Lutz Counseling Services, LLC - About Melissa Bretz

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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Jessica O’Neil, Walden University Master of Social Work Intern

Jessica obtained her bachelor’s in sociology from Purdue University with a concentration in human development and family studies and is now completing her master’s in clinical social work at Walden University. She enjoys working with clients of all ages and is passionate about empowering individuals, couples, and families to be the best versions of themselves.

Her approach to counseling is warm, curious, and empathic, and involves working as a team with her clients to identify their strengths and overcome challenges. She values the unique identity, cultural, and religious aspects of her clients’ lives and works to individualize treatment plans.

Jessica has experience working with those who are experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, trauma, and relational distress, as well as various other mental and physical health conditions. She works under the supervision of Melissa Bretz LCSW.

Evan Tokarz, Registered Clinical Social Worker Intern

Evan Tokarz is a therapist who received his Master's degree in Social Work from the University of South Florida. He has about 2 years of experience working with individuals of all backgrounds. He works under the supervision of Melissa Bretz LCSW.

He aims to provide what the client needs for each session -- whether it is a listening ear or actionable skills. He likes to read the latest wellbeing research for fun, and describes his approach as in-the-moment and curious. He has a particular interest in clients with ADHD, and likes to use video games and play therapy to connect with younger clients. He believes a compassionate approach to therapy is esse

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!

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 the 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 certificate in Addictions and Sunstance Abuse Counseling from the University of South Floridal 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.

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.”

Maria Paula Gutierrez Lopez, University of South Florida Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling Intern

Maria obtained her bachelor’s in psychology from the University of Tampa and is currently a graduate student for Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling program at USF. She has worked with the Crisis Text Line as well as the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay to provide crisis intervention to those individuals that need someone to talk to, making her trauma informed. She has had the opportunity to be on the front line for the Suicide Hotline as well as dealing with a lot of sexual assault survivors, mental health illnesses, veterans, domestic violence situations, and substance abuse. In addition, Maria was previously a Registered Behavior Technician that provided ABA services. She has worked with children ages 3-15 which includes high and lower functioning children on the spectrum. She works under the supervision of Melissa Bretz LCSW.

Maria has a passion for building a professional relationship with her clients and developing this rapport to provide the best services possible to them. She wants to remind everyone that they are not alone and is able to empathize with their struggles. Her approach is person centered and utilizes different components of CBT and ACT. She is able to provide these services in both Spanish and English to ensure nothing is lost in translation.

Margaret Jones, Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern

Margaret Jones has more than 23 years in Human Services career field. She has earned a Master's degree in Addiction Counseling as well as a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology. She is currently registered as a Mental Health Counselor Intern with the State of Florida and has passed the National Counseling Exam. She works under the supervision of Melissa Bretz LCSW. Her specialty is working with the addicted population using Mindfulness application, Rational Emotive and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. She has worked specifically with the veteran and adolescent population. Her belief is that the mind and body are connected and through evidenced based practices, wholeness can be achieved, She is currently a Doctoral student studying Community Care and Trauma Counseling. She is a member of NAADAC and FADAA and has served 8 years in the United States Air Force as a Security Specialist.

Anthony Moreno, Walden University Master of Social Work Intern

Anthony was raised in New York and relocated to Florida in 2006. He acquired his Bachelor's in Social Work at Saint Leo University and is completing his Master's degree in Social Work at Walden University. He has experience working with the elder population, individuals, couples, teenagers, family, couples, and LGBTQ plus population. He works under the supervision of Melissa Bretz LCSW.

Anthony enjoys empowering others to find their best in overcoming anxiety, depression, grief, trauma and loss. Some of his techniques are mindfulness, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), and solution focused therapy. Fluent in Spanish and experienced with cultural religious and racial diversity.

Shannon Augustonovich, Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern

Shannon Augustonovich has 20 plus years in working with children and adolescents in the Pasco County School District. Working to help others find a healthy perception and strength within themselves, is a passion that Shannon strives to continue in order to make a positive change in the world, one client at a time. She works under the supervision of Melissa Bretz LCSW.

Shannon enjoys working with children, adolescents, and adults. She has extensive experience in working with trauma, anxiety, self-esteem, self-advocacy, self-awareness, positive coping strategies, depression, behavioral, emotional, and educational challenges.

As a counselor, she knows that no single approach is right for every individual, and so she specializes in Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, Solution Focused, and Play Therapy interventions.