Melanie Eley, MHC-LP
Mental Health Counselor
Therapy for individuals in Transition and seeking a guide in cultivating their identity
“The first step to self-love is self-acceptance. If I can accept my parts as my own, I don’t fix what is broken or wrong. I heal what was damaged and restore what was lost.”
Meet Melanie
I know that starting therapy can feel like a big step, especially if you’re used to holding everything together for everyone else. Some of us were raised with the notion that strength comes from going at it alone. Sometimes, we need an ally to help us along the way. My goal is to create a space where you can slow down, feel seen, and show up exactly as you are — no filters, no pressure.
I've got a Master's in Mental Health Counseling and have worked extensively in areas like foster care/adoption, domestic violence prevention, and crisis/suicide intervention. I've helped people navigate self-discovery, emerging adulthood, big life changes, and identity shifts through some of life’s most challenging moments.
I combine person-centered therapy with cognitive behavioral techniques (CBT) to help you work through thoughts that might be holding you back. Whether you're dealing with imposter syndrome, figuring out adulthood, or going through major life changes, we'll navigate it together.
I'm all about creating a therapeutic space that feels supportive, collaborative, and real. My goal is for you to leave each session feeling truly heard, backed up, and more confident in your ability to handle whatever life throws your way. Together, we'll gain clarity, help you find your voice, and empower you to live authentically.
How I Can Help
Who I Help
BIPOC individuals looking for support that honors your background, identity, and lived experiences
Adoptees and those with foster care histories navigating identity, belonging, and self worth
Young adults figuring out who you are and what you want
People in major life transitions who need support finding your way forward
Women and femme presenting individuals wanting to quiet self doubt, set boundaries, and reconnect with your authentic self
How I Help
I create a friendly, collaborative space where you can show up as yourself and feel supported with openness and compassion
I help you understand what has been keeping you stuck and find practical ways to bring more calm, confidence, and balance into your life
I center our work on your story, your background, and what feels meaningful to you
I highlight the strengths you already have while helping you build new tools and skills
I support you in reconnecting with your authentic self so you can clarify what you want and move forward with greater clarity and confidence
Issues I Help With
Identity exploration and concerns
Grief
Depression
Anxiety
Body image and self-esteem
Life transitions
Professional + Clinical Experience
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— Person Centered Therapy
— Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)
— Internal Family Systems (IFS)
— Solution-based Therapy
— Mindfulness
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— Anxiety
— Depression
— Burnout
— Life transitions
— Perfectionism
— Imposter syndrome
— Identity exploration
— Self-esteem
— Body image
— Attachment
— Grief
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— Emerging Adults
— Late Adolescents
— Middle Adulthood
— Peri/Menopausal Individuals
— BIPOC
— Black Women/ Femme Presenting Individuals
— College Students
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Monday: 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm (virtual)
Tuesday: 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm (virtual)
Wednesday: 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm (virtual)
Thursday: 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm (virtual)
Friday: 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm (virtual)
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M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
M.S. in Community Psychology
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New York State
Mental Health Counseling Limited Permit: P-10522
NPI: 1770149320
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English
My Therapy Style
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I enjoy a client who is open to exploring beyond what they think the issue is. A client who understands that this is their journey. Also, a client with an idea of what they want to work on and is willing to talk about it.
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My mother. She was a retired Licensed Practical Nurse, but she also carried a compassion where she was able to provide her patients a safe space to express anxiety, fear, and grief when they were in her care. It was a wonderful experience to watch her meet former patients on the street who she may have encountered at the worst possible moments of their lives, and they greeted her with such joy. I remember one former patient thanking my mother for letting them express their pain without judgment. Seeing how impactful a safe, nonjudgmental presence could be for others, I wanted to do the same. I just chose a different path from my mother.
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I went on a whim to see Meg Thee Stallion at Madison Square Garden. Witnessing Meg was an incredibly memorable experience. Her performance was not only fantastic but also deeply authentic, creating a space where her young fans felt free to be their true selves and thoroughly enjoy her music.
BEYOND THE THERAPY ROOM
My Rituals for Staying Grounded
Prayer and meditation
Dinner with family members
Traveling
Intentional rest
Journaling
Books I Often Recommend
Soothe Your Nerves: The Black Woman’s Guide to Understanding and Overcoming Anxity, Panic and Fear - Dr. Angela Neal-Barnett
My Grandmother’s Hands - Resma Menakem
The Body is Not an Apology - Sonia Renee Taylor
No Bad Parts - Richard C. Schwartz, PhD
Rest is Resistance: A Manifesto - Tricia Hersey
Communion - Bell Hooks
Influences on My Work
Resma Menekam - Understanding and healing generational trauma
Tricia Hersey - The importance of rest as resistance to systems of oppression
Dr. Raquel Martin - Burnout recovery for black woman and black femmes
Dr. Elaine Eng, MD - The power of story in supporting trauma healing in anxious minds
SERVICES, RATES + AVAILABILITY
Consultation
30 Minutes
Complimentary
During our consultation, we’ll get to know each other and determine if we’re a good fit.
Psychotherapy
45-50 Minutes
$175
Compassionate, person-centered sessions that foster self-understanding, resilience, and meaningful change.
Availability
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
Virtually
Please Note: We are primarily private-pay, and we accept Northwell Direct Tier 1 plans. Learn more on our Fees & Payment, How Out-of-Network Insurance Works, and Northwell Direct Tier 1 Insurance pages.
LET’S BEGIN
If you’re ready for therapy that’s collaborative, creative, and focused on what matters most to you, I’d love to connect. Whether in our Manhattan office or online, you’ll have a supportive space to reflect, recharge, and move forward with clarity.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT STARTING THERAPY
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Just reach out. You can complete our questionnaire to match with a therapist or email us directly, and someone from our team will follow up to learn a bit about what you're looking for. From there, we’ll recommend a therapist or invite you to explore our team bios to see who feels like the right fit. There’s no pressure. We want you to feel at home from the very beginning.
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Yes. Many clients come in knowing what kind of person they’d like to work with, while others prefer guidance. We’re happy to support either approach. You can review our therapists’ bios and request someone directly, or we can make a thoughtful match based on your needs, preferences, and availability.
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That’s very common. Our intake process includes space for conversation. We’ll ask a few simple questions, listen carefully, and help you connect with a therapist who feels like the right match for you. This is a collaborative process, not an algorithm.
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Most sessions are 45–50 minutes long, once a week. Some clients prefer longer or more frequent sessions depending on what they’re working through. We’ll tailor the cadence to your goals and preferences.
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Weekly sessions are the standard, though many clients choose to meet more frequently during transitional or emotionally demanding times. This is something you and your therapist will decide together, based on what feels supportive and sustainable.
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At this time, our focus is on individual therapy for adults and emerging adults. If you're seeking couples or family therapy, we’re happy to refer you to trusted colleagues in our extended network.