Practice information:

*Online and telephone sessions only at this time

*Free 20 minute introductory session 

Located in Vancouver B.C., Melina is a registered clinical counsellor and member of the B.C. Association of Clinical Counsellors. She has a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MA) from Yorkville University that included a special focus on trauma, family, and cross-cultural counselling.

Melina firmly believes that the starting point for positive change is an open and curious perspective about one’s life-story. Seeking support is a courageous step towards greater wellbeing and Melina will commit to partnering with you in a safe and secure manner.

Taking a trauma-informed approach, Melina uses psychodynamic, attachment, 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, or culture, play a role in their wellbeing, or learn to notice the way emotions 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 treats: 

trauma and PTSD

anxiety

depression

postpartum depression and anxiety

pregnancy loss

infertility

grief

attachment issues

relationship problems

chronic pain and medical issues

gender and sexual issues

change of life circumstances

workplace issues

screen time issues.

Melina also has extensive experience in three areas, when relevant for clients:

1) Prenatal and postpartum support. 

The concerns may include;

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

lack of self-care and/or risky behaviors

concerns about bonding with infant

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

infant caretaking

excessive worry, sadness, or anger

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

high expectations/perfectionism

2) Parenting support. 

a) The parent-specific challenges may include;

low self-confidence

concerns about the quality of love for infant/child

martial difficulties

chronic illnesses

lack of self-care

grief

depression or anxiety

trauma or PTSD

stress

anger management

negative early life experiences.

b) The child-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

bullying

screen-time issues.

3) Cross-cultural, inter-generational trauma, racialized trauma, and immigration support.  

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 behavior and thought

the emotional affects of systemic racism

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