Therapin*y Bay Area

Collective Healing: Fostering Joyful Connections and Accessibility to Mental Health and Wellness

bayareakapwanetwork@drtherapinay.com

Chapter Lead Contact Information:
Christine Melendres, LCSW 
Email: info@sweetmangotherapy.com 
Phone: 925-665-3668
Instagram: @christine.r.melendres

Bio:
Hello, I’m Christine R. Melendres, Founder & CEO of Sweet Mango Therapy Group, a psychotherapy practice dedicated to serving the Filipina/x/o and AAPI community.

My roots trace back to Iba, Zambales—recognized as the home of the world’s sweetest mangoes, according to the Guinness Book of World Records. I am a descendant of the Kapampangan and Sambal people, and my ancestral ties extend to Bacolor, Pampanga, and Botolan. Having immigrated to the US at 3, I've become the first licensed therapist in my family.

Specializing in helping high-achieving BIPOC women, particularly Filipina/x/o and AAPI, I address issues like burnout, anxiety, depression, and trauma using somatic approaches like Brainspotting. With a culturally responsive, person-centered approach, I draw from over 10 years of experience.

Beyond my practice, I'm active in community work and serve on the board of directors for FYLPRO, a network of high-performing, next-generation leaders dedicated to advancing the Philippines and the global Filipino community through advocacy, expertise, and collaborative multinational relationships.

Additionally, I hold the role of Co-Coordinator of Mentorship for the Asian American Psychological Association Division on Filipinx Americans.

Here are some fun facts about me: I love spending time playing with my two young children, enjoying comedy shows with my husband, listening to podcasts, practicing yoga, and immersing myself in music.

What does Filipino healing and wellness look like to you?

Filipino healing and wellness, to me, combine traditional practices, spiritual connections, and modern holistic approaches, reflecting values like kapwa (shared humanity) and pakikisama (community harmony). It involves using natural remedies, building community support, embracing spiritual rituals, enjoying nourishing cuisine, incorporating joyful movement, and reveling in uplifting music to foster balance and well-being in mind, body, and spirit. Additionally, integrating accessible therapy into these practices ensures that mental health support is readily available, breaking down barriers and nurturing a culture of openness and support within our communities.