Melanie Stafford

About Melanie Stafford

As a passionate and dedicated emerging child psychotherapist, I am committed to creating a safe, person-centered, and nurturing space where children feel seen, heard, and supported. I am deeply driven to help young clients build emotional resilience, develop healthy coping skills, and gain a deeper understanding of themselves through developmentally appropriate support.I am especially interested in working with children facing emotional and behavioral challenges, including trauma, grief, family transitions, and early struggles with emotional regulation. I also value supporting families, including parents and caregivers, as they navigate relational dynamics that impact a child’s mental and emotional well-being.My approach draws on foundational training in evidence-based modalities, including Play Therapy, Art Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Cognitive Behavioral Play Therapy (CBPT), Person-Centered Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy. I believe in the importance of a flexible, integrative therapeutic approach, recognizing that each child’s healing journey is unique and non-linear. My focus is on meeting children where they are emotionally and developmentally to foster growth and emotional wellness.In addition, my professional background as a Human Resources Manager in an international early childhood education setting has given me valuable insight into child development, communication through play, and the importance of emotional support in early learning environments. This experience informs my compassionate, collaborative approach to working with children and families in a therapeutic context.

Experience

1. Payroll Consultant

   Another Broken Egg Cafe

   Apr 2025 — Present · Orlando, FL, US

Education

• Southern New Hampshire University

  Bachelor of Science - BS, Criminal justice

  2019

• Walden University

  Masters, Mental Health Counseling/Counselor