Hello!

I’m Melanie Maldonado, LPCC (she/her) and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate serving clients in Colorado.

As a woman, I understand what it’s like to feel overwhelmed and unsure. I will bring empathy and a collaborative approach to our work together, tailoring my techniques to meet your unique needs. Whether you’re seeking balance, clarity, or deeper self-awareness, we’ll work together to identify what matters most to you and take meaningful steps toward the life you want to create—fostering growth, balance, and fulfillment along the way.

Book an Appointment with Me!

Phone

(720) 443-3395

Email

mmaldonado@hertimetherapy.com

Telehealth Link

Simple Practice - Link Sent to Your Email

Rates

Out-of-Pocket: $95-$135

Insurance Accepted: Medicaid, Aetna, Anthem BCBS, United

My Approach to Therapy:

I believe that every individual (including you!) has the capacity for growth and change. My approach is rooted in meeting you exactly where you are in your journey, creating a safe and nonjudgmental space where you can explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences. Together, we’ll uncover your strengths and identify areas for growth, all while ensuring the process feels supportive and empowering.

To make therapy truly tailored to each client, I integrate evidence-based modalities like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and narrative therapy. Whether we’re reframing unhelpful thought patterns, building emotional regulation skills, or reshaping personal narratives, I adapt these tools to suit your unique situation. My goal is to ensure the therapy experience feels collaborative, meaningful, and designed to help you thrive in your own way.

My Ideal Client:

Are you a woman juggling multiple roles— professional, caregiver, partner, or friend? If so, I bet you feel like there’s little time to focus on yourself. When did you last ask yourself: "Am I happy?" or "What do I really want to do with my life?" I’m here to help you make sense of the emotions that come with wearing so many hats and create a path toward balance. Together, we’ll identify what’s working, what’s not, and what you truly need to feel more grounded and in control.

I take a holistic approach to wellness, helping you prioritize your mind, body, and spirit. Through our work, we’ll uncover practical strategies to navigate life’s challenges, build self-awareness, and align your daily life with your deeper values. My goal is to help you manage the chaos and rediscover joy and fulfillment along the way.

Women's Mental Health Therapist Melanie Maldonado introducing herself and her approach to therapy.

The Concerns I Specialize in Treating:

Counseling for Anxiety

Through a compassionate and evidence-based approach, I help women understand and overcome anxiety by addressing its root causes and empowering them with practical tools for lasting change. Utilizing techniques from cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), I focus on identifying and challenging unhelpful thoughts and core beliefs that contribute to anxiety. In sessions, I incorporate self-compassion practices to help clients develop a kinder relationship with themselves while using methods such as behavioral experiments, journaling (or “brain dumping”), and thought recording to reframe negative narratives. Together, we build resilience and create new, empowering stories that support a sense of calm, confidence, and holistic well-being.

Counseling for Depression

When working with depression, I focus on helping you uncover and challenge the negative thought patterns that may be keeping you stuck. Together, we’ll explore the underlying beliefs that contribute to your feelings of hopelessness or low self-worth, using evidence-based techniques like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). I’ll guide you in developing practical tools to reframe unhelpful thoughts, build routines that support your well-being, and find moments of joy and connection in your daily life. My goal is to help you regain a sense of purpose, resilience, and hope as we work toward creating a life that feels meaningful and fulfilling for you.

Counseling for Body Image & Self Esteem

When addressing body image and self-esteem, I take an approach grounded in narrative therapy and cognitive therapy and foster clients in developing a growth mindset. Together, we explore the stories you tell yourself about your bodies and self-worth, examining how these narratives may be causing harm. By identifying where these stories originated, we can challenge and reframe them into more positive and empowering narratives that highlight strengths and resilience. This process encourages and teaches you how to view yourself through a kinder, more compassionate lens, fostering confidence and a healthier sense of self.

Counseling for Relationship Issues

I specialize in helping women navigate relationship challenges, particularly during breakups or significant life transitions stemming from relationship issues. Whether you're adjusting to being newly single, starting a new relationship, or navigating changes in work or school environments, I help you explore your values and identify any misalignments that may be causing distress. Together, we’ll examine any unhelpful thoughts and behaviors that may be holding you back, reframing those thoughts and shifting behaviors to support your growth and healing. For those unsure about staying in a relationship, we’ll explore your needs, values, and goals to help you make a decision that feels aligned with your true self and future aspirations.

Counseling for Perfectionism & People Pleasing

When working with perfectionism, I primarily use cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) techniques to help you break free from the cycle of unrealistic expectations and tolerate the distress that may come from telling people "no" and setting boundaries that upset them. Together, we’ll explore core beliefs and cognitive distortions that may be feeding into your perfectionism, such as "If I don't say yes to everything asked of me at work, I'm not good at my job, and I'll be fired," where you believe that anything less than perfect is a failure. This mindset often leads to increased stress and feeling overwhelmed. I’ll guide you in reframing these thoughts, setting boundaries, and breaking tasks into smaller, more manageable steps, making it easier to approach challenges without feeling paralyzed by the need to be perfect. This process allows you to build healthier, more realistic standards for yourself, leading to greater self-compassion and a sense of accomplishment.

My Story:

Originally from New Mexico, I made the decision to leave the land of enchantment for college and start fresh in North Carolina. Those ten years in North Carolina brought so much growth but weren’t without their struggles. I found myself feeling helpless and out of balance, unsure of who I even was. In the midst of an unhealthy relationship, I felt like I was a shell of myself, disconnected from the person I knew I could be.

It was during this time that I turned to therapy, where I had the space to explore my past and understand the experiences that shaped my behaviors. I learned that my past didn’t have to dictate my future and that I could unlearn unhealthy patterns and create a new path for myself. Therapy helped me gain clarity and reinforced my desire to help others navigate their own journeys of growth and healing.

Melanie and Khali_edited_edited_edited.j

Outside of therapy, I find balance through things that bring me joy, such as spending time with my dog, Khali, playing video games, traveling, enjoying board games with my boyfriend and friends, and reconnecting with nature. These moments remind me of the importance of self-care, and I believe that finding time for what nurtures you is key to maintaining overall wellness.

Education & Professional Training

2024

Master of Arts, Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Adams State University

2018

Bachelor of Science, Psychology

Minor: Women's & Gender Studies
High Point University

Read my latest blog posts:

Books I Recommend:

The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown