Melanie Brakel DTATI, RP (qualifying)

From a young age, Melanie has been drawn to art. Being able to express her emotions through a paintbrush and canvas helped her as she experienced different phases of her life.

She attended a Regional Arts Program in high school that provided a comprehensive education in the Arts. From there she attended the University of Guelph and received her Bachelor of Applied Sciences in Adult Development where she learned about treating others with a holistic approach including psychological, social, economic, health, and relationship considerations.

Melanie realized that her passion is helping others by supporting their mental health with art. She attended the Toronto Art Therapy Institute and received a Graduate Diploma in Art Therapy (DTATI). She is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) and a member of the Canadian Art Therapy Association (CATA).

In addition to a long list of placements, at Bethel Hospice Melanie provided support services to residents. She developed art programs to give patients daily purpose and help them make peace with their mortality. To help family members she worked with a team to design community art-based programs that helped them navigate the grieving process.

 

Working Together

As a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), Melanie is passionate about providing her clients with guidance and designing tools and techniques to address their struggles which may include:

• mental health disorders or concerns (e.g. depression or anxiety)
• situational distress (e.g. bereavement, trauma, life transitions)
• general well-being and mindful living (e.g. personal exploration to understand what is keeping you stuck)

 

Art Therapy

Art therapy uses a combination of psychotherapy and the creative process to help you better understand what is going on in your life and why.

Creative arts can be incredibly helpful when you don’t have the words to express your feelings.

Regardless of your age or artistic abilities, you can benefit from engaging in the creative process.

Depending on your preferences, we will tailor the approach we use. Whether you want to spontaneously create or if you prefer more hands-on instructions, Melanie will guide you so you can meet your goals.

 

Counseling

If you are uncomfortable with the idea of art therapy, Melanie can provide more traditional counseling services to support you. The process is similar to art therapy, just without markers or paint.

 

The Results

Therapy is a flexible approach based on your needs and goals.

Together we evaluate your struggles as well as your strengths and incorporate both into the healing process.

Melanie will design a custom treatment plan for you using a combination of the following therapy modalities:

• cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
• dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT)
• mindfulness

Following our work together, you will have a toolbox of skills you can call upon to support you as you navigate life.