— Work with me
One-on-One Therapy and Walk and Talk
When life narrows to worry, comparison, or treading water, we’ll slow down, orient to the senses, and work intermodally—shifting between drawing, movement, music, and words—to find traction
What issues do I address?
If worry or heaviness has become your default, therapy should feel grounding—not overwhelming. I use expressive-arts processes and concrete tools to help you sleep better, think clearer, and feel more like yourself.
Coming home after a psychosis episode can feel disorienting. I offer structured, online expressive-arts therapy for adults in California to help you steady your nervous system, restore routine, and rebuild confidence—at a safe, sustainable pace.
Use role-play and brief expressive-arts tools to steady your voice, set healthy limits, and feel closer to the people who matter.
As a parent or parent-to-be, you are more vulnerable to overwhelming emotions and self-criticism. In this time of adjustment, there is so much possibility. Let’s tap into your strengths.
What approaches to therapy do I use?
Gain perspective, practice skills, and build a sense of enjoyment through drama, drawing, movement, and writing
Learn skills to accept and better manage overwhelming emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.
Pivot away from life-draining responses and toward life values.
With compassion, approach the parts of you that react to stress in a way that no longer serves you.
Formats:
Contact me to book a free, 15-minute consultation. This is an initial opportunity to ask questions and begin to identify goals. In our first session or two, we will get to know your hopes and struggles. In subsequent sessions, you may need to talk through an issue, learn a coping strategy, or practice forms of expression.
Online Therapy
Meet with me in the comfort of your own home via the Zoom platform. In my experience, online sessions are just as effective as in-person and they’re more accessible for convenient for some clients.
Walk and Talk Therapy
Are you someone who thinks on your feet or feels more comfortable sharing while moving? You may benefit from walking therapy sessions. I will meet you at a San Francisco park, where we may walk a trail or pause to practice a skill.
Cost:
I am an out-of-network provider for PPO insurance plans. Every four weeks, I will provide you with a super-bill including the information required to submit to your PPO for potential reimbursement. Most insurance companies reimburse a percentage of the cost of your therapy sessions, according to your plan’s benefits package. The fee for Online Therapy is $185 and Walk-and-Talk is $210, paid prior to each session. I accept Venmo, PayPal, or Zelle. If you are currently experiencing a psychiatric emergency, please call or go to your closest emergency department or call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
Some of my clients and colleagues have said:
I’m a psychiatrist and clinical director who has known Melissa and her work closely for more than a decade. Melissa does excellent work and I trust her and recommend her without hesitation as a skilled and devoted therapist. She will support and be there for you throughout your journey in therapy.
PSYCHIATRIST COLLEAGUE
Find contentment again
Are you ready to take charge of your relationships & happiness?
You can also reach me at cravenexpressivetherapy@gmail.com or by texting or leaving a voicemail at 415 940 3881.