Florida’s Premier Relationship Therapist

Relationship & Couples Counseling For Every Stage

Whether you’re building a new relationship, healing from hurt, navigating major life changes, or rediscovering connection later in life, therapy gives you the space to communicate clearly, understand each other deeply, and strengthen the bond you share.

Book a Free Consultation

Specialized Support for the Unique Challenges You Face

Every couple or partner comes into therapy with their own history, communication style, and emotional needs. I work with people across different life stages, identities, and relationship experiences.

Black and white line icon of two speech bubbles with a heart between them representing communication in marriage counseling.

Young Couples

Build strong communication skills early, before patterns become walls.

This is Me
Black silhouette icon of a family with two adults and two children standing together.

New Parents

Adjust to your new identity and reconnect during one of life’s biggest transitions.

This is Me
Outline of a human head with a tangled, chaotic scribble inside, symbolizing anxiety or mental confusion.

High-Achieving Professionals

Balance ambition and emotional presence without burning out.

This is Me
Black outline of a confused face with raised eyebrows, round eyes, and a small open mouth.

Empty Nesters

Navigate this new chapter with clarity, purpose, and renewed connection.

This is Me
Minimalist black and white icon illustrating two people standing side by side, representing a couple.

Established Couples

Understand what this chapter means for who you both are now.

This is Me
Simplified black icon of a person with a circular head and shoulders silhouette on a transparent background.

Men (55+)

Explore your emotional world without judgment or pressure.

This is Me
Black silhouette of a person sitting with head resting on hand, appearing sad or depressed.

Therapy for Depression

Therapy to help you feel better about yourself, become more confident and more convinced of your self-worth. 

Learn more
Black icon of a person with short hair and shoulders visible, representing a male user.

Widows & Widowers

Process loss, navigate identity shifts, and gently rebuild your sense of self in the aftermath of profound change.

Learn More
Explore Who I Help

Which of the Following Statements Can You Relate To?

I want to move away from limiting feelings and attitudes.

I believe there's nothing wrong with being selective in who I want to spend my time with.

I believe in working hard and the ability to enjoy the lifestyle that I have created.

I believe in creating a life for myself that I can be proud of.

I want to be surrounded by the people I love, who are supportive, that inspire me and that I also inspire.

I want to feel that I have accomplished something.

Imagine

You feel at peace and confident in situations that used to upset you. You remain cool, calm, and collected in the face of the old trauma and fears, and in any current situation.

Young woman with braided hair sitting by a window reading a book, with plants on the windowsill.

You have the tools you need to confront challenging situations with grace and certainty. You feel empowered by the work you’ve done to own the way you move through the world no matter what you encounter.

Group of diverse young adults sitting and laughing together in a social setting.

You live life the way you want to, having people around you that are supportive and exciting to be with. You stand a little taller with the new confidence you have achieved, honoring yourself, and living to your highest standard.

Woman with long hair and red nails wearing a white shirt and black top, standing outdoors with arms outstretched and head tilted back.

This Could Be Your REALITY

Why Work with Doctor Melissa?

The things that I have to offer are my age and life experiences, my caring, and my spiritual perspective.

I love what I do, and, if it weren't for the bills, I would do it for free.

Checkmark

I love going deep with people.

I feel that everything that I have done in my life, everything that I have been through, everything that's happened for me, has made me a better therapist.

You & The Challenges You Face Are Welcome Here

Even the strongest of us deserve help and support as we navigate through life.

Suffering through stress and change can be so challenging.  Counseling is a valuable support in every stage of your life. If you’re ready to hone the skills to help you move beyond just surviving to thriving and finding your path to a brighter future, Dr Melissa Valentina is here to help you secure a more vibrant future. 

Start a conversation

Therapy Tailored to Your Exact Situation

Whether you’re experiencing conflict, disconnection, major life transitions, or you simply want to grow together, my services are designed to support real, lasting change.

Icon of two simplified human figures with a heart above them representing marriage counseling or relationship support.

Couples Therapy

Reconnect, communicate, and rebuild trust in a supportive space.

Learn More
Simple black icon of a family with two adults and two children holding hands.

Marriage Counseling

Strengthen your partnership with guidance designed for long-term commitment.

Learn More
Outlined human head with circular arrows inside and small lines indicating stress or anxiety.

Pre-Marital Counseling

Build a foundation for lifelong communication, teamwork, and understanding.

Learn More
Simple black outline of a confused face with raised eyebrow and a question mark beside it.

Infidelity Counseling

Recover from betrayal, rebuild trust, and find clarity after emotional pain.

Learn More
Icon of a couple standing side by side with arms around each other.

