Background Information
Melissa Essman, MSW, LCSW has a diverse background in both clinical and educational settings.
After graduating from University of Southern California, she became an adjunct faculty member of Cal State University, Fullerton in the Child and Adolescent Studies department. She currently teaches a variety of Child Development courses including: Development Through the Lifespan, Early Child Development, Adolescent Development and Parenting in the 21st Century.
Marriage and Parenthood
She has been a parent educator, couples counselor and group facilitator in various settings. She has developed curriculum for groups dealing with relationship myths, marriage building, body image, and emotion-coaching for children.
She has a particular interest in offering skills to couples during typically difficult transitions in marriage and parenting.
She is a Certified Gottman Educator and marketed the first pilot program for the Bringing Baby Home Workhop in the Orange County area. She is inspired by her two children and husband of 23 years.
Individual and Private Counseling
She offers counseling to individuals, couples and families using a strengths-based perspective and especially enjoys working with people during pivotal changes in their lives.
Specializing in the transitions that adults experience at different phases in life:
college age
engaged couples
expectant couples
new parents
parents of toddlers
blended families
parents of teens
