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Meet Melissa

Melissa has had a passion for mental health since she was 16. She holds a Master's degree in Forensic Psychology from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, where she specialized in critical incident stress among first responders and their families. Over the past 24 years, she has received training from the late Albert Ellis, participated in group therapy and case conferences with Dan Minuchin, and earned certifications as a First Responder Counselor, Breathwork Trainer, and in Mindfulness Therapy. Additionally, she is certified to teach Yin Yoga. 

Melissa has completed numerous trainings with Bessel van der Kolk on The Body Keeps Score, an intensive trauma treatment course, attended seminars with Esther Perel, and undergone extensive training on perimenopause, as well as trainings on yoga and its impact on mental health.

When she is not working, you can find Melissa reading (she will ask you what you are currently reading), practicing yoga, engaging in amateur photography (be sure to check out the photos in her office), spending time with her cats, and being a mother to her two very active teenagers.
 

You are being presented with two choices: Evolve or repeat. 

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WHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR VISIT

Guiding You On the Path of Self-Healing

HELLO!
Welcome to your new beginning! My motto for therapy is "evolve or repeat," and I firmly believe in this approach. As you embark on your journey, let me share a bit about myself. I am a warm and genuine person dedicated to your growth. I will be there to support you every step of the way, but I will also tell you the truth and challenge you to break old habits. Together, we will work towards your success in relationships, work, and self-awareness. I have extensive training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy, and mindfulness techniques. As a certified breathwork teacher and in treating intense trauma, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience. Additionally, I am a Certified First Responder Counselor, ready to help you navigate your challenges with confidence. Let's start this transformative journey together!

I encourage all of my clients to view my professional Facebook page @MelissaMManenteLPC, as well as my professional Instagram page @Melissa_Manentelpc where I post interesting articles, encouraging sayings, and updates regarding my office.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/melissa-manente-cranford-nj/343785

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**Individual Therapy**

I offer a cognitive-behavioral and rational emotive approach that helps individuals understand how faulty thinking can impact their daily lives. This type of thinking can overwhelm us and leave us feeling stuck when making decisions. Often, we fall into patterns of faulty thinking that can render us helpless.

**Young Adult Mental Health**

I am passionate about working with young women as they transition into adulthood. I believe this period can be particularly challenging. My goal is to help them understand the root of their troubles and encourage positive changes in their lives. Additionally, I explore how societal expectations can place immense pressure on young adults, making it difficult for them to break free from faulty thinking and truly determine what they want for themselves.

 

**Mindfulness Therapy**

I believe that becoming mindful is an essential aspect of personal development in therapy. I strive to incorporate mindfulness techniques in all my therapy sessions to help individuals become more grounded and aware of themselves and their surroundings. Mindfulness can help a person find fulfillment by learning to "just be here." We often focus so much on what comes next that we overlook the importance of the present moment.

 

**Certified First Responder Counseling**

I have received specialized training to understand the unique needs of first responders, emphasizing the importance of confidentiality and trust. As a Certified First Responder Counselor (CFRC), I am trained specifically in the culture of first responders and law enforcement officers. This certification must be renewed annually through additional training courses.

 

**Women's Mental Health**

I am deeply passionate about women's mental health. Navigating womanhood can be challenging, and I aim to make this journey easier. My goal is to help women understand their bodies, the changes they experience throughout their lives, and how these changes impact their mental health.

 

**Therapist Guidance for New Therapists**

After supervision—what comes next? During the initial years of being a therapist, many emotions can surface. I enjoy working with new therapists to navigate these feelings, thoughts, and countertransferences that may occur in your new role. While I am not a certified supervisor, I can support you on your journey as you start your career.

**Yin Yoga Certified Teacher**

Yin Yoga is a relatively recent style of yoga that emphasizes the balance between opposing forces. It embodies the concept of Yin and Yang in life—the good and the bad, the light and the dark, the open and the closed, the quiet and the loud. I believe this balance is a crucial aspect of therapy and personal growth.

 

**Certified Breathwork Teacher**

Breathwork refers to various breathing practices that consciously control breathing, which is said to influence a person’s mental, emotional, or physical state and provide therapeutic benefits.

Services I Provide 

Office Hours

Monday 10am- 7pm

Tuesday 10am - 8pm

Thursday 10am-8pm

All appointments must be scheduled in advance.

I cannot accommodate weekend appointments.

**Emergency**

If you are having a psychiatric emergency,

please call 911 or 988

or go to the nearest Emergency Room.

 

MY OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED FROM 8/21/2025-9/8/2025.  

 

MELISSA MANENTE, LPC, CFRC

Address:

19 Holly St
Cranford, Union County 07016
USA

Email:

Phone:

201-519-5428

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201-519-5428

19 Holly St
Cranford, Union County 07016
USA

©2017 BY MELISSA MANENTE LPC, LLC. PROUDLY CREATED WITH WIX.COM

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