Hi, I’m Melisenda.
Living Stone is a place to help humans gain more freedom, peace, and joy in their lives.
My Story
Having roots in Central CA, where the pace of life is slower and you can see rows of corn - not to mention smell the lovely cows- allowed me to live a pretty calm life. There was not much that I worried about and this was my norm. Then one day my world was flipped upside down when one of my family members became sick. Though this experience was traumatic- it highlighted just how much I care for those who undergo pain and how the family system changes after such an event. I can remember the very first time I could literally feel another person’s pain. This sensitivity I have is what led me to pursue a career in counseling. I deeply care for the family system and the well being of homes. When our homes are healthy -operating from safety and security - each dynamic flourishes. New cycles emerge & new generational patterns can start to take place.
And now that I am a mother to two beautiful babies (ages 3 & 1) my focus on the family remains along with another sensitivity being for the mama. My own postpartum experience(s) gifted me this new perspective. The major life change, disrupted sleep, crying spells, perfectionistic tendencies, not to mention the difficulties with having a baby around the covid era forced me into a depression. I was not only sad, lonely, scared, but also ANGRY. I wish I could tell you that I got the help that I needed but I didn’t. I tried to manage my emotions on my own (silly therapist me) and thought if I could just workout more, get outside more, make more friends (which are all great & wonderful) -even doing all of these things- still led me to a pit of darkness.
Eventually, I felt better.
But it took me a really long time to do so. Since the birth of my second child, I vowed to my family and myself that I would do things differently….and I did! I finally got all the help I needed- mental health therapy, lactation support, chiro care, nutrition guidance, and was under the care of a reproductive psychiatrist- such a dream treatment team. I sought out community and leaned into life giving relationships. I had the resources to combat another postpartum season. In my heart, I carry the badge of being a two times survivor of a perinatal mood and anxiety disorder (PMAD).
I share these parts of my story because I am a firm believer in sharing to build trust and connection. When I received the help I needed- each professional SAW me and HEARD me. They weren’t just a service provider but a human/mother who cared for another human/mother. Through those safe interactions, I was able to heal. When a mama is cared for-the home thrives.
I wholeheartedly believe:
Freedom, joy, and peace can be experienced.
I am the living, breathing, walking proof of that.
My Approach
I work from an attachment-based perspective, offering a secure space where you can show up just as you are. Over time, this sense of safety and connection can positively shape the way you relate to yourself and others. Drawing from a family systems lens, exploring your family history, culture, and generational patterns can help uncover new ways to living.
Collaborative: This is a team effort—your goals shape the process, and we navigate the journey together -hand in hand (figuratively speaking).
Compassionate: I believe healing starts with kindness, so I approach every session with empathy and understanding. You will be respected, seen, and heard.
Down to earth: I am a human and leave the psychological babble at the door. Relatability is key. So grab your coffee and comfy pants and let’s get to work.
Services & Fees
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Services & Fees *
Individual Intake Assessments $200
We will get a good sense of what is bringing you to therapy and explore your history in this 75min appt. We will create goals and a treatment plan so we have a plan of action.
Individual Sessions $150
The next scheduled appt & sessions moving forward will have those goals in mind but this is also your time to unload and process current stressors. This 45-50min session can cover multiple topics or have a focused agenda.
Family Intake Assessment $350
In this 2 hour appt, we will solidify who the family unit is and explore current dynamics. A comprehensive history will be taken along with the creation of goals and a treatment plan. Each member will be provided the opportunity to share their perspective.
Family Sessions $250
For this 90min appt, we begin with a check in with each family member. Then we will get to work! Depending on the family goals “work” can look like:
effective modes of communication vs ineffective communication
identifying & processing generational patterns and traumas
learning one another’s love language
conflict resolution
My Policy on Tardiness, No Show, Rescheduling, or Cancellation….
I know life can just happen and our appt can be set on the back burner. So let’s agree to be in communication regarding tardiness, no show, rescheduling, or cancellation.
I ask that you provide me a 24 hour notice of cancelling our appt. Without the 24 hour notice, a late fee (ie. $150 for individuals and $250 for families) will be charged. That would be such a bummer considering no service was provided-arg!
