Wings of Change, a counseling practice co-founded by Melanie Castellari and Theresa Rodriguez, has built its reputation on an approach that extends beyond traditional talk therapy. The California-based practice combines evidence-based treatment with specialized resources designed to help clients continue their therapeutic work outside of sessions.
Castellari, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, brings over 16 years of experience to her work in relationship counseling and sex therapy. Her clinical background includes treating mood disorders, substance use issues, and family dynamics, with a particular focus on helping clients explore connection and intimacy. Rodriguez contributes expertise in compliance and clinical operations, providing the structural foundation that allows the practice to maintain professional standards while pursuing innovative therapeutic approaches.
The practice name reflects the founders’ philosophy that therapeutic work involves transformation rather than simply managing symptoms. “We wanted to create a place where people could transform, not just cope,” Castellari explains. This perspective shapes how the practice delivers services ranging from couples therapy to individual counseling, family therapy, and specialized trauma treatment using EMDR.
What distinguishes Wings of Change in the mental health field is its emphasis on providing clients with tangible tools they can use independently. The practice has developed a series of workbooks, guides, and handbooks covering topics from couples counseling to ADHD parenting strategies and EMDR protocols. These resources extend therapeutic support beyond scheduled appointments, allowing clients to continue working on growth between sessions.
Client testimonials highlight the practice’s personalized approach. One client described working with Castellari as transformative, noting, “I really love working with Melanie — she’s insightful, straightforward, engaging, empathetic, and results driven. She gives my husband and I great suggestions of things to work on throughout the week. He and I have a lot of things to work thru, and Melanie helps us to hear each other better and unearth what’s been eating at our relationship.”
Another client emphasized the directness of Castellari’s therapeutic style, stating, “Melanie is an exceptionally affable and genuine therapist – in simpler terms, she’s really cool. Her approach is refreshingly direct; she offers immediate insights and answers, a quality my wife and I truly value. With a blend of serious intent and a playful demeanor, Melanie creates an environment where we feel fully present and at ease.”
Rodriguez’s work has earned recognition for cultural sensitivity and practical support. A client shared, “Theresa is great at understanding cultural views that influence certain behaviors. She’s empathetic and helps provide tools that help me manage my challenges, and she’s always very open to learning about anything new I mention.”
The practice’s scope extends beyond typical counseling services. Castellari has authored two books, A Mind Like Mine and The Relationship Compass: Our Love Story, which bring therapeutic insights to readers outside the clinical setting. The practice also offers support groups, webinars, and couples retreats, creating multiple pathways for people to access mental health support.
Wings of Change treats a wide range of concerns including anxiety, depression, stress management, relationship issues, trauma recovery, ADHD, and parenting challenges. The practice operates with a sliding scale fee structure and accepts most insurance plans, working to address financial barriers that often prevent people from seeking therapy.
The partnership between Castellari and Rodriguez reflects what they describe as a balance between stability and inspiration. Rodriguez’s focus on operational excellence provides the framework that allows Castellari’s creative therapeutic approaches to flourish. Together, they have built a practice model that serves individuals, couples, and families across multiple states.
One client captured the impact of this approach, sharing, “Melanie is an amazing and supportive therapist, who has helped me navigate one of the most difficult challenges in my life. I tried a half-dozen other therapists across various platforms before I connected with Melanie, and I immediately knew she was the one. She doesn’t ordinarily treat my personal situation, but was kind enough to take me under her wing, and she has been my go-to ‘rock’ of support.”
As the practice continues to expand its services and resources, the founders maintain their focus on whole-person healing that addresses mind, body, and spirit. Through clinical sessions, published materials, and educational programs, Wings of Change aims to make mental health support accessible in multiple formats, meeting clients where they are in their healing journey.