About Melanie

Melanie Claassen BA

I have been supporting individuals and families for over 10 years. My education includes a Bachelor of Arts in Individual and Family Development and a minor in Psychology from Seattle Pacific University (2010). I earned a Post Degree Diploma in Mental Health and Addiction from Camosun College in 2013 and am currently in my third year of a master’s degree in counselling at City University.

My professional experience has included mental health counselling, employment counselling, and outreach supporting families through child welfare inquiries. I have experience working with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, interpersonal or relationship challenges, grief, life transitions, as well as everyday challenges.

Melanie's Approach

As a counsellor, I aim to create an environment where you feel safe and comfortable to share any aspects of your identity, beliefs, or perspectives that feel right. I strive to understand the issues you bring to counselling within the context of your unique life experience. My approach to counselling is collaborative and I consider clients to be co-creators of our therapeutic work. I practice within a person-centered approach and may utilize elements of emotion-focused, mindfulness, body-based work, and CBT/ACT, among others, as we collaborate to find a good fit for achieving your goals,

Reaching out to start with a new therapist can be hard! I offer a free 30 minute consult so you can feel out if I will be a good fit for you.