“You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.”
- C. S. Lewis
ONLINE & IN-PERSON COUNSELLING AVAILABLE
Melissa
Melissa grew up on a farm in Vanderhoof, British Columbia. In 2010, she relocated to Kelowna, where she has lived ever since. Her educational journey began with completing the Human Service Worker Diploma at Okanagan College. She then earned her Bachelor of Social Work in 2015 through Thompson Rivers University in partnership with Nicola Valley Institute of Technology in Merritt. In 2021, Melissa completed her Master of Counselling degree from Gonzaga University.
Melissa is passionate about supporting individuals in achieving greater peace and fulfillment in their life’s. She draws on a client-centered approach, offering tailored interventions based on each person’s unique needs.
For the past four years, Melissa has worked as a clinical counsellor at a substance use treatment centre in Kelowna. During this time, she has gained extensive experience supporting individuals struggling with addiction and has facilitated numerous group therapy sessions. Her strong knowledge base is shaped by both education and frontline practice makes her a valuable addition to the Kelowna One Counselling team.
Work Hours
Tuesday - Thursday (Online Only): 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Friday: 1 pm - 5 pm
Every 2nd Saturday: 8 am - 12 pm
Every 2nd Sunday: 1 pm - 5 pm
Melissa is accepting new clients and will begin on January 1st!
Melissa can also be reached at melissakelownaone@outlook.com!
Areas of Focus
Grief
Trauma
Abuse
Eating Disorders
Stress Management
Marriage Counselling
Attachment Disorders
Parenting Concerns
Borderline Personality Disorder
Melissa only works with individuals 9+ and older.
Grounded in an attachment-based lens, Melissa believes that human connection is essential to well-being. She offers a non-judgmental, supportive, and emotionally safe environment, prioritizing the development of a secure therapeutic alliance. She views therapy as a collaborative journey where growth is possible for everyone.
Melissa’s Specializations Include:
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
Emotion-Focused Therapy
Inner Child Work
Mindfulness
Shadow Work
Therapeutic Frameworks Utilized with Clients:
Over the past decade, Melissa has worked extensively with trauma, concurrent disorders, and addictions. She incorporates a wide range of therapeutic modalities, including Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy, Inner Child Work, Mindfulness, and Shadow Work. Melissa frequently integrates multiple approaches to meet the goals outlined in each client’s treatment plan.
Melissa works with individuals, couples, families, and youth. She firmly believes that every person has the capacity to heal and grow with determination and the right support.
Education/Credentials and Recent Professional Work Experience:
Master of Counselling
Gonzaga University (2021)
Bachelor of Social Work
Thompson Rivers University, in partnership with Nicola Valley Institute of Technology (2015)
Human Service Worker Diploma
Okanagan College (2013)
Clinical Counsellor at a substance use treatment center in Kelowna - 2021 to 2025
Supported individuals struggling with addiction and facilitated group therapy sessions.
Supporting youth, young adults, adults, couples, and families