I ask that you let me know if you are needing to reschedule an appt with a 24 hour notice. This will help me keep my schedule accurate and up to date especially to the clients who may need to be seen on a last min basis or allowing new ones to gain access to me. To bypass the late fee, we can try and reschedule for another time that week-however there is no guarantee that I will have any openings.
I ask that you let me know if you are running late. I can wait for you during our allotted time slot. Any time beyond that slot (50min for ind and 90min for families), I will cancel our appt and a late fee will be charged.
Again, life happens and I totally get it. We are human and sometimes I may need to focus on my family or even my own health so lots of grace all around. You will be given a free pass for the first (any of the situations named above) time.
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*Payments are due at the time of service.
*I accept credit/debit cards, HSA/FSA cards and utilize the Ivy App. Ivy Pay is a HIPAA-secure, PCI-protected card-on-file payment service that was designed exclusively for therapists.
* If you have a PPO insurance plan with out-of-network benefits, you may eligible for reimbursement for therapy services… which can lower your out-of-pocket costs. I can provide you superbills for insurance submissions. I can also help you understand your benefits. My hope is that “private pay” does not scare you away but help you feel empowered to be able to choose your mental health provider-not to mention -skipping the long waitlist so you are not waiting weeks to be seen. Please call me to discuss further & we can figure this out.
Get in Touch!
Schedule a free 15 minute consultation to see if I am the right fit for you. Or you can jump right into to making an appointment for an intake. Totally up to you! Choose any options to contact me from below….
FAQs
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First things first, we will start with a free 15 minute consultation to see if I am the right fit for you. You can call, message me via text or email, or click on any of the buttons within the site to get that scheduled. And if you just want to jump in-that is okay too! An intake appt will be scheduled instead.
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Mamas. There is something special about the universal motherhood bond. So from one mom to another- I got you mama!
Families. My heart beats and breaks for the family system. I will be the “adopted auntie” who can help with communication, conflict, trauma & stressors.
Young Adults/Adults. From career aspirations, relationship highs and lows, & purpose and identity-I help with it all.
I am a therapist’s therapist! Yes, you read that correctly. Majority of my clientele are fellow therapists. It truly is a full circle moment for me & I am honored to be trusted & chosen.
Christians. If you would like to integrate the Christian faith and perspective into therapy, that can be done. Just let me know what you are desiring.
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All services are done via Telehealth to provide easy accessibility in the privacy of your own space. Remember your coffee and comfy pants- I am not kidding!
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I always leave this up to you! There are factors at play here like finances and availability. However, I would encourage to meet weekly so the foundation can be laid. Then after 6-8 weekly sessions we can change the frequency to every other week, every 3 weeks, or once a month!
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Individual Intake Assessment (75min) $200
Individual Therapy Sessions (45 -50min) $150
Family Intake Assessment (2 hours) $350
Family Therapy Sessions (90min) $250
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At this time, I do not accept any insurances. I am happy to provide you with a superbill that you can submit to your insurance for possible reimbursement. I am also willing to discuss Out of Network benefits if your plan has those. Either way - let’s chat!
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Payment is due at the time of service.
I accept credit, debit, HSA and FSA cards. I utilize Ivy Pay to receive payments. It’s HIPAA-secure, keeps our therapy confidential and makes payment easy for you and me. All I need is your mobile number.
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Reduced rates are available on a limited basis. I will do my very best to make therapy affordable so if my current prices are not feasible right now-let’s chat to see if we can make things work!
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I ask that you provide me a 24 hour notice of cancelling our appt. Without the 24 hour notice, a late fee (ie. $150 for individuals and $250 for families) will be charged.
I ask that you let me know if you are needing to reschedule an appt with a 24 hour notice. This will help me keep my schedule accurate and up to date especially to the clients who may need to be seen on a last min basis or allowing new ones to gain access to me.
I ask that you let me know if you are running late. I can wait for you during our allotted time slot. Any time beyond that slot (50min for ind and 90min for families), I will cancel our appt and a late fee will be charged.