Monica Melgar

LCSW • Licensed Clinical Social Worker

In-person only

About

Blending somatic experiencing, narrative therapy, and indigenous frameworks, Monica Melgar, LCSW (they/them/she/her) offers a unique approach to healing that honors the wisdom of both mind and body. As a white latinx, non-binary, queer person, Monica brings a rich perspective to their practice, informed by years of community organizing, punk rock performances, and harm reduction work.

Monica specializes in long-term trauma work, focusing on recovery from developmental (childhood) trauma, shock trauma, and relational trauma. Their expertise extends to working with LGBTQ2S+ community members and individuals from mixed cultural backgrounds. With a sex-positive and kink-friendly approach, Monica is also competent in addressing issues related to polyamory, non-monogamy, and alternative family structures.

After earning their Masters of Social Work from Portland State University in 2020, Monica became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Oregon. They are currently enhancing their skills through training at Somatic Experiencing International to become a certified Somatic Experiencing Practitioner. This ongoing education reflects their commitment to providing cutting-edge, trauma-informed care.

Monica's therapeutic approach is a thoughtful blend of Somatic Experiencing, Narrative, Process-Oriented, and Internal Family Systems Therapy. They approach each session with curiosity and respect, recognizing that clients are the experts of their own lives. By connecting with the internal wisdom of both mind and body, Monica creates a space for processing, grieving, dreaming, and growing. Their practice is rooted in anti-oppression and social justice principles, acknowledging the various systems that affect clients' lives while empowering them to cope and thrive.

In the therapeutic space, Monica's style is engaged, collaborative, and uplifting. They invite clients' spirituality, cultural practices, and ancestral connections into the work, reflecting their commitment to decolonizing therapeutic approaches. Whether you're seeking to process trauma, explore your identity, or work towards personal growth, Monica offers a supportive and challenging environment to move into your whole self. Their practice at Healing Tides Counseling stands as a testament to their belief in therapy as a powerful tool in the pursuit of ease, wholeness, and liberation.

Qualifications

Education

  • Master of Social Work, 2020

Certifications, Memberships & Training

  • Somatic Experiencing Practitioner Training

State Licenses

  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker, OR

Specialties & Expertise

Specializations

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Gender Dysphoria
  • Grief
  • PTSD
  • Self Esteem
  • Substance Abuse
  • Trauma

State Licenses

  • Oregon

Race, Gender & Sexual Sensitivities

  • LGBTQ+ Allied
  • Queer Allied
  • Sex-Positive; Kink Allied
  • Transgender Allied

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Locations

Healing Tides Counseling - Belmont
2450 SE Belmont St
Portland, OR 97214

Healing Tides Counseling - Art Therapy Location
2045 SE Belmont St
Portland, OR 97214

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