Hi! My name is Melanie (She/Her).
Growing up, I considered myself to have many different interests, which kept me extremely active. I also hated spending time alone. I was diagnosed with depression and a General Anxiety Disorder at age 15 and sought support from a psychologist and medication.
When I was 25, major family changes impacted my existing mental health challenges. I ended up developing health issues resulting in two abdominal surgeries. With both, I was told I should be able to return to my regular functions 1-2 weeks post-surgery. However, I had to take 1 month off work and experienced chronic pain for over a year due to severe abdominal adhesions. I built a multi-disciplinary team to help me get my health back on track.
Sports have always been my way of managing my anxiety. However, the pain I experienced did not allow me to use movement as a coping mechanism anymore. Although I felt stuck in my body, dismissed and misunderstood, the pain eventually dissipated as I continued my efforts to reduce inflammation and work with my health team.
During this time, I received a diagnosis of IBS, GERD, SIBO and HPA axis dysregulation. I have learned to manage my anxiety and no longer battle depression. I have also become a mom to a beautiful boy. He certainly keeps me on my toes and is a constant reminder to stay grounded and present.
I feel passionate about helping individuals with physical and mental health issues deal with the unknown, learn practical tools to manage their illnesses, and feel heard.
I am a licensed social worker and would love to work with you. In my counseling practice, I have a holistic therapeutic style where compassion and empathy are ingrained in my active listening and in validating your experiences and feelings.
My therapy experience comes from a variety of settings such as non-profit organizations primarily focused on supporting women affected by violence and sexual assaults, the female judicial environment, an employee assistance program, and the pediatric hospital setting.
I will use an eclectic generalist therapeutic approach which means that the interventions are based on the unique needs of each person considering the influence of the various issues that affect people’s lives at the individual, environmental, social and physical level. When you engage in a counseling process with me, collaboration is key.
I am committed to creating a safe space in a therapeutic relationship based on respect and empowerment which is also influenced by a feminist structural approach. I like to use humor and creativity to identify your strengths and goals to guide you in your thoughts and in a problem-solving process.
Feel free to request a free consultation to begin your counseling process and determine if I can be part of your team.
The languages I speak are French and English.
