PRACTICE

Taking a trauma-informed approach, Melina uses psychodynamic, attachment-focused, family systems, and mindfulness evidence-based treatment models. Melina fundamentally encourages the client to get to know themselves better. Addressing the interconnection between mind, body, and brain, she may help the client explore the origins of current problems, recognize the ways the emotions created by past negative experiences are being repeated in present thoughts and actions, examine the ways various contexts, such as family, community, culture, or history, play a role in their wellbeing, or learn to notice the way emotions, thoughts, and body sensations are in-sync.

All the treatment models share the goal of helping the client loosen various knots that have been preventing deep and lasting feelings of security, happiness, and peace.

Melina will collaborate with the client on the treatment plan after gaining an understanding of the presenting problems and concerns. She will reassess regularly and may adapt or change the plan as circumstances evolve. Central to the success of any treatment program is the quality of the relationship between the client and the therapist, and Melina commits to working with you in a safe and secure manner.

Melina treats;

trauma and PTSD

anxiety and panic

depression

grief

attachment issues

relationship problems

chronic pain and medical issues

stress and anger management

school and workplace issues

loss of motivation and drive

self-harm

loved one with mental illness (past or present)

life transitions (puberty, marriage, pregnancy, postpartum, parent, menopause, etc.)

screen time issues.

Melina also has extensive experience in three areas.

1) Prenatal and postpartum support (for women and men).

The concerns may include;

questions about whether to have a child or not

exploration of thyroid and ferritin/iron levels

assisted conception

infertility and pregnancy loss

complex or high risk pregnancy, medical interventions, & birth trauma / PTSD)

lack of self-care and/or risky behaviours

concerns about bonding with infant

emotional disconnection (from pregnancy and/or birth experience or from infant)

excessive worry, sadness, or anger

adaptation issues (struggle with the identity of ‘mother’ or ‘father’)

high expectations/perfectionism

2) Parenting support. Whether the challenges are parent or child/teen-specific, Melina helps parents gain greater confidence in their ability to promote the long-term wellbeing of their family.

a) The parent-specific challenges may include;

low self-confidence

concerns about the quality of love or connection

martial or co-parenting difficulties

chronic illnesses

lack of self-care

grief

depression or anxiety

trauma or PTSD

stress

anger management

negative early life experiences.

b) The child/teen-specific concerns may include;

emotional dysregulation

behavioural challenges (hitting, biting, screaming, whining, etc.)

self-harm

substance abuse

anxiety or depression

trauma or PTSD

low self-confidence

school refusal

bullying and social concerns (peer pressure)

screen-time and social media issues.

3) Cross-cultural, inter-generational trauma, racialized trauma, and immigration support. Melina helps individuals gain insight about the intersection and impact various factors, such as family, culture, or community, play on their wellbeing and to support these insights towards the process of making positive change.

The factors may include;

feelings of discomfort and/or confusion about multiple forms of belonging or identity

the inherited transmission of trauma through negative patterns of behaviour and thought

the emotional affects of systemic racism

feelings of homesickness for and/or anger towards original or familial birth-place.