Grief counselors and therapists in Ventura, CA

Welcome and thank you for taking the time to learn more about me. As a licensed therapist practicing in both California and New York, I believe deeply in the inherent resilience and transformative potential within every individual. I earned my Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Teachers College, Columbia University. Throughout my clinical practice, I have supported clients across all life stages in navigating complex emotional challenges, including trauma, anxiety, and depression, while empowering them to cultivate healthy, fulfilling interpersonal relationships.

In 2019, I walked the 500 miles of the Camino de Santiago. What I learned during that journey informs my clinical work. I think of life as a journey that is walked one step at a time. Along that road there will be challenges. Our job is to face them in ways that tap into our strengths and allow us to grow. Helping you find the path forward is my commitment to my clients. Over the course of my career, I have had the opportunity to witness profound growth in my clients, students and colleagues. Resilience humbles me. We are stronger than we realize.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 40 years experience in private practice and various non profit organizations. I've worked with children, adolescents, adults and families, in schools and community agencies as a therapist, social worker, clinical director, supervisor, executive director and university instructor.

Hello! My name is Melanie Lapeyrolerie, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Los Angeles, California. I offer in-person therapy in West Los Angeles and telehealth services to clients throughout the state. I work with a diverse range of individuals, from young adults to seniors aged 18 to 71. My specialties include treating anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, and alcohol and substance use disorders. To support my clients in enhancing their daily lives and overall well-being, I utilize a variety of therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Focused CBT, Psychodynamic Therapy, and Mindfulness, among others.

Life is hard, but these days, it feels even harder. It is not uncommon to feel overwhelmed to the point of feeling stuck. This can lead to feelings of depression, anxiety, guilt, and even hopelessness. You may even judge yourself for feeling stuck or struggling. My hope is to help you get unstuck, connect to yourself, and feel excited about your life.

As a therapist, I am passionate about walking alongside folks as they reveal their truths and vulnerabilities to themselves. I believe, and have witnessed that people are capable of long standing change with knowledge, support, and connection, and that therapy is a great place for that. You can learn new ways to manage life stressors, feel safe, gain confidence, and live a more joyful and purposeful life. I use cognitive behavioral, solution-focused, and strength-based techniques, while never ignoring the human element and connection where the real change happens.

I entered into this field to help individuals to learn, grow and heal at their own pace. I fundamentally believe that we are the experts of ourselves and our experiences. My role through my education, learning and experience is to support clients’ in unlocking their awareness of patterns to increase the clients’ ability to access the tools within them to facilitate their learning, growth and healing through a collaborative process.

As a Black/African American woman, I am passionate about working with people of color (especially people of color who identify as LGBTIA+) in destigmatizing mental health in our communities and identifying how systemic racism/systemic oppression affect our mental health.

My strengths as a therapist are rooted in fifteen years of experience working in the field as a mental health clinician in a variety of settings. I have supported individual’s ability to access their inherent tools to overcome struggles connected to trauma, grief & loss, depression and general anxiety. Over the course of my experience I have developed skills in providing therapy to underrepresented, underserviced families, children, individuals, and couples. I also have a wealth of experience supporting youth involved in the juvenile justice system, oppositional teens, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

I believe people carry far more strength, clarity, and resilience than they often realize. My role is to help you understand the emotional patterns and internal narratives that shape your experience, so you can move through life with greater freedom and self‐trust. I’m engaged, attuned, and honest in the room — offering reflection, insight, and steady collaboration as we explore what’s happening beneath the surface. We work at a pace that feels grounded for you, creating space for real change to germinate.

(Hablo Español) I'm a warm, welcoming person who enjoys making others feel comfortable and heard. I approach conversations with an open mind, staying nonjudgmental and genuinely curious about different perspectives. I value kindness, honesty, and creating a space where people can be themselves. Whether we're solving a problem or just chatting, I aim to keep things approachable, positive, and easy to understand.

As a therapist my goal is to break the stigma that comes with therapy. I strive to create a collaborative, nurturing therapeutic relationship that can help transform one's pain or uncertainties into one of healing. Life can be difficult and sometimes confusing therefore I want to create a corner where one can feel safe, understood, and free of judgement.