My name is Dr. Melanie Burton. I’m a Forensic and Counseling Psychologist, Clinical Social Worker, and a Licensed Addictions Counselor. I have spent the majority of my career working with children and adult complex trauma survivors. I specialize in treating Co-occurring Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders and my clinical treatment applications are based on Person-centered Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Attachment Therapy, Interpersonal Neurobiology, Traumatology, and Affect Regulation.

At my practice in New York, I provide psychotherapy services to children, individuals, teens, families, and couples. I am a Solution Focused therapist with over thirty years of experience working with individuals, children, and families. I am able to help my patients solve their most concerning problems. My healing philosophy in the work that I do with adult survivors, is based on the importance of helping my patients become connected to their mind, body, soul, and spirit. These are the components that, collectively, comprise and define us as human species. If we are sick or suffering, we must work holistically to completely heal. If we are missing this very important connection, in all likelihood, we will never reach our true potential for wellness and vivacity. If we do not consider our whole human being, we will most likely work to alleviate symptoms of a problem and never really address the root cause of our problems. This is what I refer to as temporary recovery because temporary recovery is based on pure personal will power rather than on holistic interpersonal healing. My theory is very logical, the only way to fully heal and obtain long-lasting recovery from addictions and trauma; the mind, body, soul, and spirit must be universally connected.

For parent/parents who are having a difficult time managing their child/children’s behavior, I work closely together with the parent/parents by educating and teaching them how to implement highly successful behavioral modification techniques. Many times, it is also required that parent/parents and I identify and resolve any personal difficulties that the child/children might presently be experiencing. My professional career first began in child welfare working with traumatized children of all ages and adolescents with behavioral difficulties and their families (Hillside Children's Center, 1989) and has continued over the years.  This is my passion! 

I do not believe that psychotherapy is a life-long process. My goal is to help you and your family resolve the problems that you have been experiencing and that has been holding you back. This requires working closely with me. If you don't do the work I prescribe, progress is limited so the expectation is that you do the work so that you can get on and have a happy, healthy, life. Being able to cope effectively with life difficulties as they arise. The large majority of my patients have done excellent, and no one remains stuck when they work closely with me. They have done the work required to heal themselves.  My goal is for you to eventually not need my services or any psychotherapy services any longer. Do the work and your life will change! I am committed to you and to your family, but you have to be ready to do the work required by me as I am a behavioral therapist. If you are not ready to do the work, I am not the right therapist for you.

I’m so happy that you have decided to take the first step to incorporate positive and long-lasting change in your life. I am thrilled and cannot wait to meet you!! You are awesome!!