Couples Therapist Melissa Paul in Brooklyn
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Maybe things between you and your partner have felt off for a while, and neither of you can quite figure why. Maybe you've just become a parent and everything you thought you knew about yourself feels like it shifted overnight.

Maybe both of those things are happening at once.

You're holding it all together and you’re exhausted. You deserve more.‍ ‍

I’m Melissa, a Couples Therapist in Brooklyn. I work with couples navigating the distance that builds over time, and with parents adjusting to who they're becoming.

MELISSA PAUL, LCSW
Relationship and Couples Therapist Brooklyn and Virtual

HOW I WORK

My approach is relational at its core. That means that I believe problems shape our relationships and rather than resolve issues, we focus on connection, to ourselves and the people we love. I believe in the power of connection to heal us and live the lives we truly want.

I draw from psychodynamic and relational therapy, CBT, and EMDR, weaving between insight and practical tools depending on what you need. Some sessions go deep. Some are more concrete. I follow your lead.

WHAT I BELIEVE, AND HOW IT SHAPES MY WORK:

  • Couples therapy is not just for crisis. Some of the most meaningful work happens when things are mostly okay and you want them to be better

  • The transition into parenthood, Matrescence, is one of the most significant identity shifts a person can go through. It deserves to be treated as such.

  • Therapy should feel like a collaboration, not a diagnosis. My job is to help you trust that knowledge.

  • Change rarely happens in a single breakthrough. It happens in small, repeated moments of choosing differently.

  • All of you is welcome here. My work is guided by an anti-racist, LGBTQ+ affirming, and Health at Every Size lens.

“Therapy should feel like a collaboration.”

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

TRAINING & EDUCATION

GET TO KNOW ME

  • What made you want to become a therapist?

    I became a therapist because I've always believed that the right support changes everything. I founded MLP Therapy Group because I wanted a place that someone like me could actually go. Someone who cares deeply about their relationships, wants real insight, and is trying to feel like themselves again. I wanted therapy to feel comfortable, supportive, and real, not clinical or distant. I believe therapy is one of the best ways to learn about yourself, and I wanted to build a practice I would want to go to myself.

  • What's one thing people are always surprised to learn about you?

    I love to downhill ski. For someone with little athletic ability, I feel very comfortable on the slopes. It is the perfect combination of being in nature which is incredibly relaxing and moving my body in a mindful way

  • What does a good Sunday look like for you?

    An ideal Sunday would be a sunny day outside with a nice coffee, a trip to the playground with my kids and some solo time reading.

  • What's a book, podcast, or idea that has genuinely changed how you think?

    The “Art of Loving” by Eric Fromm has been a foundational read in my life. A client recommended it to me when I was in social work school and truly transformed my personal and professional life. The idea that love is a skill that we have to work on and the types of love we can give ourselves and others is essential to connection. I think constantly about how to show love through action, compassion and understanding.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • Yes. We offer both in-person sessions in Brooklyn and virtual therapy throughout New York and New Jersey. Many people choose a hybrid approach depending on their schedule and needs week to week.

    Research consistently shows that virtual therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy for most concerns, including anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and even EMDR.

  • MLP Therapy Group is an out-of-network practice. This allows us to provide care that’s tailored to your needs without the restrictions often required by insurance companies.

    At the end of each month, we provide a superbill that you can submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement. Many of our clients receive between 60–80% reimbursement for sessions.

    During your consultation, we’ll help you better understand your coverage, estimated reimbursement, and overall cost of care. We offer a sliding scale and want to work with you to make therapy accessible.

  • The first session is a chance for us to get to know each other and begin understanding what brought you to therapy. Your therapist will ask questions about your current challenges, relationships, and personal history.

    You’re encouraged to ask questions and share what you hope to gain from therapy. Our goal is to create a warm, collaborative, and non-judgmental space where you feel comfortable beginning this work.

  • We work with individuals and couples navigating a wide range of concerns. Whether you’re seeking support individually or within your relationship, our goal is to help you better understand yourself, strengthen connection, and create more meaningful and lasting change.

  • Most people start with weekly sessions. Research shows that consistency creates the strongest foundation for progress and change. Over time, clients may transition to biweekly sessions depending on their needs, goals, and stage of therapy.

    We’ll work collaboratively to find a rhythm that feels supportive, manageable, and aligned with what you’re looking for.

  • It depends on what you’re working on. Some people notice meaningful shifts within the first month, while deeper trauma, longstanding relationship patterns, or complex anxiety can take longer. Progress isn’t always linear, and meaningful change often happens gradually. Our goal is for you to feel increasingly supported, understood, and clear about yourself throughout the process. We typically recommend weekly sessions and regularly check in on your goals so you’re never left wondering whether therapy is helping.

  • Melissa is a warm and approachable therapist. Her goal is to make therapy feel like a comfortable space for you to express yourself. Melissa uses humor as a way to connect and is deeply insight oriented. She uses questions and curiosity as intervention and is collaborative. 

If something here resonates, I’d love to connect.

If something here resonates, I'd love to connect. A consultation is a low-pressure way to see if we're a good fit.

BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULT TODAY