Institute for Girls' Development

THE INSTITUTE STORY: In late 2004, after many years in private practice specializing in the social and emotional development of girls, Dr. Melissa Johnson launched the Institute for Girls’ Development. Today, the Institute has expanded to a team of therapists with a vast variety of specializations. We are culturally, linguistically, and theoretically diverse professionals who share vision, passion, and varied expertise in delivering our clinical, educational, assessment, and training programs. SERVICES OFFERED: Our individual, group, and family psychotherapy services combine with our empowerment-based educational workshops for girls, teens and parents, allowing us to serve hundreds of girls each year and their families. Parents, grandparents, and other kin are involved at the Institute through our workshops, therapy, and skills groups. While most of our clients come from the San Gabriel Valley region, we have families who travel from as far as Claremont and Santa Clarita for the unique opportunities here. TRAINING OFFERED: Our most recent program launch is our Training Institute. Our Training Institute is a part of our initiative to share expertise with fellow professionals in mental health, education, and organizations serving girls and women. In creating this community for learning, growth, and diversity, we hope to challenge ourselves and others to think deeply, creatively, empirically and to act boldly. Our training model incorporates what we call experiential and embodied learning, drawing on strength-based and mindfulness approaches in a relational context. Trainings and consultations are available for mental health professionals, educators, and community program providers throughout the country. It is with great gratitude that we do this work and share this story. We are indebted to so many who have supported our vision and been our gracious teachers.