Melissa Benson, LMHC, LCMHC

Melissa Benson is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) who brings 24 years of clinical experience to her practice in Florida. She helps people who are dealing with stress, anxiety, grief, depression, addictions, relationship concerns, and changes in life circumstances. Melissa approaches clients with respect, sensitivity, and compassion so they can feel heard and understood from the first conversation.

Her work is collaborative and tailored to each person. Melissa listens to what feels most pressing, and then she and the client shape short- and longer-term goals together. She uses practical tools to manage symptoms and to build habits that fit daily life.

Melissa draws on several evidence-informed approaches including Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Mindfulness Therapy. These methods are used to address emotional pain, unhelpful thinking patterns, and problems like sleep difficulties, eating concerns, and low self-esteem.

She also incorporates Motivational Interviewing and Solution-Focused Therapy when people want clear next steps or need help finding motivation to change. Sessions typically mix talking, problem-solving, and skill practice so progress can be measured in small, real-world steps.

Melissa works in Florida and conducts sessions in English. She tailors her conversation style and treatment plans to each person’s unique needs, and she focuses on practical strategies that clients can try between meetings.

How Melissa uses practical approaches in online work

Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes listening and building a trusting relationship. The therapist follows the client's lead, reflects what is said, and helps people clarify their own goals and values. This approach is useful for grief, low self-esteem, and life changes.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and trying small behavioral changes. It is often used for anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and eating concerns by giving concrete tools to test and change patterns.

Finding the right approach is part of the process. Melissa works collaboratively to match methods to a person’s needs, goals, and preferences. She will check in and adjust strategies so sessions stay useful and focused on what the client wants to achieve.

Confirm the current online session options before booking, since specific formats are not listed in the profile. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life - for example, sessions can reduce travel time, allow shorter check-ins during a break, or avoid the need to be on camera if that helps someone participate. Many people find these practical benefits help them stay consistent with care.