma-focused therapy. Those methods are used to teach coping skills, manage emotions, and process difficult experiences.
How much clinical experience does she have?
Melissa has 10 years of professional experience working in mental health settings. That background informs her practical approach to common life and emotional challenges.
Where is her practice located and what is her credential?
She is licensed as an LCSW in New York. Her practice is based in New York and she lists that as her location.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English. International clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats are available?
She offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. These options let people choose what fits their schedule and needs.
How is cost handled for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time. Specific pricing depends on those factors.
How do I begin working with her?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button and completing a short matching questionnaire. Then schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
10+ years
Licensed
New York
Languages
English
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