(She /Her)
Registered Psychotherapist
RP, CTP Dipl
Have you ever felt lost inside your own head? Everyone has their own inner world – a place where their thoughts, dreams, and beliefs shape who they are. But sometimes, we need to see ourselves through other people’s eyes to really understand how our thoughts and dreams affect our life.
What do you believe in? What kind of person do you want to be? Are you living up to your own standards? Maybe there are things you do just to get by, even if they don’t match who you really are. It might surprise you to see the difference between what you truly value and what you’ve had to do to survive.
How you see yourself changes how you see the world and the people in it. We often hide our true feelings and thoughts from ourselves. Trying to change your actions without knowing why you do them is really tough. Talking openly about your feelings can help you understand why you do the things you do.
Working at your pace, I offer a co-created conversation in which we discuss whatever is on your mind allows the dynamic of our relationship – including thoughts, ideas, values, and sensations – to be used for the discovery, acceptance, and understanding of your life and inner world.
My virtual office is a confidential, comfortable, and LGBTQ2IA+-positive space. I see individuals for psychodynamic psychotherapy on a secure online platform or over the phone. On average, I see clients once or twice a week, as well as, on a Bi-weekly basis, as per your needs/preference. Each psychotherapy session lasts 50 minutes. The office itself was thoughtfully designed, with mindfulness given to elements that are colourful and tactile, to engage even the busiest mind. Creating an inviting space for your work is my priority.
Prior to becoming a therapist, I worked in an artistic field. I was driven to succeed, and my entire identity was about my career and what society defined as success. Today, I view success as something very different: now, my success is derived from an inner state of being, rather than from external validation.
It was suggested to me by my own therapist that a career in psychotherapy might be my true calling. After dismissing this idea for two years, I finally listened and attended the Centre for Training in Psychotherapy. I would not have been able to make this choice without the many years of individual therapy that came before, which shed light on the anxiety of being alone that drove me. Over time, I came to an understanding of how events in my life shaped my decisions and who I believed I was in the world.
The total experience of seeking therapy and subsequently becoming a therapist has taught me to slow down, to be reflective, and to consider my actions before taking them. Listening to our own selves can allow us all to become who we would really love to be.
If any of my words resonate with you, let us see if we could work well together. I offer a 30-minute complimentary intake conversation in which we can decide if we are a good match. If so, an appointment for your first one-on-one therapy session can be made at your convenience.
You may contact me by phone at 416-738-6471 or by email at therapy@melissaemerson.ca.
I accept e-transfers as payment. My fees are covered by many benefit plans: please check with your employer or insurance provider to see if psychotherapy is covered.