Virtual Psychotherapy in NYC for AAPI+ folx

Healing on your own terms

Melanie Canastra, LMHC (she/her)

Inherited Healing Psychotherapy PLLC

Email: mcanastra.lmhc@gmail.com

Cell: (347)541-4039

Clients often ask me where my compassion for the world comes from when the state of the world is as so, especially when feeling helpless is at an all time high. My answer is consistent when I say that my compassion comes from you.

I’m a first generation, Filipina-American woman from Bushwick, New York. Trust me when I tell you that I completely understand the dichotomies of experiencing both the wonders and yet absolute displacement that comes from living in a bicultural, immigrant-led household. As I navigate my work with fellow QT+AAPI folx in therapy, I’ve found that the collective experience of connection and healing is transformative. Not just seen through the tangible skills that therapy naturally brings, but also through a relational and warm space that we will build together. My hopes in working together is that our space will help you discover and experience new paths in feeling more authentically connected with others and with yourself.

My compassion comes from not just helping you, but also by witnessing your growth as your own person reclaiming your identity on your own terms. In my lived experience, both professional and personal, this has been the most cherished part of my work. I’d be honored to also help you experience the same sense of fulfillment and community as a fellow AAPI in your community.

Learned helplessness surrounding identity is a familiar experience. Therapy has been my start of a collection of new, emotional experiences that enabled new beginnings for myself. I’d be privileged to work with you on starting your new beginning as well.

Education/Trainings

  • Master’s in Applied Behavioral Science (St. Francis College)

  • CAS in Mental Health Counseling

  • Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in New York State

  • AEDP Full Immersion Training (Level I)

  • EMDR-M Basic Training

  • Cultural Competency for Behavioral Health Professionals Certification

  • CCTP-I (Certified Clinical Trauma Professional - Level I/Complex Trauma)

Meet the founder of Inherited Healing Psychotherapy

I’m Melanie (she/her)

Let’s reduce stigma together

QT+AAPI communities are deserving of restoration and healing

  • Are you experiencing low moods, states of low self-esteem, or maybe a heightened sense of worry? Feeling excessive sadness or noticing avoidant behaviors can be a huge contributor to overall sense of un-deservingness of help.

    This is not true. All communities of any backgrounds, sexualities, gender, and/or spiritual direction are deserving of a space to feel seen and heard. Your well-being matters 100%.

  • Unfortunately, trauma is a transient experience. This means that trauma can exist and live within us, without our consent, for some time until we notice and decide to change it. You may find yourself doubting or questioning an early childhood experience, or notice more ruptures in your current environment.

    Trauma is a systemic and inherent experience. We have agency to emotionally process this together as you recognize that enough is enough. What you’re born into, (i.e. cultural backgrounds, religious faiths, oppressive systems, etc.) is not definitive of you as a person. If you decide that it does not align with your authentic person, you can choose to shift your life in a new direction. It’s your life.

  • Feel like you’re too self-aware? You know all the “problems” but have no idea where to start or begin in trying to “fix it”?

    You’re not a problem to be fixed. Your experiences are apart of you (whether we like it or not). Your awareness is all up in trauma-brain — let’s work towards moving this experience inward to allow you the opportunity to process in a safe space together.

  • In a relationship but stuck in ‘‘fixed’’ patterns? Or, do you tend to avoid relationships because of relationship role models?

    This makes aloooot of unfortunate sense. Let’s explore your family systems and how these communities have existed in your life and figure out the roadblocks/defenses that may be getting in the way of your current relationships today, and challenge them (gently).

  • Grief. Anger. White-hot rage. Overwhelming sadness. Confusion.

    All of these emotions encapsulate what can be called a hypervigilant state of being. Our space can help you emotionally process experiences safely. You can learn to help your body, and your brain, move through this overwhelm instead of simply ‘‘geting over’’ it. Having and creating space to intentionally process is important. Let’s do it together.