Melissa McManis, LCSW, Sex Therapy and EMDR trained

(she/her)
Preferred Name: Melissa

About Me

You are probably wondering how therapy can help you and if Melissa would be a good fit for you. In considering therapy, you are taking a brave and important step towards life-enhancing growth and moving forward in the direction of healing your trauma. Melissa became licensed in the state of California in 2010 post Master’s Degree as an LCSW and since then have embarked on a continued journey of learning. Her early career started in 2006 when she worked as a generalist with families with all types of crises, trauma, and lived experiences. She went on to get additional training post masters to specialize. Melissa is trained in somatic therapy and EMDR therapy which are two modalities that have been researched in treating clients who have lived experience of sexual abuse and assault. She has also studied the field of sexuality and somatic sex therapy and can coach clients on how to reconnect to themselves and to others erotically. Melissa currently lives in Mission Viejo with her partner, two puppies, and cat. She used to live and practice in Northern CA post Masters under inspiredlifecounselingservices.com. She believes in living inspired through being dedicated to her own personal growth, therapy, and through healing connections with others. She also practices yoga and meditation as part of her own self-care practice.

Education & Experience

2005 MSW from U of M 2010 LCSW in State of California 2021 Trained in the Somatica Method of Sex and Relationship Coaching 2022 Trained in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing from EMDR Center of Southern CA, and EMDRIA approved provider

Professional & Volunteer Affiliations

SMWSLT Meetup Support host CAMFT Somatica Alumni

Specialty Area

  • Abuse/Neglect
  • Addictions
  • Anxiety/Panic Attacks
  • Chronic Pain
  • Family Issues
  • Marriage/Relationship Issues
  • Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Self-Harm
  • Sexual Abuse
  • Sexual Dysfunction
  • Somatic Issues
  • Stress Management
  • Suicide Risk
  • Survivor's Guilt
  • Traumatic Incident

Population Served

  • Adults
  • Couples
  • LGBTQ+

Language

  • English

Insurance

  • Kaiser Permanente
  • Sliding Scale
  • UnitedHealth