OUR TEAM

Melanie is a Registered member of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW).  Melanie is an authentic, accepting, and empathically understanding Psychotherapist and Clinical Hypnotherapist committed to helping you get the most out of each and every session!  Meet Melanie:

 

Melanie Bray, MSW, RSWnoshadow
Social Worker/Psychotherapist/Clinical Hypnotherapist

Clients often describe me as non-judgemental, compassionate, empathic—and a bit geeky/awkward!  Therapy sessions with me tend to have a natural conversational flow and do not feel clinical because of my unique humour, listening style, and expressive way of responding.  I honour and value people's beliefs and lived experiences.  I constantly strive to ask meaningful and thought-provoking questions that make a difference in the lives of those I work with.  

I have been practicing in the field of Addictions and Mental Health since 2005.  I specialize in anxiety, grief, trauma & substance use.  I also have a particular interest in women's issues (like self-esteem, personal identity, and life transitions).  I was a guest speaker at the SF24 global conference in 2021.  In the same year, I developed a single-session service model for a Nurse Practitioner Led Clinic in Peterborough, Ontario.  Implementing this service model increased access to the agency's social work services and eliminated a long waitlist for psychotherapy.  In my spare time, I love drawing/sketching, watercolour painting, and poured acrylics.  

"When I used to practice more traditional forms of therapy, it was very common (and pretty much expected) that clients would 'get worse before getting better'.  I am so glad I was introduced to Solution-Focused Therapy during graduate school.  Now my clients get relief and feel better in the very first session! And I am continually amazed at how quickly they get lasting results!  This is incredibly inspiring and I feel energized to provide my clients with the best possible service."

Education:

  • Master of Social Work, University of Windsor
  • Bachelor of Social Work, University of Windsor
  • Bachelor of Science (Psychology), Trent University  

 

Therapeutic Approaches & Training:

  • Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (University of Toronto)
  • Clinical Hypnosis (University of Toronto)
  • Certified Hypnotist, (Mike Mandel Hypnosis Academy/MMHA) 
  • Brief Narrative Therapy (Windz Institute & Narrative Therapy Centre)
  • Emotional Freedom Techniques (ACEP)