Melissa Brienza

About Melissa

Hi there! Do you struggle with anxiety, motivation and being a part of a�world that doesn’t seem like it was designed for you?�Have you been considering counselling for some time now?�Are you feeling unsure or anxious about taking those initial steps?�My name is Melissa and I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor.�I work from a variety of therapeutic approaches drawing upon Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. Alongside these theories, I strongly value your lived experience to guide our work towards change and acceptance.�Through my work I use a multicultural, trauma-informed lens and neurodivergent affirming stance to understand the full context of the person.�

I am passionate about working with youth struggling with anxiety and self-esteem issues which can lead to feelings of self-doubt. I feel a strong connection to youth/adults�struggling�with feelings of rejection and motivation and may identify with traits of ADHD and/or�Autism.

As your counsellor I wish to understand�your�past experiences, the meaning they derive, and how they play a role in your present. I intend to better understand your scope of the world and the ways you have been navigating it. This work may include understanding your values, learning how you experience motivation, and building coping skills to improve self-regulation to provide you with more agency to�make decisions based on what you need and believe in.

I aim to tailor therapy to the customary needs and beliefs of those I work with. I enjoy using creative modalities to draw upon clients� strengths and lean into humour to enhance our therapeutic relationship and ease some of that initial anxiety when trying something new!�I encourage�clients to bring in sensory/personal�items�that create comfort and�safety and utilize movement/stimming�as a way to soothe.