Mélanie Brétécher

she/her

Education: MACP practicum student, RP(Qualifying)

Background: Mélanie is a student in the Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MACP) at Yorkville University, completing her practicum placement under the supervision of Justin Goddard, MA, EdD (in progress), RP.

She has a background in both academic research and direct service, working with diverse populations impacted by financial insecurity, ADHD, and neurodiversity. Mélanie has worked in various roles, including disability case management, client service, and research assistance, all of which have provided a rich understanding of the complexities of human behaviour and mental health.

Specialty: Mélanie specializes in supporting individuals navigating life transitions, exploring their values and identities, and unpacking unhelpful coping mechanisms. She is particularly attuned to the 2SLGBTQ+ community, and intersections of identity, culture, and the impact of systemic power dynamics on mental health. Mélanie is bilingual (English/French) but counselling is conducted in English.

Approach: Under the supervision of Justin Goddard, Mélanie practices through a dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT) informed care model, while also drawing on techniques from Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), and supportive counselling. Her therapeutic approach is empathetic, warm, non-judgmental, and exploratory, fostering a safe space for clients to explore their emotions and experiences.

Perspective: Mélanie believes that clients are the true experts of their own lives and sees therapy as a collaborative journey. She is committed to co-creating a therapeutic relationship grounded in authenticity, compassion, and respect. With a strong focus on cultural humility, Mélanie aims to provide a space where clients can experience healing while acknowledging the broader social contexts that influence their mental health.

Mélanie can direct bill to Greenshield