Melissa Emerson

Many people find themselves struggling to understand their feelings. For each of us, there is an inner world: a place where beliefs and dreams create who we are in our everyday lives. Sometimes we need to learn how we are seen through the eyes of others to understand how those beliefs and dreams truly impact us. What beliefs and behaviours of yours align with your values, and what have you taken on, or learned to do, out of a need to survive? Can they be one and the same? What does the difference between the two look like in your day-to-day? You might be surprised.

How we see ourselves impacts how we see others, and our place in the world with them. We may only catch glimpses of our true selves through feelings or patterns in our lives. Often, our innermost world is hidden from us. Trying to change our actions without knowing why we chose them can be very painful. Speaking one’s truth to another helps acknowledge this innermost world, and brings understanding to the motivations that drive the actions that we take and the decisions that we make.

How I Work

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 office is a confidential, comfortable, and LGBTQ-positive space with its own private entrance in Toronto’s West End, easily accessed by transit. I see individuals for psychodynamic psychotherapy in this location, on a secure online platform, or over the phone. On average, I see clients once or twice a week, as per your 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.

About Me

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.

A decade ago, 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.

The First Step

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: check with your employer or insurance provider to see if psychotherapy is covered.

During COVID-19, therapy may only take place via online platform or phone, and only e-transfer can be accepted as payment.

If you would like to learn more or book a no-fee 30 minute consultation, call 416-738-6471 or email me at therapy@melissaemerson.ca.