My name is Mélanie Martel. To most, I’m Mel. I have been offering bilingual (English, français) psychotherapy and counselling services since 2011. I hold a Masters degree in Social Work as well as an honours degree in Psychology from the University of Ottawa. I am a member, in good standing, of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW, #819592) since 2010. I work from an attachment-centered, trauma-informed lens. I use an integrative approach, drawing on dyadic developmental psychotherapy (DDP; levels I and II), dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT) narrative therapy, brainspotting and safe and sound protocol. I receive clinical supervision from Psychologist Dr. Queenie Lo.
As a therapist, my style is relaxed, fluid and intuitive. I have the privilege of walking alongside children, youth and adults individually and I also work with parents and families. I genuinely and whole-heartedly believe in taking a collaborative approach to therapy and strive to establish a compassionate, non-judgemental, and person-centered environment. A little humour and playfulness also helps to bring a human touch!
I sincerely believe that everyone is doing the best that they can with what they know. Behind every problematic behaviour, recurring relational cycle or pattern, there’s a story. These are often stories of pain, resilience and adaptation. Left unchecked, they shape and influence our behaviour in the now, and within our relationships. In my experience, having our stories witnessed is a powerful way to disempower their hold on us. Some of people’s deepest wounds have come at the hands of painful relationships. Conversely, relationships also hold the power of our most profound healing. We are wired to seek belonging. Learning to foster safe, authentic and attuned connections with those around us brings so much depth and richness to our lived experience.
Another guiding philosophy to my work is that when we know more about the inner workings of our bodies and minds, we experience much less of the crippling shame which keeps us feeling stuck, in pain, and alone. It is very important to include the body in the therapeutic experience.
On the personal side of things, I wear many hats. I am daughter to beautifully imperfect and loving parents. I am a sister to many, biologically and of my choosing. I am a partner to one very patient and compassionate human! I am also a mother to two affectionate, intuitive and perfectly imperfect children that can have me both crying and laughing mere minutes apart! I am both confident and proud of the woman I am today, while also being grateful to always be learning, shifting, evolving and deepening. I am at my most regulated when I am with my people, playing, creating, cuddling, and laughing. On my own, my most peaceful and refueling moments tend to happen on nature walks, while swimming or biking, and holding a paintbrush.
“The truest, most beautiful life never promises to be an easy one. We need to let go of the lie that it’s supposed to be.” – Glennon Doyle