Services

Traditional Talk Therapy

During traditional talk therapy, Melissa explores the clients concerns by asking questions and engaging with how the past influences our present. Melissa approaches talk therapy collaboratively, deciding with the client whether to commit to a solution focused strategy or longer-term therapies to understand the root of an issue. Oftentimes sessions can include a mixture of both of these techniques!

DBT

(Dialectical Behavior Therapy) – DBT is a type of talk therapy that works by giving the client a set of tools for mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, interpersonal skills and balanced thinking. Clients take these learned skills with them to use in daily life in between therapy appointments and work closely with Melissa to refine their skills. Some benefits of this therapy include improved problem solving, a sense of balance and purpose, and empowerment of taking healing into your own hands. 

Play Therapy

Melissa is a registered play therapist that provides directives to children through toys, art, and other activities that help children express their thoughts and feelings. This can help children develop coping skills, work through trauma and other behavioural challenges.

Sand Tray Therapy

During a sand tray therapy session with Melissa, clients create an external world to help them physically engage with their interior world! Clients can pick out miniatures and arrange them in the sand tray, draw a design, or simply trace patterns and benefit from the sensation. This therapy allows the client to express thoughts, feelings, and life themes, which offers new perspectives and allows people to process in surprising ways. This therapy is not just for kids! 

EMDR

EMDR – Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is an evidenced based therapy which empowers clients to process and heal from distress, including trauma. As a trained EMDR specialist, Melissa utilizes this tool with both adults and children to decrease nightmares, improve mood and relationships, reduce feelings of anxiety or being “on edge”, and more. She is also trained with Accelerated Resolution Therapy, which uses bilateral eye movements to process themes and events causing acute distress. 

Creative Art Therapy

Melissa studied art in college and understands the wonderful benefits it can provide when used in therapeutic practices! In these powerful sessions, Melissa gives prompts using artistic materials to help the client express their feelings constructively. This type of therapy empowers the client to visualize their internal thought process, engage with emotional expression, and increase their self awareness to aid in healing.