Janet Melo-Thaiss, RP (Qualifying)

Janet Melo-Thaiss, MACP 

Clinical Director & Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

Are you struggling to trust yourself in a world that often feels like it’s trying to silence your voice? You may find yourself doubting your truth, feeling gaslit and pressured to please others, or putting everyone else’s needs before your own. It can be exhausting to constantly shrink yourself to fit into the expectations of others, leaving your own needs, desires, and boundaries overlooked. But, your voice matters! You deserve to take up space, advocate for yourself, and prioritize your mental and physical well-being. We’ll focus on empowering you to trust yourself, speak up for your needs, and embrace your authenticity. 

I support individuals navigating the challenges of education, career, work-life balance, and health-related transitions. I also specialize in supporting women through hormonal changes such as pregnancy, PMDD/PME, PCOS, and menopause.  We’ll develop strategies to build resilience, self-compassion, and confidence, creating space for your authentic self. 

I approach my therapy practice with empathy, non judgment, and evidence-based techniques tailored to your needs, values, and goals. Currently, my therapeutic approach is informed by Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Solutions-Based Therapy (SBT), and Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBIs). My goal is to empower you to develop coping skills, manage stress and overwhelm, build resilience, and cultivate a sense of self-worth and confidence as you navigate through life’s ups and downs.

Drawing from a holistic perspective, I believe in addressing the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit to promote overall well-being. Through collaborative exploration and personalized interventions, we will work together to identify underlying patterns, challenge negative thoughts and beliefs, and co-create practical strategies to help you reach the best version of yourself.

I have extensive experience and training in supporting individuals experiencing anxiety, low self-esteem, work-life balance concerns, and stress. I am committed to creating a safe and nurturing space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences without judgment. Together, we will embark on a journey of self-discovery and growth, paving the way to greater self-awareness, fulfillment, and resilience.

I humbly welcome individuals from all backgrounds and communities, working through a client-centered, gender and sexuality-affirming, anti-oppressive, and anti-racist lens. I look forward to the opportunity to walk with you for part of your journey towards healing and transformation.

Professional Background

I am a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) and a member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA). I completed my Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. I have a Ph.D. in English Literature and teach at the post secondary level. My graduate project argued for interhuman relations based on authenticity, care, trust, and love. In the past 15+ years, my teaching, publications, and public speaking have focused on advocating for and fostering awareness of the fragile connections that hold us all together.

I have 10+ years of experience working with at-risk emerging adults in a university setting, coaching individuals who are experiencing anxiety, depression, loneliness, and stress. Working with thousands of emerging adults, I have facilitated and co-created programs to build resiliency, manage stress, increase focus, and address overwhelm in adaptive ways. Another area where I have experience is in supporting individuals experiencing great transitions such as immigration, parenting, or job loss. Since 2018, I have developed and led mindfulness and resiliency programs to support adults in addressing work-life balance and job precarity concerns. As a creative and curious learner, I am always seeking innovative ways of connecting with my clients.  A good example is my use of photography to help individuals work through and understand thoughts and emotions.

On a Personal Note…

I am blessed with a wonderful partner, two lovely daughters and our family rescue bunny named Popcorn! When I am not in the therapy room or the classroom, I am finding ways to learn about and celebrate the wonderful people and the world around me. I recently took up salsa dancing and violin! I love reading memoirs and travelling because these activities allow me to connect with the planet and with others. I am an avid hiker and camper who loves the wilderness, including the beautiful lakes and mountains of Canada. I am also a photographer and recently was awarded a prize for a documentary project focusing on bison in Yellowstone National Park!

Everything I do, whether at work or play, supports my project to be as present, kind, and compassionate as I can be. I am deeply committed to advocating for mental and physical health for all. Like you, I have experienced difficult life circumstances and through the support of loved ones as well as mental health professionals was supported through my own journey.

I would be honoured to do the same for you. Please feel free to reach out to schedule a session or inquire further about how I can support you on your journey.