Melissa Lowenstein, AMFT
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist
Melissa joins OpenMinds after nearly 15 years with AHA!, a Santa Barbara nonprofit with over 25 years of experience supporting teens, parents, families, and educators. In her role as program administrator, facilitator trainer, and social-emotional wellness educator, she helped participants build self-awareness, social awareness, and skills for self-management, healthy relationships, and responsible decision-making. Since beginning work a a therapist in 2022, Melissa has worked with diverse groups—teens, families, couples, and organizations—drawing on somatic, attachment-based, psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, family systems, and creative arts therapies. Since 2008, she has also trained and coached parents and educators in the Nurtured Heart Approach, a method that helps adults replace ineffective ways of relating to children with more positive, effective strategies.
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Melissa earned her a Bachelor's Degree in theater arts from the College of William and Mary in Virginia, a Master's of Education from the University of Virginia, and a Master's in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University.
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AMFT #137981
My Story
I'm an East Coast transplant, born in New Jersey, but have been on the left coast since 1995, and can't for the life of me figure out why anyone would live anywhere else. I'm a parent (of 2), step-parent (of 3), all grown; navigating the ins and outs of blended family set valuable foundations for me as the therapist I'm becoming. I am also a creative artist (writing, visual art, movement), longtime yoga practitioner (30 years!) and yoga teacher (first certified in 1997!). I love to move my body and spend time in nature (mountains have slight edge on ocean, but I love them both and most every other natural environment!).
Education
BA Theater Arts - William and Mary of Virginia
​Masters in Education- University of Virginia​
Masters in Clinical Psychology- Antioch University
Expertise
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Anger Management
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Anxiety
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Compulsive Internet Use
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Couples/Marriage Counseling
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Depression
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Family Therapy
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Grief/Bereavement
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Pain Management
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Panic
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Sexual Dysfunction
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Sexual/Physical Abuse
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Somatic Disorders
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Trauma
Treatment Approaches
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
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Internal Family Systems
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Somatic Psychotherapy
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Creative Arts Therapies
Schedule a Time
I'm always looking for new and exciting opportunities to help people. Let's connect.
(805) 500-3131