About Melissa
I am a Registered Social Worker and psychotherapist with more than twenty years of experience supporting children, families, couples and adults. I am fluently bilingual, and I see adults and couples online in English or French.
I believe therapy should be a place where you feel heard and understood. Sessions are client-led: you set the pace, and together we build a plan where you feel empowered and in control of your life. My approach is warm, honest and collaborative.
My path
- 1998 to 2003Shelter for women and children
Began with a co-op placement at a shelter for abused women and children, then volunteered and joined the staff.
- 2003Bachelor of Social Work, Laurentian University
- 2003 to 2013Child protection
Child protection worker and emergency after-hours worker, including crisis assessments of children in hospitals.
- 2009Master of Social Work, Laurentian University
- From 2010School mental health
Social worker for a French-language public school board, in elementary and secondary schools, working with students, families and staff.
- 2010 to 2015, and 2019Office of the Children's Lawyer
Clinician preparing custody and access assessments for Ontario courts.
- TodayPrivate practice
Therapy for adults and couples online; Owner and Clinical Director of Canada Therapy & Wellness; therapist with the Ottawa Couple and Family Institute.
Along the way I have also run therapeutic groups and given workshops on depression, anxiety, suicide prevention, self-esteem and healthy relationships.
Registration and training
- Ontario
- Registered Social Worker, Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (public register)
- Alberta
- Registered Social Worker, Alberta College of Social Workers, RSW 19293
- Education
- Master of Social Work (2009) and Bachelor of Social Work (2003), Laurentian University
- Emotionally Focused Therapy
- ICEEFT Externship, Core Skills, EFIT Levels 1 and 2
- Other approaches
- Trauma-focused CBT, DBT skills, motivational interviewing, attachment-based and solution-focused therapy
- Memberships
- Ontario Association of Social Workers; ICEEFT
- Languages
- English and French
- Who I see
- Adults (18+) and couples, online
Clinical supervision
I also offer individual clinical supervision for social workers and psychotherapists, in English or French. Sessions are 50 minutes, $185. Book supervision
Reaching out is often the hardest step
Book a free 15-minute call to ask your questions and see if we are a good fit, with no pressure to continue.