Melissa

Melissa Morais Parr, MA

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

“I specialize in providing therapy to those who are struggling with their parenting, postpartum, anxiety, depression, and life stressors.”

About Me

When parenting, postpartum changes, anxiety, depression, or daily stressors feel overwhelming, I offer a supportive space. I help individuals and families navigate these complex challenges. We can explore your unique experiences together, making sense of difficult emotions. My approach aims to help you find effective ways forward, feeling truly heard and understood. This support builds clarity and resilience, helping you manage life's demands.

Approach

When caring for children, adjusting after birth, or managing mood and daily overwhelm, problems often show up as crowded days and frayed routines; I help you map what's most urgent and create small, doable steps toward relief. I offer appointments in San Diego and secure online sessions in English, paced to fit busy parents, partners, and individuals. In sessions we try brief experiments, gentle mindfulness, and clear cognitive tools, then adapt based on what works between meetings. This practical, collaborative pace tends to help adults and couples navigating transitions who want steady, manageable progress.
Contact Melissa

Ask a quick question or arrange a time to meet.

Basic Information

In-person & Online

Services

Services Offered:

  • Counseling

    A form of talk therapy providing a safe, confidential space to explore feelings, thoughts, and behaviours with a trained professional.

    Learn more about Counseling
  • Free Consultation

    A no-cost initial session to meet the therapist, discuss needs, and decide whether they are the right fit before committing.

  • Relationship Counseling

    Counselling for couples or partners focused on improving communication, rebuilding trust, and strengthening emotional connection.

  • Mindfulness

    The practice of paying deliberate attention to the present moment without judgement, used to reduce stress and increase awareness of automatic reactions.

    Learn more about Mindfulness
  • Online Therapy

    Therapy sessions conducted over video call, phone, or secure messaging, using the same professional methods delivered remotely.

    Learn more about Online Therapy
  • CBT

    Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, a structured, evidence-based approach that identifies and changes unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviours.

    Learn more about CBT
  • Individual Therapy

    One-on-one therapy sessions between a client and a therapist, focused on that person's specific concerns and goals.

    Learn more about Individual Therapy

Works With:

  • Adults
  • Couples
  • Individuals
  • Parents

Area of Expertise

Scope of Practice:

  • Life Transitions

    Major life changes, such as relocation, retirement, parenthood, or career shifts, that disrupt routine and require psychological adjustment.

    Learn more about Life Transitions
  • Anxiety

    Persistent worry, nervousness, or fear that is disproportionate to the situation and interferes with daily functioning.

    Learn more about Anxiety
  • Mood Disorder

    A category of mental health conditions, including depression and bipolar disorder, in which a person's emotional state is significantly and persistently disrupted.

    Learn more about Mood Disorder
  • Postnatal or Perinatal Depression

    Depression occurring during pregnancy or in the months following childbirth, affecting mood, energy, bonding with the baby, and daily functioning.

    Learn more about Postnatal or Perinatal Depression
  • Parenting Support

    Guidance for the psychological challenges of raising children, including discipline, communication, co-parenting, and managing the emotional demands of parenthood.

  • Pregnancy & Fertility Issues

    The emotional and psychological dimensions of pregnancy, fertility treatment, pregnancy loss, or the transition to parenthood.

    Learn more about Pregnancy & Fertility Issues
  • Relationship Issues

    Difficulties in romantic relationships, including communication problems, trust breakdowns, conflict patterns, or uncertainty about the relationship's future.

    Learn more about Relationship Issues
  • Stress / Burnout

    The body and mind's response to prolonged or excessive demands. When sustained, it can lead to emotional exhaustion, detachment, and reduced functioning (burnout).

    Learn more about Stress / Burnout

Professional Title:

  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

    A therapist licensed to work with couples and families on relationship difficulties, communication, and family dynamics.

Credentials

Registrations

California Board of Behavioral Sciences

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Qualifications

Master of Arts

Alliant International University

Service Areas

Virtual Office

In-person & Online

Carlsbad

San Diego, California

United States

Carlsbad, San Diego, United States