Melissa Daoud

LMFT • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Virtual or In-person

About

Relationships are the cornerstone of a meaningful life, and when they falter, the impact can be profound. Melissa Daoud, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT #119476), understands this deeply and has dedicated her career to helping individuals, couples, and families navigate the complexities of human connections. With a warm, kind, and down-to-earth approach, Melissa creates a safe and non-judgmental space where clients can embark on their journey toward healing, growth, and a more fulfilling life.

Melissa's clinical approach is primarily informed by the Relational Developmental Systems Theory, which considers the interplay between an individual's development, relationships, and environment in understanding mental health symptoms. She seamlessly integrates evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Family Systems Theory, all filtered through a multicultural lens. For couples and families, Melissa employs the renowned Gottman Method, ensuring a comprehensive and effective therapeutic experience.

With extensive experience working with youth and their families, Melissa offers a range of services including individual therapy, parent support therapy, and family therapy. Her expertise covers a wide spectrum of clinical issues, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, parent-child relationship issues, anger management, school refusal, learning disabilities, trauma, relationships, and life transitions. Melissa's background in school counseling and her experience in providing outpatient psychotherapy since 2018 have honed her skills in addressing the unique challenges faced by children, teens, and their families.

Melissa's passion for working with parents is evident in her approach. Whether through parent support, individual therapy for parents or their children/teens, or family therapy, she excels in guiding families toward healthier dynamics. Her personal experience as a mother of three children, combined with her cultural identity, offers a unique perspective that resonates particularly well with immigrant parents navigating the complexities of bicultural parenting.

Education has played a crucial role in shaping Melissa's expertise. She holds a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology from Santa Clara University and another in Research and Experimental Psychology from San Jose State University. Her commitment to continuous learning is evident in her numerous certifications, including being a Certified Child and Adolescent Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCAATP) and her ongoing process of becoming a certified DBT therapist. Melissa has also completed extensive training from the Gottman Institute, enhancing her skills in couples therapy.

Throughout her career, Melissa has worked in diverse settings, from outpatient clinics to school-based programs, gaining valuable experience in treating a wide range of mental health issues across different age groups. Her work at the Family Therapy Center since 2022 has allowed her to specialize in culturally sensitive care, parent coaching, co-parenting, couples and family therapy, divorce support, anxiety treatment, and identity issues. She also leads an applied DBT group for high school students, showcasing her versatility and dedication to helping young people thrive.

Melissa Daoud's approach to therapy is not about "fixing" her clients, but rather walking alongside them on their journey of self-discovery and growth. Her genuine care for her clients' well-being, coupled with her ability to use humor appropriately in clinical work, creates an environment where healing and personal development can flourish. Whether you're seeking individual support, couples counseling, or family therapy, Melissa Daoud offers the expertise, compassion, and dedication needed to guide you toward a more harmonious and fulfilling life.

Qualifications

State Licenses

  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Specialties & Expertise

Specializations

  • ADHD
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Parenting
  • Trauma

State Licenses

  • California

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Locations

Family Therapy Center of Silicon Valley - San Jose Office
2450 Samaritan Dr
San Jose, CA 95124

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