MELISSA BENAROYA MSW, LICSW

MELISSA’s life purpose is to inspire PARENTS to be the best possible version of themselves. She continuously accomplishes this with COMPASSION, ENCOURAGEMENT, and EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICES.

Melissa is a licensed therapist with over 20 years of experience working with children and families. Melissa has a Master’s degree in Social Work, is a Credentialed School Counselor, and is trained in Positive Discipline. She is also a Certified Gottman Educator offering the Bringing Baby Home Program for families with young children and workshops on Emotion Coaching. Melissa practices as a parenting consultant, coach, and speaker, blending her clinical training with her knowledge of child development and discipline to support groups and individuals. In 2011, she co-authored the book The Childproof Parent.

She specializes in working with parents of children aged 1-12 years old, as these are the foundational years in both a child's and a parent's development.  Most parents are just winging it as they go along.  Melissa helps parents become more intentional about their parenting, making the process simple and easy so that families can focus on having fun together while fostering relationships built on mutual trust and respect.

Her goal is to make family life easier and happier.  Her programs offer new perspectives and strategies for contemporary parents, inspiring independence and easing the challenges of modern-day life with children.  She utilizes evidence-based techniques to help parents establish the relationship they desire with their children.

Melissa has raised two children who are currently college students and lives in the Seattle area with her husband and dog Harley. She has little self-control when it comes to chocolate chip cookies, and keeps her sanity with an active lifestyle that includes hip-hop dance, Pilates, and yoga.