Melissa Zola
Kingston
Summary
Professional therapist with significant experience in providing therapeutic support and counseling. Expertise in mindfulness techniques, cognitive-behavioral therapy, crisis intervention, and client assessment. Strong focus on collaboration, adaptability, and achieving measurable outcomes. Known for reliability and flexibility while fostering positive client relationships.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Psychotherapist in Private Practice
Melissa Zola Therapy
Kingston, NY
03.2021 - Current
- Provide individual therapy specializing in work with both LGBTQIA+ identifying clients.
- Develop personalized treatment plans based on comprehensive assessments and client goals.
- Mentor junior therapists, providing guidance on case management and therapeutic practices.
- Utilize mindfulness techniques during sessions to help clients develop greater self-awareness and coping skills for managing stressors.
- Guide clients in development of skills and cognitive behavioral therapy techniques.
- Provided emotional support and guidance to individuals experiencing grief and loss.
Contracted Group Facilitator for QFam – Support group for LGBTQIA+ identified parents
Hudson Valley LGBTQ+ Center
Kingston, NY
01.2023 - 07.2023
- Created and promoted pilot program for LGBTQIA+ identified parents in the Hudson Valley.
- Prepared structure and topics for each group session to engage attendees.
- Provided appropriate referrals and linkages to services in the community.
- Organized specialized community events including drag queen story hour and community outings for members and their children.
- Participated in periodic team meetings of Community Center staff and group facilitators.
Housing Mental Health Counselor
GMHC
New York, NY
03.2020 - 02.2021
- Provided strength based clinical treatment and case management to a caseload of 16 individual clients
- Developed and implemented personalized treatment plans for diverse client needs.
- Conducted crisis interventions, providing immediate support to clients in distress.
- Trained in substance abuse, co-occurring disorders and effects of employment and housing issues on mental health.
- Advocated for clients' rights and resources within community organizations and services.
- Built rapport with diverse client populations, utilizing empathetic listening skills and culturally sensitive therapeutic practices.
Functional Family Therapist
Jewish Child Care Association, Preventive Department
Bronx, NY
02.2019 - 03.2020
- Provide strength based clinical treatment lasting 4-6 months to a caseload of 8-10 families in their homes.
- Developed individualized treatment plans based on comprehensive assessments of family dynamics.
- Coordinated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure holistic support for families in crisis.
- Participate in family team conferences, elevated risk conferences, child safety conferences, suspension hearings, and school meetings
- Trained and mentored junior therapists in therapeutic techniques and case management practices.
Graduate Assistant in Psychology Department for James S. Wulach, Ph.D., J.D.
John Jay College of Criminal Justice, City University of New York
New York, NY
01.2017 - 05.2018
- Handled correspondence for director of FMHC and MA-JD programs
- Advised graduate students and undergraduate students preparing to apply to graduate school
- Represented the FMHC and MA-JD programs at informational events for prospective students
Education
Master of Arts - Forensic Mental Health Counseling
John Jay College of Criminal Justice, City University of New York
New York, NY12-2018
Bachelor of Arts - Graphic Design and Photography
Stockton University
Pomona, NJSkills
- Building rapport
- Anxiety management
- Case documentation
- Treatment Planning
- Multicultural competence
- Grief counseling
- Sexual health counseling
- Tracking client progress
Accomplishments
- Certified Grief Counselor
- Certified in Lineage Project Mindfulness Practices for Vulnerable Youth
- Completion of Mindfulness Modification Therapy Workshop, given by Peggilee Wupperman, Ph. D.
Certification
- Certified Grief Counselor
- Certified in Lineage Project Mindfulness Practices for Vulnerable Youth
- Completion of NARCAN training with the NYSDOH registered opioid overdose program
- Completion of Mindfulness Modification Therapy Workshop, given by Peggilee Wupperman, Ph. D.
Timeline
Contracted Group Facilitator for QFam – Support group for LGBTQIA+ identified parents
Hudson Valley LGBTQ+ Center
01.2023 - 07.2023
Psychotherapist in Private Practice
Melissa Zola Therapy
03.2021 - Current
Housing Mental Health Counselor
GMHC
03.2020 - 02.2021
Functional Family Therapist
Jewish Child Care Association, Preventive Department
02.2019 - 03.2020
Graduate Assistant in Psychology Department for James S. Wulach, Ph.D., J.D.
John Jay College of Criminal Justice, City University of New York
01.2017 - 05.2018
Master of Arts - Forensic Mental Health Counseling
John Jay College of Criminal Justice, City University of New York
Bachelor of Arts - Graphic Design and Photography
Stockton University
AWARDS
Robert S. Morrow Prize Recipient, John Jay College of Criminal Justice Graduate Scholarship, John A. Reisenbach Memorial Scholarship, John Jay College of Criminal Justice Forensic Counseling Merit Scholarship