Melissa Brenman - Inner Compass Counseling

Melissa has a background in Philosophy, Ethics and Counseling Psychology. She completed her B.A. in Philosophy with a focus on Psychology and Gender Studies at Wagner College and went on to pursue her Masters in Ethics at Fordham University. She continued her studies at Columbia University where she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Masters of Arts and Masters of Education in Mental Health Counseling. Over the years Melissa has gained a variety of experience in both individual and group therapy, working on a broad range of issues including depression, anxiety, self-esteem, relationship difficulties, sexually based violence, and addiction. Her main focus has been on identity development and she served as a director of the Sexuality, Women, and Gender Project at Teachers College, Columbia University. Melissa strives to create a safe space for her clients and believes that therapy is most effective in a collaborative setting, with mutually agreed-upon goals. She brings a holistic approach to therapy, utilizing different techniques to best suit the individual client. Incorporating both Eastern and Western philosophies, she is able to cultivate a universal perspective that honors the mind, body and spiritual aspects of her clients. She utilizes a variety of techniques and modalities, including Mindfulness Techniques, Motivational Interviewing, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), as well as Feminist and Multicultural Therapies.