Ms. Kirchner

Valetta Melanie Kirchner is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California.

Valetta received both her Bachelor’s and her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Oldenburg in Germany. During her studies, she went abroad for a year to study at California State University Long Beach. After her graduation in 2005, she moved from Germany to California. Her professional practice of 15 years has provided her with extensive experiences in the fields of clinical psychology and behavioral health. She has worked with children, adolescents, and adults with mild to severe symptoms; individuals, couples, families, and groups from diverse backgrounds including LGBTQ+.

Valetta is experienced in treating a wide range of presenting issues such as:
• Stress, anxiety, panic
• Depression and other mood disorders, anger, trauma, suicidality
• Grief and loss, life transitions including postpartum mental health, acculturation issues
• Challenges with (sexual) identity and/or sexual orientation
• Relationship issues – also in open relationships and dating
• Eating disorders and substance use/abuse
• Hallucinations, delusions, paranoia
• As well as the influence of mental (and physical!) health on well-being and life satisfaction with its effects on self-esteem, concentration, productivity, etc.

Valetta does not view a person through the narrow lens of a diagnosis. Instead, she believes each person, the entire person, deserves a holistic approach and to be seen in their specific environment and circumstances. Valetta sees symptoms as coping mechanisms adopted in an effort to keep the person safe and protected. In some cases, these mechanisms need fine tuning. In other cases, Valetta works with the person to explore more effective alternatives.

Working within a framework of mindfulness and self-compassion, Valetta adopts a pragmatic and eclectic approach choosing from a variety of psychological schools to tailor her methods to the individual and their specific challenges and needs.

Valetta is eager to render the best therapeutic services in a comfortable and non-judgmental setting. She is genuine, transparent, and empathetic. Most people find they connect with her easily. She always seeks to expand and refine her approach by welcoming feedback and through continuing education.

License Number: LMFT #99603 Bilingual: Fluent in English and German