Lutz Counseling Services, LLC
17894 N US Highway| Lutz, FL 33549 | 813.586.0956| Melissa Bretz, LCSW


MELISSA BRETZ, Licensed Clinical Social Worker


Melissa Bretz is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She obtained both her Bachelor's and Master's degrees from The University of South Florida. A passion for caring and helping others has always been a priority for Melissa. Being a therapist is a life long dream come true and it shows in the work she achieves with her clients.

She enjoys working with children, adults, and adolescents conquering many of life challenges such as stress, low self esteem, family relational issues, loss, anxiety and depression. Therapy interventions mainly used are Cognitive Behavior Therapy CBT, Solution Focused, Mindfulness, Positive Psychology, Sand Play, Relaxation, Grounding techniques, and Play Therapy.


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Jane Fletcher. Walden University Masters of Social Work Intern


Jane received a bachelor's in psychology from Florida Atlantic University with minors in criminology and sociology and is now in process of completing her master's in social work at Walden University. She began her career working in child welfare and adoptions and continues to volunteer in this field. She has worked with individuals of all ages and backgrounds but is especially passionate about working with youth who have experienced trauma. She is eager to help navigate through life's challenges by creating a safe space and developing coping skills through different treatment modalities. She works under the supervision of Melissa Bretz, LCSW.


Katrina Paschke, University of South Florida Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling Intern


Katrina graduated from the University of South Florida with her bachelor's degree in behavioral healthcare. She is pursuing her master's degree at USF in clinical rehabilitation and mental health counseling and a certification in marriage and family therapy. Katrina operates from a person-centered approach in which she sees clients as whole and complete individuals and helps them to utilize their unique strengths. She also works from a systemic perspective aware of the impact of interpersonal relationships on one's inner world. She understands the impact of trauma and grief and works with clients at their own pace on their personal journey of healing and growth. She believes in the healing power of mindfulness as a strategy for positive inner change. She is honored to provide a supportive and safe space for her clients as they navigate complex life factors and transitions. Katrina works under the supervision of Melissa Bretz.   


Alison Nocturne, Licensed Clinical Social Worker


Alison Nocturne, LCSW is a Florida native and social worker with over a decade of experience in the medical and mental health field. She is a graduate of the University of South Florida. 

She has worked with a wide variety of clients, and delights in working with people of all ages to help them explore and cope with the difficulties in their life.  Alison hopes to continue deepening her clinical skills, and thanks you for your time and trust. Stay curious! 


Maria Paula Gutierrez Lopez, Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern



Maria achieved her master’s degree from the Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling program at the University of South Florida. She has 4+ years of experience in the mental health field with focuses on crisis work, behavioral therapy, child-centered approaches, and trauma. Maria is a bilingual therapist that embraces using cultural components that the client feels fitting into session. Maria primarily focuses on working with people that feel distress and frustration with their current relationships. No matter if this is a relationship with a partner, family member, or yourself, she will help you build on your acceptance, self-esteem, self-compassion, and personalized goals to maintain more meaningful relationships. Maria’s holistic approach will allow you to explore and reflect on the interaction of all your relationship dynamics and help you process past experiences that have shaped these dynamics. In addition to this, you will be able to work on your emotional regulation skills and the coping strategies you integrate. Some of Maria’s approaches include Play Therapy Techniques, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Maria does couples sessions, family sessions, and individual sessions either in person or telehealth. With Maria you can gain the clarity you have been seeking no matter where you currently are at. She works under the supervision of Melissa Bretz LCSW and a Qualified LMHC Supervisor.

 


Hannah Schlichte, University of South Florida Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling Intern


Hannah Schlichte completed her Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology with a minor in Family and Child Sciences at Florida State University and is now pursuing a master’s degree in the Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling program at the University of South Florida. She currently volunteers with USF’s I-HOPE laboratory as a research facilitator, conducting nutritional interventions with the parents of pediatric cancer survivors. She works under the supervision of Melissa Bretz LCSW. 

Hannah’s believes the key to successful counseling requires empathy, genuineness, and unconditional support. In order to assist individuals, Hannah utilizes various approaches that include person-centered, solution-focused and cognitive behavioral therapy. She hopes to create a safe and welcoming environment for clients, so that they may know they are not alone.”


Roman Fox, University of South Florida Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling Intern


Roman Fox Completed his Bachelor's of Science in Recreational Therapy at Florida International University and is now pursuing a Master's degree in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling Program at the University of South Florida. As a Navy Veteran, he currently works for The Department of Veterans' Affairs as a Recreation therapist. Roman is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) and holds a graduate certification in Addictions and Substance Abuse counseling from the University of South Florida. Roman works under the supervision of Melissa Bretz LCSW.

Roman enjoys working with clients to help them overcome stress, anxiety, and depression by helping them discover meaning and purpose. Some of his techniques include an Existential framework, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness, Meditation and meaningful activities. 

 


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