Communication & Conflict Counseling

Break repetitive patterns and learn how to navigate hard conversations with care.

Learn More
Outline of a sad human head with a dashed line above representing depression.

Therapy for Depression

Therapy to help you feel better about yourself, become more confident and more convinced of your self-worth. 

Learn more
View All Services
Outline of a human head with a heart inside, symbolizing mental health.

My Mission

New Leaf Therapy was created to help people calm, soothe, and heal their way into a better, more joyful life.

We offer mental and emotional health therapy for motivated adults. We help them discover ways to relax the mind.

Connect with and honor their true self, their intrinsic strength and wholeness so they know who they are, what they want, and have the confidence to live their life in that way.

Black and white icon of an archery target with an arrow hitting the bullseye.

My Approach

My intention is to help individuals and couples develop more meaningful and fulfilling relationships, including the relationship with self. The clients who benefit the most from working with me are those who are willing to take responsibility for their life and well-being and to work on bettering themselves.

I only take on a limited amount of clients so I can provide the best quality care and counseling experience for each of my clients.

Learn more about how I work

How I Work

Compassionate Guidance

I don’t take sides or force one “right” way. I help you both feel heard, acknowledged, and validated.

Emotionally Safe Space

We move at a pace that feels grounded, steady, and supportive without judgement, even when the topics are difficult.

Clear, Practical Tools

You’ll learn skills you can use immediately to communicate better, navigate conflict, and deepen connection.

My Affiliations

Logo of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy featuring the acronym AAMFT with a multicolored arch above it.Healing Diamonds by Gemstone Therapy Institute logo with a stylized blue diamond graphic.

Our Resources

Blogs & articles to learn from.

The Uncharted Territory: Navigating Estrangement from an Adult Child

There are few pains as profound as the silence from a child you raised and love. When an adult son or daughter chooses to cut off contact, it can feel like a "living death"—a deep, ambiguous loss that leaves you grieving a person who is still alive. If you are walking this lonely path, please know this: You are not alone. This is a more common experience than society often acknowledges, and there is a path forward, whether it leads to reconciliation or to finding peace within yourself.

Read more

Couples Communication: How to Strengthen Your Connection

Every strong relationship is built on communication. When couples communicate effectively, they feel connected, respected, and supported. But when communication breaks down, even small disagreements can create distance, frustration, and hurt. The truth is, most relationship struggles come back to one core issue: communication. The good news? Communication isn’t something you’re born knowing how to do in relationships—it’s a skill you can learn and improve.

Read more

Breaking Up Hurts—But It Can Also Be the Beginning of Something New

Whether the decision was mutual or one-sided, break-ups are never easy. The end of a relationship often feels like the loss of a future you imagined—and it can leave you feeling lost, overwhelmed, or even broken. But here’s the truth: healing after a break-up is possible, and you don’t have to go through it alone.

Read more

Rave Reviews

"Truly confident of her skill and expertise"

"I had the wonderful opportunity to experience the Rewind Technique with Dr. Melissa. I am truly confident of her skill and expertise as a clinician and would highly recommend working with Dr. Melissa for trauma and phobia resolution."

D.R. LMHC

"She has been here to listen; I needed that most"

"She has been here to listen; I needed that most. And teaching me how to take care of myself. I love that the most. I never knew how to take care of myself, always being in the front line to take care of everyone else. Now that I have learned how to take care of myself I have better, peaceful sleep."

PA

"Her advice has already had a significant impact"

"Dr. Valentina has been an excellent source of support and advice. She really grasped my issues and my situation right off the bat, as if I was talking to an old friend. Her advice has already had a significant impact and I feel better equipped with the tools I need to get me through. She is great at making me feel at ease, I feel as if I am in very capable hands."

LA

"Ever since our session, I feel so much more relaxed"

"Dr. Melissa is a great hypnotherapist. She's helped me with an old trauma. Ever since our session, I feel so much more relaxed. I contacted Melissa because of my anxiety. Which is completely gone now! I felt safe and cared for. I definitely recommend Dr. Melissa, she's a kind and very professional woman."

SS

"I feel much more confident and happy now"

"I want to thank you, Dr. Valentina. You have been a life saver during this time. I can’t express my gratitude but I don’t know where I possibly would have been if it wasn’t for your guidance and help. I hope to carry on the things that we talked about for my entire life. I feel much more confident and happy now :)"

SS

"You were exactly what I needed at exactly the right time"

I just wanted to say a massive thank you for all your support so far. You were exactly what I needed at exactly the right time. I have so much more confidence in myself and I’ve learned an insane amount about myself through this period and I’m excited about my future to put it all to good use. Couldn’t have done it without you!

LS