Registered Clinical Counsellor #20130
Melissa (She/Her/Hers) completed her Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology from Adler University. She has provided therapy to children, youth, and adults of diverse cultural backgrounds concerning anxiety, academic/performance anxiety, depression, stress, life transitions, relationship issues, and attachment issues. She’s also worked with neurodiverse youth in a school setting, supported the concerns of domestic and international students throughout Canada, and worked with youth struggling with substance use.
Melissa actively encourages others to find and realign their values with the intention to discover a sense of purpose and meaning. She feels a strong connection to working with youth struggling with anxiety within the scope of their life and individuals who struggle with feelings of rejection and motivation and may identify with ADHD or Autism.
As a registered clinical counsellor, Melissa tailors her therapy to the needs and beliefs of the people she works with. She works from a variety of therapeutic approaches drawing upon Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. Through her work, she uses a multicultural, trauma-informed lens and neurodivergent affirming stance to understand the full context of the person. She also employs creative modalities to draw upon her clients’ interests and strengths.
For those seeking a sense of belonging but facing disconnection due to anxiety, ADHD or Autism, Melissa specializes in nurturing understanding and self-acceptance. Together, she helps explore unique processing styles, leverages strengths and addresses masking behaviors. Discussions include exploring sensory palettes, navigating diagnosis challenges and systemic barriers potentially impacting education and career pursuits. By unpacking these layers, this empowers clients to make meaningful changes, enhancing autonomy and choice.
Melissa believes in conducting sessions with her clients in a collaborative way; this creates a strong therapeutic relationship that builds trust and strengthens the ability to do meaningful work together. Among her therapy goals is for each of her clients to feel empowered in their sessions, to nourish themselves and bring in items that provide a sense of comfort. As part of this, she chooses resources that promote safety and self-care. Her passion lies in helping her clients find their voice and to learn to trust their intuition while providing them with new skills to increase their self-awareness.
When she’s not sitting in her therapist’s chair, Melissa enjoys working out in the community, playing sports, hiking, sharing meals with others and exploring the many wonderful cafes in and around the Vancouver area.
