Meet Melinda
Welcome! I'm so happy you're here and wanting to learn more about me.
I’ve been a registered Social Worker since 2005 but started counselling long before that. In fact, way back in Grade 8 I joined my school's peer counselling group and I haven't looked back since.
I hold a Masters Degree in Social Work and I am trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Cybercounselling (E-Counselling) and many other therapies.
Early in my counselling career I provided adjustment to vision loss counselling at CNIB. It was here that I began to see the real impact that grief, loss, anxiety and depression can have not only on an individual, but also their relationships and how they interact with the world around them.
From there, I went on to work with parents and caregivers as they learned to navigated the early years of parenting and how to best care for and support the children in their lives. I have been successful in helping parents, not only improve their relationships with their children, but also each other.
Over the years, I have practiced and trained to become a skilled and experienced counsellor. I have helped people learn to live with anxiety, depression, stress, grief and loss, and so much more. I really listen to clients and adapt and utilize my skills to meet the individual needs of all those that come to me for help.
This desire to provide a client centred service stemmed from my own struggles trying to find the right counsellor to work with when I was in need. I seemed to move from counsellor to counsellor trying to find someone to really listen and help me find a way forward. Though I'm sure the counsellors tried their best, each time I was left felling dismissed, ignored, and very discouraged.
Throughout my process, I kept thinking about how hard it must be for people outside of the helping professions to get the help they deserve. Here I was, a counsellor myself, and I was so discouraged that I was ready to give up on finding the help I so desperately needed. However, I knew I couldn't and I finally found someone that gave me the space I needed to heal and move forward. I'd like to do the same for you.
Regardless of the concern that has brought you here, I promise to approach each session with empathy, compassion, and understanding. I pride myself on providing a non-judgemental and safe space, free of assumptions. I strongly believe in giving people the space they need to speak freely about their unique lived experiences and how these experiences impact their lives.
Over the years, I have practiced and trained to become a skilled and experienced counsellor. I have learned how to really listen to you and what your goals are. I am able to adapt and utilize my skills to meet your individual needs and provide you with support and guidance to help you begin to move forward in your life.
I am here to support you in learning to live with anxiety, stress, depression, or anything else that may be causing you distress. I can also help you improve your relationships with those most important to you whether that be a partner, a child, your parents, or anyone else.
I know reaching out for help can be extremely difficult but you can do! I'll be here to help you and guide you through every step of the process.
I look forward to working with you!