Our Approach
At Juniper Therapy, we believe that psychotherapy at its best is transformative, creative, and valuable; it is a dynamic and collaborative process that supports clients in gaining new perspectives to achieve goals and emotional growth. The framework that guides our approach to therapy with children, adults, couples and families is holistic, client-focused, and relational. Juniper Therapy seeks to develop a safe, non-judgmental environment, one in which clients can feel comfortable expressing their feelings, and takes an empathetic and warm stance. We utilize a strengths-based approach that incorporates cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, play therapy, family therapy, and talk therapy to support clients in facilitating growth and change.
Meet Melissa, LCSW Psychotherapist and Founder
Melissa Frankel, LCSW, is a Westchester native who believes that each individual is the expert of their life, and that her role is to help them access the tools for growth that are already within them. She obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education, with minors in Psychology and Children’s Studies, at Washington University in St. Louis. Upon completing her externship in elementary education, she realized her desire to support children in achieving social and emotional growth—within the contexts of their families and experiences—both inside and outside the school environment. She returned to school to earn her Master’s in Social Work from Columbia University, with an emphasis on clinical work with families, youth, and children, to pursue this dream. Melissa has experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families in school-based settings, hospitals, mental health clinics, and private practice. She has also completed post-graduate training at The Ackerman Institute for the Family.
