- Stress and anxiety
- Grief and loss
- Self esteem work
About Melissa
Melissa Fisher-Goldman is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in California with 21 years of professional experience. She works with adults facing stress, anxiety, LGBT concerns, grief, low self-esteem, and life changes. Her practice also addresses a range of related issues including adoption and foster care, aging concerns, kink and alternative sex culture, chronic illness, divorce, eating issues, family of origin matters, fertility and fatherhood questions, forgiveness, gender dysphoria, guilt and shame, and HIV/AIDS.
She approaches sessions as a place to talk through what has been happening and to notice patterns that keep people stuck. Melissa encourages clients to name negative self-talk and to test it against their real strengths. She focuses on practical steps that reduce rumination and self-doubt so people can make clearer choices.
Her style is straightforward and collaborative. She listens for what someone already does well, then helps expand those skills. Sessions often include working on thinking patterns, increasing small day-to-day actions, and building confidence to face difficult moments.
Melissa draws on two decades of experience in varied settings to guide her approach. She supports people coping with loss, major life transitions, and identity questions related to gender and sexual diversity. Conversations cover both immediate coping strategies and longer-term shifts in belief and behavior.
People who reach out can expect practical, concrete steps alongside exploration of feelings tied to guilt or shame. She helps clients break down big problems into manageable pieces and track progress over time.
How evidence-based techniques translate to online sessions
Melissa uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques that focus on changing unhelpful thinking and building practical skills. One common approach is cognitive-style work that helps people notice and test negative thoughts, which can reduce repetitive self-blame and guilt. Another approach focuses on behavioral changes - small, doable actions that increase confidence and decrease avoidance when life feels overwhelming.Finding the right approach is part of the work. Melissa will review your concerns, goals, and preferences and collaborate with you to choose methods that fit. That might mean trying thought-focused work for a while, then adding behavioral steps, or combining both to address shame and daily coping at the same time.
Please confirm current session options before booking, as the biography does not list specific formats. Many people find online sessions easier to fit into busy days, allow for shorter check-ins when needed, or reduce travel time. Talk with the therapist about which session length and setup would best match your schedule and needs.
Areas of expertise
Additional focus areas
Experience
21+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does she help with?
She works with stress, anxiety, LGBT-related issues, grief, low self-esteem, coping with life changes, and related topics such as guilt and shame.
How does she approach feelings of guilt or shame?
She helps clients name negative self-talk, test its accuracy, and move toward actions that reduce rumination and self-doubt.
How much clinical experience does she have?
Melissa has 21 years of professional experience and practices as an LCSW in California.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in California.
Does she work in languages other than English?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are sessions paid for and what does it cost?
Cost varies by location; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What do I need to do to begin?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger or thinking about harming yourself, use the crisis numbers.