MELISA RUELAS
MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPIST INC
Counseling in Anaheim Hills
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) specializing in Martial and Family therapy in Anaheim Hills. I have maintained my private practice for over 10 years. After completing my Bachelor in Science in Child and Adolescent Development from California State University Fullerton I went on to get my Master in Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from Loma Linda University. 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. All of my childhood and adolescent years were 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 was 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 knowledge of treating couples. My behavioral approach with clients is eclectic 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." Supporting clients in their journey to being a better version of
themselves is very rewarding to me. I work collaboratively with clients to help them understand
themselves better to reduce unwanted symptoms and to prevent them from reoccurring.
Outside of my role as a therapist, I like to keep myself busy. I've been married for almost 24 years and
we have two children together. I love animals and have a house full of them. Helping my community
by advocating for animals in need has been a passion of mine since being a young child. Supporting a few local animal rescues and fostering pets has brought be great fulfillment. I also enjoy being physically active by going to the gym, hiking, paddle boarding 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"
