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

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

Meet the heart behind Arms Open Counselling, Angela Kingma. Angela holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Gerontology. She has also completed her Masters in Counselling Psychology. Angela is registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). Angela consistently spends time upgrading her skills by taking part in professional development seminars, courses and workshops. She is currently pursuing training to become a sex therapist.

Angela enjoys spending time with her big family of children, her husband, and their dog. Juggling a large family boasts talents all on its own, which makes their household a busy yet fun one to be a part of!

When Angela has moments to herself, she likes to read, binge-watch Coronation street, walking outdoors, catching a movie with girlfriends and go camping with the family.

Meet the heart behind Arms Open Counselling, Angela Kingma. Angela holds a Bachelor of Arts in Ps... Read More

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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

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