About Melanie

Melanie Claassen BA MA

A portrait of student counsellor Melanie, a CBT therapist in BC. Melanie is smiling and standing outdoors.

I hold a Master of Counselling Degree from City University, a Post-Degree Diploma in Mental
Health and Addiction from Camosun College, and a Bachelor of Arts in Individual and Family
Development from Seattle Pacific University. I also have training in Transformational Systemic
Therapy from the Satir Institute and Gottman level 1 training in relationship counselling.

As a recent graduate and pre-licensed therapist, I currently offer sessions at a reduced rate of $110 per session. This interim pricing reflects my pre-licensure status while I continue to receive supervision and work toward full licensure.

I anticipate becoming fully licensed in Fall 2025, at which point my standard session rate will increase to $140. I’m committed to providing high-quality, compassionate care throughout every stage of this journey.

Melanie's Approach

My approach to counselling is collaborative, and I consider clients to be co-creators of our therapeutic work. I practice within a trauma-informed, person-centered approach and center emotions and body-based awareness in my work. I often utilize elements of Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP), Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), and mindfulness as we collaborate to find a good fit for achieving your goals. I have experience working with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, interpersonal or relationship challenges, grief, life transitions, as well as everyday stresses and challenges.

As a counsellor, I believe it’s vital for me to understand the issues you bring to counselling within the context of your unique life experience. I bring myself into the therapeutic relationship and aim to create an environment where you feel safe and comfortable sharing any aspects of your identity, life, beliefs, or perspectives that feel right. Further, I see you as the expert in your own life, and my goal is to support and collaborate with you as you work toward the goals you’ve set for yourself.