Melissa F. Kalodner, Psy.D., RPT-S, BCPC
Clinical Child Psychologist; Registered Play Therapist – Supervisor and Board Certified Professional Counselor
Dr. Kalodner received her Master of Arts and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP) in Fresno, CA, now known as Alliant University. She specialized in children and adolescent psychology during her schooling.
Dr. Kalodner moved to Las Vegas in May of 2000. She became licensed in Nevada as a psychologist in 2001. Since that time, she has worked in her private practice, as well as volunteering her time in mental health community-based programs for children. From 2004 to 2006, Dr. Kalodner was a Board Member for Family And Child Treatment (FACT), an organization that devotes its services to children and families affected by sexual abuse. Dr. Kalodner currently serves as an Advisory Board Member for the Nevada Youth Alliance and is the Mental Health Ambassador to the Jason Foundation, a non-profit group dedicated to preventing teen suicide. In the book 101 Favorite Play Therapy Techniques: Volume III, Dr. Kalodner wrote a chapter on child relaxation techniques.
Dr. Kalodner has played an active role in the Nevada State Psychological Association (NSPA). She has served as Executive Board Treasurer and Southern Nevada President. She continues to be a contributing member of the International Association for Play Therapy and the Nevada Play Therapy Association and was the Southern Representative from 2005 to 2006.
What kind of therapy does Dr. Kalodner do?
Dr. Kalodner believes that children and adolescents can learn techniques in therapy to assist them with their mental health issues. She utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to treat her clients. CBT focuses on the relationship between how a child thinks (cognitions), feels about these thoughts and ultimately how the child acts or behaviors as a result of these thoughts. Negative automatic thoughts can lead to depression, anxiety, defiance, and other disorders. Through working on the child’s automatic thoughts, the child can learn to increase self-awareness and self-control, ultimately empowering the child to control his or her thoughts, which can change feelings and behaviors to a more positive viewpoint.
Play therapy can be used to help children role play their thoughts, feelings and behaviors. Just as the language for adults is to verbalize their feelings, the language of children is best seen through play. Play therapy allows the child to communicate in his or her language while working on making positive changes.