Hey there! It’s Melisa Arroyo, your friendly neighborhood counselor.  Here's a bit about me. I aim to live authentically with love in all that I do. So of course, I am myself even as a counselor. I am not your average Christian and I am not your average young Millenial. Although I am unique and blessed with talents/ gifts that are special to me, I don't think I am better than anyone. I think by uplifting others in their gifts and talents we can create a better world around us. As an edgy, out of the box person I used to think that being different would make me alone in this world. It wasn't until I understood that everyone has been made lovingly and wonderfully by God as unique individuals who are intricately thought- out parts of a whole that I found my place. 

So why did I become an integrative counselor? Here’s a bit of my story (look out for a longer version on YouTube). My father is a Physical Education Teacher who spent his early childhood in the mountains of Michoacan, Mexico like my ancestors. My mother, a Special Education Teacher, was born in Zacatecas, Mexico. Both of my began living in East Los Angeles California as children where my grandparents brought them to live the American dream.  I am a proud Mexican- American, a Chicana. 

 My early childhood was spent nestled in the city of Angeles where I began learning about the value of faith, wellness, culture, and community. Later I moved to Fontana, CA where my faith in Christ strengthened,  developed a thirst for knowledge, and learned how to be a nurturer. My two siblings with special needs also shaped my view of the world. They are truly special as they have taught me love and understanding.  Then I moved to Texas where I spent my adolescence. Texas is where I experienced my deepest heartaches and hardest lessons. 

Where I came from, everything I’ve been through, everyone I’ve met, everything I’ve learned has impacted how I see the world and my overall wellness. My culture, upbringing, interpersonal relationships, economic status, environment, mentality, emotions, physical wellness, and spirituality are the melting pot of who I am and of how well I am. It’s hard to understand, much less balance and heal one’s well-being. 

So that’s why I do it. I know how hard it is to maintain wellness. I love being able to venture with others through their life’s journey lending a listening ear and helping hand. I love helping people develop their gifts.  I love helping people develop better relationships with themselves, others, and God.