FAQ
(and their answers)
How are you different than other psychologists/counsellors/social workers?
I get it; finding a therapist can feel daunting. While I have much of the same foundational training as other practitioners, I have other trainings that I have acquired after my basic counselling training which allows me to work with specific areas of concern (see the bottom of this page).
While I uphold ethics and the scientific rigour of the field of psychology, I aim to show up as a human who cares about you. This means I might have animated facial expressions, get excited or sad with you, and may even say a curse word or two with you. When the time is right, I’ll share a laugh with you. You might see me wearing a band t-shirt from a punk rock show that I’ve attended, or share my latest comedy podcast musings. Bottom line, I want you to feel comfortable, to bring your whole self in to my therapy office. Yes, that means putting your feet up on my coffee table or couch, double-fisting a coffee/tea and a water, and using as much Kleenex as you need to.
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How long will therapy take?
It depends and I will connect with you on what you’re hoping for. Some people want a therapist that they can work with a bit longer term, others are looking for a bit shorter term support and looking for specific strategies to navigate through a situation.
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Do you provide couples therapy?
I do not see couples at this time. I have many wonderful colleagues that do provide couples therapy and would be happy to provide referrals, should you wish to see a therapist with your partner
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Have you worked with LGBTQ2S+ folks?
I sure have. I am an affirming person and therapist, and hold space for members in the community.
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Do you offer reduced rate therapy?
My reduced rate therapy spots are currently full. However, I am currently supervising an intern, Nora Pederberg, and she offers therapy for $50 or less until June 2025.
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How structured would our time together be?
I will normally try to check in with you during our initial consultation or in the first session as to how much structure you are looking for. Some people need 50 minutes to speak out everything that has been on their mind. Others have a very specific goal or problem that they are hoping to address and looking for tools to help this.
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...what happens if I realize I don't like you or feel like we're not a fit?
One very important part of my informed consent process is that you are aware that you have the right to end our therapeutic relationship at any time without penalty. So if you decide that we’re not a match (which is very important for therapy) that’s okay! I am happy to talk through this with you, or simply offer you referrals for other practitioners, or you may wish to not rebook and find a different therapist; I leave this up to you.
Religion and Spirituality
One of my areas of speciality is working with religion and spiritual-based issues. Here are some other fabulous questions people have asked me before coming to see me in therapy for these issues.
Have you worked with my faith tradition?
My area of specialty is working with those from Evangelical Christian backgrounds, however, I also have experience working with individuals from Catholic, Jehovah’s Witness, Mormon and Islamic traditions.
If I were to come see you for support with spiritual issues, faith deconstruction or religious trauma, what would that look like?
It depends. Some people have very specific events that have been troubling to them that they have not been able to talk about. Others notice certain behaviours within themselves that might be learned from their faith system that has been unhelpful for them. Others yet need support in discovering their identity outside of a religious system.
Depending on your concern, we can work to process the past, learn strategies for the present, and start dreaming for the future.
Your education is from faith-based institutions. Does this impact how you do therapy?
Yes, and no. My educational pathway has given me an in-depth understanding of the evangelical faith along with other faith traditions. While this has been a part of my training, I received clinical knowledge and training akin to others who have gone to public institutions.
Do you do biblical counselling?
I do not.
If you are looking for a therapist who is more likely to provide biblical counselling, I’d invite you to look through PACCP’s updated therapist directory.
Are you religious? Does your view impact therapy?
I get this question often. I grew up in the evangelical church and have a deep understanding of the religion. I currently hold a more nuanced view of spirituality.
I work with people across the spectrum of belief systems, from those who are active members of their religion to folks who are atheist. My goal is ultimately to help you sort through painful experiences and navigate through current challenges, regardless of what religious affiliation or philosophical perspective you hold.
My joy is to see people thrive with whatever path they choose.
Melissa’s Registration, Membership Affiliations, and Certifications/Training
Registered Psychologist (6416) - College of Alberta Psychologists
Psychologist Membership - Psychologists’ Association of Alberta
Training and Certification
Introduction to OCD Assessment and Treatment
ADHD - Clinical Services Provider
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Social Anxiety Disorder
Compassion Focused CBT
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I)
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) Skills
Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT)
Understanding and Treating Spiritual Abuse
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)
20 Hours of Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive Yoga
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
Education
Master of Arts: Counselling - Providence Theological Seminary
Bachelor of Arts: Behavioural Science - Ambrose University
