Melanie Russell, MCP, RP

Life can feel overwhelming at times, whether you’re navigating anxiety, relationship challenges, trauma, burnout, emotional regulation difficulties, or feeling stuck in patterns that no longer serve you. I strive to offer a warm, collaborative, and non-judgmental space where clients feel genuinely heard, supported, and understood while working toward meaningful and lasting change. With over 26 years of experience in psychotherapy and behavioural health, I work with adolescents (12+), adults, couples, families, caregivers, older adults, first responders, and LGBTQ+ clients facing a wide range of emotional, relational, and mental health concerns. I have extensive experience supporting individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, OCD, trauma/PTSD, relationship difficulties, grief, burnout, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, chronic pain and illness, substance use concerns, self-esteem challenges, emotional dysregulation, and stress-related difficulties. I also support clients navigating return-to-work concerns, health anxiety, perfectionism, panic, phobias, and life transitions. My approach is integrative, client-centred, and grounded in evidence-based care. I draw from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), attachment-based approaches, narrative therapy, mindfulness-based interventions, Solution-Focused Therapy, and trauma-informed treatment. I believe therapy is not one-size-fits-all and work collaboratively with clients to tailor treatment to their unique experiences, goals, strengths, and cultural identities. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from McMaster University and a Master of Counselling and Applied Psychology from Athabasca University. My graduate training strongly emphasized culturally responsive psychotherapy and working with marginalized and non-dominant individuals and communities, an approach I have integrated throughout my clinical work with people with diverse lived experiences. In May 2026, I completed my Advanced Certificate in Couple and Family Therapy through the University of Guelph. In addition to my psychotherapy practice, I provide supervision, peer coaching, practice advice, and quality assurance support through my work with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. Outside of my clinical work, I enjoy golfing, gardening, travelling, and spending time with my two-year-old miniature dachshund. Clinician competencies: • Adjustment Issues • Alcohol Abuse • Anger • Anxiety/ Generalized Anxiety Disorder • Bipolar Disorder • Body image/Body Dysmorphia • Borderline Personality Disorder • Burnout • Colititis/IBS/Gastrointestinal Issues • Depression/Mood Disorders • Dissociative Disorders • Eating Disorders • Emotion Regulation • Excoriation/Dermatillomania • Gender Dysphoria • Gifted/High IQ Young adults • Grief/Loss • Health Anxiety • Insomnia/Sleep Problems • Motor Vehicle Accidents/Return to Work • Non-substance/behavioural addictions • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder • Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder • Pain Management • Panic Disorder • Perfectionism • Performance Anxiety • Personality Disorders • Phobias • Psychotic Disorders/Schizophrenia • Relationship issues • Seasonal Affective Disorder • Self-esteem • Self-harm • Smoking cessation • Social Anxiety • Somatoform Disorders • Stress • Substance Use • Suicidality • Test Anxiety • Trauma/PTSD • Trichotillomania • Vocational interests/Coaching • Weight management • Anxiety/Mood Med Withdrawal Populations served: • Adolescents • Adults • Caregivers • Couples • Families • First Responders • Gifted/High IQ young adults • Groups • LGBTQI+ community • Older Adults (65+) • Return to Work/WSIB Clients Treatment modalities: • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy • Attachment Therapy • BIPOC Therapy • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia • Cognitive Processing Therapy • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy • Exposure and Response Prevention • Emotion Focused Therapy • Mindfulness Therapy • Narrative Therapy • Solutions focused treatment • Trauma informed treatment Please note that our associates work with many presenting issues, some of which are not listed in this biography. Please speak with our intake team at 416-363-4228 for more information.