Lisette Melendres, MA
My passion:
My approach to counseling is personalized and collaborative, focused on building trust, understanding patterns in thoughts and behaviors, and exploring how past experiences and relationships shape the present. As a Chicago native, I am deeply committed to serving the community I grew up in and honoring the strength, resilience, and diversity within it. I believe healing happens most fully when people feel seen, respected, and valued within their cultural and community contexts. I enjoy teaching and empowering clients to better understand their own neurobiology, while also helping them recognize and value the wisdom that comes from their cultures, heritage, and past experiences.
I strive to provide a supportive environment where you can show up as your authentic self without judgment. My work is grounded in the belief that each person carries the capacity for growth. Together, we work at your pace to explore challenges, build insight, and support meaningful, lasting change.
Child & Adolescent Therapy:
I am dedicated to working with children and adolescents, supporting them as they navigate challenges and build resilience. I hold PC-CARE certification, a trauma- and behavior-focused intervention program for children recognized and approved by the National Child Traumatic Stress Network. This training allows me to provide evidence-based, compassionate support to children and their families.
Family Systems:
Families are interconnected emotional systems, where each member’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors influence and are influenced by others. By focusing on relationship patterns rather than just individual challenges, I work to understand issues such as anxiety, conflict, or stress within the broader family context. I offer family therapy services to help families build healthier, more supportive dynamics and strengthen their connections.
Interpersonal & Emotional Concerns:
Support is offered for individuals navigating a range of interpersonal and emotional challenges, including anxiety, fear, low self-esteem, stress, and difficulty managing relationships. My approach focuses on understanding patterns in thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and developing practical tools to cope, build confidence, and strengthen connections with oneself and others.
Faith & Spiritual Integration:
Counseling can be a deeply transformative process that also supports spiritual growth and self-discovery. I honor each client’s beliefs and values, and when desired, I can integrate prayer and biblical counseling into sessions. I also provide support for those navigating religious trauma or experiences of church hurt, helping clients process these challenges in a safe and compassionate environment. My goal is to provide a supportive space where you can explore meaning, purpose, and personal growth.
Do I work with struggles not on this list?
Absolutely. If my approach resonates with you, I’d love to talk more. We’ll create a path forward that honors your story and equips you to become who you’re meant to be.