Melanie Pfennig, Positive Pathway Therapy

Hi, my name Is Melanie and I am a licensed social worker in the state of NY. I work with children, teens, and adults navigating chronic health conditions like autoimmune disorders, arthritis, and gastrointestinal issues, as well as emotional challenges including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship stress, life transitions, weight loss concerns, disordered eating, perfectionism, and performance pressures—especially in athletes.

My approach integrates polyvagal-informed therapy, cognitive behavioral strategies, and a strengths-based lens to help clients understand the connection between their body, brain, and behavior—so they can build sustainable tools for relief and resilience. I draw from my training in functional medicine for mental health and therapeutic interventions for medical illness, my experience working alongside a clinical health psychologist, and my background as a former Division I athlete, which allows me to support both physical and emotional well-being through a balanced, root-cause, and performance-informed perspective. I am currently pursuing a master's in nutrition and dietetics as part of my ongoing journey to better support clients' health and well-being.

Together, we’ll explore how your nervous system responds to stress and illness, how past experiences might shape current struggles, and how to tap into your innate capacity for regulation, connection, and healing. My style is warm and nonjudgmental—I believe in honoring your lived experience while offering practical, holistic, and science-backed strategies.

Whether you're navigating a new diagnosis, healing from trauma, or feeling simply overwhelmed or directionless— I’d be honored to assist you on your journey.