Therapist Melody Maldonado is shown smiling, with long dark hair, wearing a gray wool sweater and jeans, standing in front of a teal curtain.

  • M.A. Clinical Psychology with Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University

    M.A. Psychology from Pepperdine University

    B.A. Psychology from Chapman University

  • Primary Therapist at Newport Healthcare RTC

    Therapist at Humanest/UC Berkeley

    Therapist at Couples Healing Center

    Lead Therapist at Akua Long Beach PHP/IOP

    Unit Therapist at Exodus Recovery PHI

  • EMDR Therapy Trained with Institute for Creative Mindfulness

    Clinical Trauma Professional Training Level 1 (CCTP): Working with the Neurobiological Legacy of Trauma with Janina Fisher

    Clinical Trauma Professional Training Level 2 (CCTP-II): Treatment of Complex Trauma and Dissociative Disorders with Janina Fisher

    Somatic Embodiment Skills and Regulation Certification with Linda Thai

    Integrative Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy with Institute for the Advancement of Psychotherapy

 Meet Melody

Hi, I’m Melody (they/she). I’m a queer, Iranian licensed marriage and family therapist based in California.

I specialize in trauma therapy, supporting individuals navigating the impact of complex trauma, including challenges in relationships, self-esteem or overall ability to cope with the day-to-day of life, and managing the legacy of trauma. My practice is rooted in relational, neuroscience-backed and trauma-focused care focused on a gentle reclamation of your voice, power and sense of self.

I named my practice Innerspeak because I firmly believe healing begins when we bring our inner experiences into the light, no matter how tangled or painful. I offer a space where the hardest truths can be spoken, and where change is met with excitement, curiosity and care, not judgment or expectations.

My approach is relational and eclectic, drawing from EMDR, somatic techniques, mindfulness, and narrative therapy. With over a decade of experience, I center identity exploration, emotional resilience, and collaborative healing, with a dash of humor and levity.

When I’m not in session, you can find me reading a book in the park, walking my dogs while listening to a true crime podcast or at a hot yoga class.

CONTACT MELODY