Christine R. Melendres, LCSW
Founder
Licensed Clinical Social Worker #96049
Location: Online, San Ramon & San Francisco, CA
Pronouns: she/her/hers
For the High-Achieving Woman Leader
Are you a high-achieving woman leader who feels like you’re constantly walking a tightrope between professional success and personal well-being? Do you find yourself exhausted, overwhelmed, and stuck in a cycle of putting others’ needs above your own? Maybe you’ve struggled to set healthy boundaries, feel guilty when you prioritize yourself, or believe that you have to do it all to succeed.
I see you—and I’ve been there, too. Many women like you are navigating the pressures of leadership while managing cultural expectations, family responsibilities, and the weight of being a role model. It’s easy to feel like burnout is inevitable or that asking for help means failing. But it doesn’t have to be this way.
I specialize in helping women leaders recover from burnout, manage anxiety, and regain balance in their lives. Using powerful techniques like Brainspotting and evidence-based methods, I’ll help you reconnect with yourself, establish clear boundaries, and prioritize your health without compromising your career. Imagine a life where you can lead with confidence, nurture your well-being, and still make space for the people and experiences that matter most.
You don’t have to navigate this journey alone. Together, we’ll create a path forward that aligns with your values, reclaims your peace, and allows you to thrive both personally and professionally.
My Story
I’m Christine R. Melendres, LCSW, Founder & CEO of Sweet Mango Therapy Group. Born in Iba, Zambales—known as the home of the world’s sweetest mangoes—I’m proud to carry my roots from the Kapampangan and Sambal people of Bacolor, Pampanga, and Botolan, Zambales. Immigrating to the U.S. at age 3, I grew up in Daly City, California, where I dedicated myself to community work serving the Filipino American population.
As the first college graduate in my family and the only licensed therapist, I’ve made it my mission to create spaces for healing and empowerment. I earned my Sociology degree at UC Berkeley and my Master’s in Social Work from San Francisco State University. My experiences as a Filipina immigrant and a trailblazer in my family inspire my culturally sensitive, trauma-informed approach to therapy.
Beyond clinical work, I advocate for mental health awareness as a speaker, workshop leader, and community collaborator. I serve on the Board of Directors for the Filipino Young Leaders Program (FYLPRO) and lead the Bay Area chapter of Therapinxy. These roles allow me to blend my passion for ancestral healing, mental health, and leadership development.
When I’m not supporting clients, I enjoy exploring local food spots, practicing mindfulness, and spending time with my husband and two children. Let’s work together to help you thrive!
Education
- 2011 Master of Social Work, San Francisco State University, Concentration: Individuals, Families, and Groups
- 2004 Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a minor in Education, University of California, Berkeley
Licenses
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker – California Board of Behavioral Sciences – Issued 08/2020
- Certified Clinical Trauma Professional – Evergreen Certifications – Issued 08/2020
- Medical Social Work Certificate – Society for Social Work Leadership in Healthcare, California Chapter – Issued May 2011
Trainings
- Brainspotting: Phase I, Phase II, Phase III, Phase IV
- Mindful Self-Compassion
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Solution-Focused Therapy
- Motivational Interviewing
Presentations, Panels, & Podcasts
Dare to Dream: Stepping Forward with Courage, “In Full Bloom” Workshop, Thriving Women’s Network, CA, May 2023
Navigating Mental Health: Understanding Symptoms, Coping Strategies, and Work-Life Balance, A Workshop Promoting Self-Care in the Workplace, Innovative Legal Services, CA, May 2023
Self- and Community Care: Praxes of Radical Love and Healing in Filipinx Studies (with Christine Melendres, LCSW and Jeannie E. Celestial, PhD, LCSW), 2023 Bulosan Center for Filipinx Studies Research Conference, CA, June 2023
Linig into 2023, “Therapin*y Thursdays”, Therapin*y, CA, January 2023
Fil-Am Professional Career Panel, (with Christine Melendres, Franco Finn, AJ Emboido, Henni Espinosa, Isabella Reyes, Jaymeebaaby), LinkedIn & LinkedIn Asian Alliance, CA, October 2022
Thriving versus Surviving: A Workshop About Building Resiliency and Promoting Self Care within the Asian American Pacific Islander Community (with Brandon A. Shindo, MSW, LCSW, and Christine Melendres, MSW, LCSW), Great Place to Work, San Francisco, CA, May 2022
Journey on Being an Autism Mom, Episode 8 of The GRACE Matrix™ Own Your Journey Podcast, CA, January 2022
Therapist Meet & Greet, “Therapin*y’s Anihan”, Therapin*y, CA, October 2021
Investment Per Session
- Individual Therapy, 50 minutes: $250
- Family Therapy, 60 minutes: $300
- Superbill Provided Upon Request
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