Through the ups, the downs, and everything in between – I’m with you.
About Me
Hi, I’m Mel (she/they), a Registered Psychotherapist in Ontario and member of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). I provide queer-affirming psychotherapy for adults seeking support with anxiety, trauma, emotional regulation, life transitions, etc. My practice is rooted in creating a safe, inclusive, and affirming space where queer and 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals feel seen, respected, and supported.
I specialize in working with queer folks, including those navigating identity exploration, relationship challenges, and the emotional impact of discrimination. I understand how stress, identity-related experiences, and systemic barriers can impact mental health, and I strive to offer therapy that is inclusive, validating, and culturally responsive.
My therapeutic approach integrates evidence-based modalities, including Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), and mindfulness-based practices. Therapy sessions are tailored to your individual needs and goals, helping you develop practical coping skills, increase emotional awareness, and reconnect with a sense of safety and authenticity.
Areas of Focus
Anxiety
Anxiety often feels like a constant hum of “what if” or a protective shield that’s become too heavy to carry. It is essentially an inner alarm system designed to keep you safe, but sometimes that alarm gets stuck in the “on” position. Together, we work to meet those anxious feelings with curiosity instead of judgment.
By practicing mindfulness, you can learn to create space between yourself and the racing thoughts, allowing you to breathe through the tension. We focus on identifying the parts of you that are working so hard to scan for danger and help them move toward a state of ease. The goal isn’t to eliminate fear, but to help you lead your life from a place of calm confidence rather than being driven by worry.
Emotional Regulation
Life brings a wide spectrum of feelings, and sometimes those emotions can feel like tidal waves—either overwhelming us completely or causing us to shut down to stay safe. Emotional regulation is about expanding your capacity to stay present and grounded, regardless of what the day brings.
In our work, we create a warm, affirming space where every emotion is welcomed as a valid source of information. We use gentle awareness to notice the physical signals your body sends before an emotion becomes a storm. By learning to observe your feelings with compassion, you can move from reacting impulsively to responding with intention. It is the process of coming home to yourself and trusting that you have the resilience to navigate whatever you feel.
Trauma
Trauma is a deeply personal experience that can leave us feeling fragmented or stuck in the past. It often leaves imprints on the nervous system, creating inner conflicts where some parts of us carry deep pain while others work tirelessly to hide that pain away. These survival strategies are brilliant and necessary, but they can eventually prevent us from feeling truly whole.
Healing involves a slow, compassionate unburdening of the weight you’ve been carrying. By building a safe, person-centered relationship, we can gently approach the memories and sensations that feel “too much.” We work to restore your sense of safety, honoring your lived experience and helping your system release old patterns. Together, we move toward a future where your past informs your wisdom but no longer dictates your life.
“When we trust that we are the ocean, we are not afraid of the waves“
– Tara Brach
My Education and Credentials
Registered Psychotherapist
College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (2021)
Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology
Yorkville University, Fredericton, NB (2021)
Bachelor of Arts in Honours Psychology
Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON (2018)
Trainings
The Complete Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy Competency Course
Stacey Ruse, offered through PESI (ongoing)
Transforming Trauma with Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT)
Leanne Campbell & Susan Johnson, offered through PESI (ongoing)
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) Skills
Marsha M. Linehan, offered through Psychwire (2022)
TASC Training with LivingWorks
Offered through LivingWorks (2022)
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
Dave Potter, offered through Palouse Mindfulness (2022)
Whatever the path looks like, we’re walking it together.