Melissa Fellin specializes in relationships between partners and parents (or caregivers) and their children. She’s a Registered Social Worker who holds a Master of Social Work from Wilfrid Laurier University and also has a Master of Arts in Anthropology and Ph.D. in Anthropology and Migration and Ethnic Relations from Western University. Melissa has expertise in the areas of trauma, resilience, attachment, transitions and family relationships.
She’s a trainer in Culturally Safe Health Care and has received a certificate in Indigenous Cultural Safety in Health Care. Melissa has worked in the areas of mental health and addictions, domestic violence and sexual assault and children’s services.
Melissa is particularly concerned with reconnecting partners. She has received formal training in Emotionally Focused Therapy and takes a sex-positive approach. She holds a special interest in helping couples who have experienced infidelity and affairs, and enjoys working with clients to enhance understanding of relationship patterns, increase intimacy, trust, communication, empathy and connection, so that partners can revitalize and rebuild their relationships. She also works with parents on co-parenting following the dissolution of the relationship to maintain healthy relationships.
Melissa is especially interested in working with pre- and post-natal mothers and their partners as they transition into parenthood. She’s also concerned with building attachment between caregivers and their new babies following birth. In addition, Melissa works with parents and caregivers raising children with diverse abilities, social and behavioural difficulties to support them both as individuals and parents.
Melissa works with women who have experienced domestic violence and sexual trauma. She provides treatment and support to individuals who have experienced post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of war and violence, migration and other life transitions. She also assists youth with healthy relationships, family issues, life transitions, and self-esteem.
Melissa has received multiple awards and distinctions for her research. The research has been implemented in hospitals, children’s services, education programs, research centres, and counseling agencies. She has published a book, book chapters and has publications in numerous academic journals including Disability & Rehabilitation, Journal of Social Science Education, Disability Health Journal, International Journal of Migration, Health and Social Care, Landscapes of Violence. Melissa has been a speaker in academic and community forums. She has taught courses at Western University, Wilfrid Laurier University, and Sheridan College.
Melissa’s approach is holistic and strengths-based. Drawing from evidence-based practice to tailor treatment for clients, she uses attachment, narrative, cognitive behavioural, psychodynamic, interpersonal and feminist therapies as well as mindfulness to meet clients where they are in their healing journey. Melissa believes it’s a privilege to walk beside individuals and couples as they develop their relationships with themselves and others. She believes that the therapeutic relationship is integral to the success of treatment. The inclusion of emotional, psychological, spiritual and physical aspects of the individual is welcome in treatment.
Many Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) and extended health care plans will cover services rendered by a Registered Social Worker.
Please note: Melissa also provides psychotherapy to children ages 2 to 11 years old using play therapy techniques at her home based office. If you are interested in child or family therapy with Melissa, please visit: https://melissafellin.com
