Melissa Daoud (she/her)

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #119476

services i offer

In-office and virtual sessions for:

• Couples counseling

• Family therapy

• Group therapy

• Individual therapy (children, teens, adults)

• Parent support therapy

• Pre-marital counseling

Specialties and Focus Areas

• Attachment issues

• Divorce and relationship issues

• Highly emotional children, teens, and adults

My approach

When you work with me, you can expect a warm, non-judgmental space where you feel genuinely heard and understood. This emphasis on creating a safe and comfortable environment is a key part of my practice. As your therapist, I am here to walk alongside you through your journey, not to "fix you.” I tailor my approach to each client's unique needs, whether you're seeking support as a parent, navigating your identity, or managing life's stressors.

I'm passionate about working with parents, whether it's in parent support, through individual therapy for themselves or their children, or in family therapy. I particularly enjoy working with immigrant parents and their children, as well as parents trying to balance parenting stressors with careers, relationships, and personal needs. I am a mother of three children, and my life experiences and cultural identity offer me a perspective to understand other bicultural parents in their parenting journey and help them realize they are the experts on their children.

about me

I bring my full self to my practice, integrating my personality, life experiences, and cultural background into my work. As a mother of three and a Muslim-American woman, I understand the importance of identity exploration and cultural sensitivity in therapy. This perspective allows me to connect deeply with bicultural parents, their families, and individuals navigating complex identities.

Outside of therapy, I enjoy reading and learning new things, exploring new cultures, and spending quality time with my family.

therapeutic modalities i am Trained to use

• Attachment-based therapy

• Attachment-based family therapy

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

education & Certifications

• MA / MSW in Counseling Psychology, Santa Clara University

• MA in Research and Experimental Psychology, San Jose State University

• BA in Psychology, Minor in Biology, San Jose State University

• Comprehensive Dialectical Behavior Therapy, CONCEPT Continuing and Professional Studies Certificate, Palo Alto University

• Certified Child and Adolescent Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCAATP)

• Level 1 Team CBT Certification

• Completed Levels 1 and 2 Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy Couples Therapy in her work with couples

Work Experience

• Therapist at Family Therapy Center

• Therapist at Khalil Center

• Therapist at Los Gatos Therapy Center

• Therapist at The Miri Center

• Therapist at Adolescent Counseling Services

• Suicide and Crisis Hotline Volunteer at Santa Clara County Behavioral Health

Other areas of concern i work with

• Abandonment

• Anger

• Anxiety

• Attention problems / ADHD

• Communication difficulties

• Depression (major, post-partum)