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 two areas, when relevant for clients:

1) Parenting support. 

The parent-specific challenges may include;

infant caretaking

postpartum depression or anxiety

low self-confidence

relationship stress / difficulties

chronic illnesses

lack of self-care

grief

trauma, depression, or anxiety

stress

anger management

negative early life experiences.

The child-specific concerns may include;

emotional dysregulation

behavior challenges

self-harm

substance abuse

anxiety

depression

trauma

low self-confidence

bullying

screen-time issues.

2) 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.