Melinda malher, M.A., bc-dmt, Lpcc, c-spt
clinical director, Santa Cruz

​Melinda S. Malher, MA, LPCC, BC-DMT, C-SPT (she/her) holds a Master’s degree in Expressive Therapies with an emphasis in mental health counseling and dance/movement therapy from Lesley University. She is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (#3329) as well as a Board-Certified Dance/Movement Therapist and Certified Synergetic Play Therapist. Melinda utilizes a multi-modal approach when working with clients and professionals--engaging individuals in meaningful talk, play, art, movement, music and writing. Melinda is passionate about clinical development and collaboration. While running her private practice, she implemented and led networking and collaboration events for local therapists and provided monthly peer consultation. Melinda has presented at several conferences; her most recent presentations have focused on dance and movement’s role in developing interoception and self-regulation and the use of inclusive language and practices in clinical settings.  
In addition to her clinical work, Melinda provides adaptive dance instruction, leads Therapist Book Club, takes American Sign Language classes, and runs trails.  She is grateful to live and work in Santa Cruz with her cats where she can see the ocean daily. 
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