Melissa Slivka, LCSW

You don’t have to struggle alone

You had a vision for your future but now your world has gone dark and you're not sure anyone truly understands.

You didn’t expect life to be this hard. You didn’t expect to feel this alone even when others are around. You may have been thinking about finding a therapist for awhile. Family and friends no longer know how to help and have started to suggest you find someone you can talk to.

When you’re ready, I’m here to be that therapist you can be your true self with.

Welcome, I'm Melissa Slivka, LCSW

I’m here to help you feel understood and not so alone and isolated anymore.

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker licensed in the state of NJ with over 15 years of experience providing therapy. I help adults (18+) adapt to the loss of a loved one and integrate the loss into their life so they can find meaning, purpose, joy and satisfaction in life again. I also help women who have suffered the loss of a pregnancy, who are struggling with conceiving again, or struggling with postpartum depression or anxiety. 

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My Approach to Therapy

My approach is warm, supportive, nonjudgmental, validating, and confidential. I believe it’s important to treat our emotional wounds the same way we would a physical one. We wouldn’t ignore a broken arm and say, “It’s fine. You’re ok. It’s time to move on!” It doesn’t mean you’re weak or going insane because you’re looking for help to heal an emotional wound. You deserve to feel better. 

Patients can tell when a therapist is uncomfortable in session and will naturally withhold details leading to more avoidance and prolonged symptoms. I want to reassure you that I’m not afraid of your story or what you’re currently going through.

My patients share with me thoughts, feelings, and details that they’ve never felt comfortable telling anyone else before, even past therapists. It’s been unbelievably healing for them to share their emotional pain with someone who truly understands and won’t judge or respond with something that will make them feel even worse. 

I utilize evidence-based treatments like Prolonged Grief Disorder Therapy (Formerly Complicated Grief Therapy), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) because I believe you deserve to receive treatment that is proven to work.

What you can expect by working with me

  • We’ll work together as a team, meeting weekly online from the comfort of your own private space for about 4-5 months. Some patients return after graduation for additional support if needed.
  • We’ll set the agenda for each session and I’ll suggest exercises to do in between sessions to make the most out of our time together.
  • Even though I have many years of experience and specialized training, I believe you are the expert on what’s best for you and we’ll go at a pace you’re comfortable with.

Towards the end of treatment, my patients describe a tremendous weight lifted off their shoulders. The intense pain, sadness, and guilt feels lighter.

They feel more competent going out into the world knowing they can manage their emotions if triggered. 

They’re not just thinking about their loved ones death or the last chapter of their life, but their whole life and relationship. And the more they’re able to recall memories without intense pain, the more connected they feel to their loved one.

They start having the desire to live again. They’re eating and sleeping better. They’re engaging in pleasurable activities with family and friends again. They have more self compassion and start to have purpose and meaning again. 

What Makes Me Different From Other Therapists

I’ve provided individual, family, couples, and group therapy at a major regional medical center outpatient mental health clinic in Northern New Jersey for 14 years. I specialize in grief, maternal mental health, and trauma, but I’ve also treated a wide range of patients and diagnoses using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-focused CBT, prolonged grief disorder therapy, solution focused therapy, psychodynamic, and interpersonal modalities. My extensive experience allows me to help with your grief and maternal mental health, and treat potential underlying or comorbid conditions like depression, anxiety, or PTSD.

I also have extensive training and experience treating child sexual abuse. I utilize my sexual abuse and perinatal mental health training to support mothers who are survivors. 

Personalized Care

I sought to become the therapist I would want for myself. Although each of our experiences with loss and trauma is unique, I know how dark life can get. But I also know how resilient we can be and that healing is possible. 

Specialized Training

I have specialized training through Columbia University's Center for Prolonged Grief, Postpartum Support International, and UMDNJ & the CARES Institute to treat Grief, Perinatal Mood disorders, and trauma.

Convenient

I offer online therapy from the comfort of your own space. I have flexible scheduling with evening and weekend appointments available.

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Training & Education

Education & Licensure

  • Master of Social Work (MSW), Rutgers University School of Social Work
  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), New Jersey #44SC05424600

Training & Certifications

  • Prolonged Grief Disorder Therapy (PGDT), Columbia University The Center for Prolonged Grief
  • Perinatal Mood Disorders: Components of Care, Postpartum Support International (PSI)
  • Perinatal Mental Health Advanced Psychotherapy Training, Postpartum Support International (PSI)
  • Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), University of Medicine and Dentistry of NJ (UMDNJ) & CARES Institute
  • The New Jersey Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect, UMDNJ Child Sexual Abuse Case Consultation Project
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
  • Psychodynamic therapy
  • Interpersonal therapy
  • Solution Focused Therapy

What is a Moonbow?

moonbow, waterfall, yosemite-4788088.jpg

A moonbow occurs at night, usually during a full moon with a clear dark sky. Moonbow’s normally appear near a waterfall.  The moon’s light is reflected and refracted off of water droplets in the air appearing as a faint white beam of light to the human eye. However, when captured with a camera, over a long exposure, you can see its full beauty with all the colors of a rainbow.

I chose the name Moonbow Counseling to highlight how there can still be a beautiful light during dark times, even if you cannot see it yet.

You don't have to struggle alone

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