Melissa works with 18+ clients Melissa brings a warm, compassionate, and client-centered approach to therapy, focusing on creating a safe space where clients feel heard, supported, and empowered. Melissa supports clients who struggle with anxiety, stress, burnout, depression, relationship challenges, and attachment concerns.

Melissa is deeply committed to helping clients navigate life’s challenges and transitions. She has a strong interest in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Gestalt therapy for couples. Melissa is continuing to build her expertise in EFT by pursuing ICEEFT certification

In addition to her work with adults and couples, Melissa is eager to explore Narrative Therapy techniques

Whether working with individuals or couples, Melissa is dedicated to creating a supportive, empathetic space where clients can grow, heal, and build resilience as they navigate life’s challenges.

Melissa works with 18+ clients Melissa brings a warm, compassionate, and client-centered approach... Read More

Alyssa Bracco is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) who works with children and teens, providing a warm, welcoming, and supportive environment where young clients can feel safe to express themselves. She is passionate about meeting children where they are at, tailoring her approach to suit each child’s developmental stage and unique needs.

Alyssa incorporates play therapy skills into her work, recognizing that play is a natural and effective way for children to communicate, process emotions, and build coping strategies. She also offers parent sessions, understanding the importance of collaboration and guidance to support children both inside and outside of therapy.

Alyssa is committed to fostering a strong therapeutic alliance built on trust, empathy, and consistency. She strives to create a positive and engaging environment where children and teens feel heard, understood, and empowered as they navigate challenges and build emotional resilience.

Alyssa Bracco is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) who works with children and teens, pro... Read More

Patrick is a Counselling Psychology student and Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. He brings a calm, thoughtful, and grounded presence to therapy, supporting clients as they navigate personal challenges, relationship concerns, and key transitions across the lifespan.

Patrick works with adults, couples, post-secondary students, and veterans. He has experience providing harm-reduction–informed care related to substance use and supports clients with concerns such as relationship and attachment difficulties, substance-related and behavioural addictions, loneliness, men’s mental health, and questions of purpose, identity, and meaning.

At the heart of Patrick’s work is a belief in self-awareness, empowerment, and meaningful change. He helps clients explore the patterns, experiences, and relational dynamics that shape how they connect with others and with themselves, while also supporting practical, achievable steps forward. His approach balances deep, process-oriented exploration with clear, goal-focused direction so clients feel both understood and supported in making change.

Patrick draws from the Gottman Method of Couples Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and psychodynamic approaches, thoughtfully integrating these modalities to meet each client’s unique needs. He offers counselling for individuals, couples, and groups, recognizing the value of working within both personal and relational contexts.

Patrick strives to create a collaborative, respectful, and motivating therapeutic space where clients can build insight, strengthen resilience, and move toward more fulfilling, connected lives.

Patrick is a Counselling Psychology student and Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the ... Read More

Child and Youth Care Practitioner

With nearly 30 years of experience supporting children, youth, and families, Laurie is a dedicated Child and Youth Care Practitioner with a passion for promoting mental health and emotional well-being. Her experience includes work in hospitals, community agencies, child welfare, family counselling, and education settings. Her extensive experience spans work with children and youth ages 4 to 18, as well as supporting the families who care for them.

Laurie specializes in helping children and teens develop practical social-emotional skills, including emotional regulation, stress and anxiety management, self-esteem, resilience, and healthy peer relationships. Through small group engagement and workshops, she creates supportive environments where young people can build confidence, strengthen coping skills, and thrive. Participants gain practical tools they can apply in their everyday lives, helping them navigate challenges with greater confidence and success.

Beginning in August 2026, Laurie will be offering weekly small-group programs and daily workshops designed to support children and youth in building the skills they need to flourish both socially and emotionally.

Child and Youth Care Practitioner With nearly 30 years of experience supporting children, youth,... Read More

Dawn is a Registered Psychotherapist with an integrative approach to therapy, one that meets clients where they are and helps them move toward where they want to be. Whether you’re navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, low self-esteem, job burnout, or the weight of patterns that no longer serve you, Dawn offers a compassionate space to explore, heal, and grow.

A Strengths-Based Approach to Self-Discovery

At the heart of Dawn’s practice is a belief that every client already carries the strengths and resources needed for meaningful change. Her strengths-based approach helps clients identify and build on what’s already working, while gently uncovering the root causes of the patterns, responses, and struggles that have held them back.

Dawn creates a warm, collaborative space where clients can explore at their own pace, fostering self-awareness and personal growth on a path toward greater fulfillment.

Therapeutic Modalities

Dawn draws from a rich toolkit of evidence-based and body-centred approaches, including:

Narrative Therapy — helping clients rewrite stories they tell about themselves

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) — building skills for emotional regulation and distress tolerance

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) fostering psychological flexibility

Age Regression Hypnotherapy — accessing the deeper roots of present-day challenges

Polyvagal Theory — understanding and regulating the nervous system’s role in trauma and stress responses

This integrative model ensures that therapy is never one-size-fits-all — it adapts to the whole person.

Dawn offers counselling services across a range of relationship contexts, recognizing that healing often happens in relationship with others. Whether you’re seeking support for yourself, your partnership, or your family system, Dawn brings care and clinical expertise to every dynamic.

Common Areas of Support

Trauma & PTSD

Anxiety & panic

Depression & mood concerns

Chronic pain & somatic symptoms

Low self-esteem & self-worth

Job burnout & life transitions

Relationship challenges

If you’re ready to break free from unhelpful patterns and step into a more fulfilling life, Dawn welcomes you. Reach out today to book a consultation and take the first step toward the change you deserve.

Dawn is a Registered Psychotherapist with an integrative approach to therapy, one that meets clie... Read More

Nicole Paiva is a Family Nurse Practitioner who brings nearly a decade of women’s health experience to the Arms Open team. Her path to nursing is one she’s proud of. Before healthcare, Nicole earned degrees in both science and education and spent time as a teacher. That background shapes everything about how she practices: she’s a natural educator who takes the time to explain, connect, and empower. At Arms Open Counselling, Nicole specializes in menopause and midlife health. She helps women understand what’s happening in their bodies, navigate their options, and make informed decisions that feel right for them with warmth and support. Nicole believes every woman deserves to feel heard, supported, and confident in her care. That’s exactly what you’ll find when you work with her. When she’s not with patients, Nicole is soaking up time with her kids or unwinding at the family cottage.

Nicole Paiva is a Family Nurse Practitioner who brings nearly a decade of women’s health experien... Read More

Do you ever feel overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected from the life you want to live? You’re not alone—and you do not have to navigate this by yourself. Life’s challenges, whether they stem from daily stressors or deeper experiences from the past, can feel heavy. My goal is to walk alongside you as you work toward clarity, healing, and a more meaningful life.

I offer a supportive and non-judgmental space where you can feel heard, understood, and empowered. My approach is rooted in empathy, drawing from a strengths-based perspective while incorporating cognitive-behavioral principles, emotion-focused strategies, and solution-focused techniques that are personalized to fit your unique needs.

With a strong background in teaching, I understand how pressure, expectations, and life transitions can impact your well-being. Whether you’re a student trying to find your way, a parent balancing it all, or someone simply trying to reconnect with themselves—I’m here to support you.

I believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to grow, heal, and thrive. If you’re ready to take the first step, I invite you to connect with me. Let’s explore whether we’re a good fit through a free 15-minute consultation.

Do you ever feel overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected from the life you want to live? You’re not a... Read More