Melissa Rourke, M.A., Ph.D. Candidate (She/ Her)
Hello! First and foremost, I am a genuine and passionate clinician committed to providing my clients with evidence-based, compassionate, support. I believe that every person has intrinsic value and I strive to help my clients to find balance, reach their goals, and achieve a meaningful life. I do this by providing a safe space where my clients can explore their thoughts and feelings, learn new coping tools, and make changes. My approach is individualized and flexible depending on each child and family’s unique needs. I work within an attachment and client-focused lens and I have training in Emotion-Focused Therapy, Emotion-Focused Family Therapy, Structural Family Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy.
As a Ph.D. candidate in the Clinical-Developmental Psychology program at York University, I have received intensive training in a variety of community and mental health settings to work with children, adolescents, young adults, and families presenting with a variety of mental health concerns. I currently work both at Mindful Kids Psychology and Wellness Centre and at the Dufferin Peel Catholic District School Board.
At Mindful Psychology and Wellness Centre, I offer child and adolescent individual therapy, parent coaching, as well as family therapy services. Through individual therapy work I help children and adolescents process feelings and thoughts, set goals for themselves, and learn strategies to help them cope with challenging situations. Through parent coaching and family therapy I help parents to navigate the challenges and joys of modern parenthood. Together we learn how to reflect on our own emotions as parents, co-regulate with our children, support and coach our children through intense emotions, and set healthy boundaries in a nurturing way to help our children feel safe and supported. These approaches help to strengthen our bond with our children, increase our child’s sense of security, improve their confidence and independence, help them to learn and develop emotion regulation skills, and reduce challenging behaviours.
I also provide comprehensive psychological assessment for children and adolescents. I offer assessment for a variety of learning and social-emotional concerns. At Mindful Psychology we assess for mental health and neurodevelopmental concerns including but not limited to, Anxiety, Depression, Learning Disability, Intellectual Disability, Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and Autism Spectrum Disorder.
My doctoral research focuses on supporting individuals on the autism spectrum as well as individuals with developmental disabilities, and their families. As a result, I specialize in supporting individuals who are neurodiverse. I also provide a safe and inclusive space for individuals in the LGBTQQIP2SAA community.
On a more personal note, I am a Mom of two who enjoys photography, gardening, playing hockey, camping with my family, and spending time with my two cats Gus and Boots.
*Melissa Rourke is currently being supervised by Dr. Marina Heifetz for individual therapy and assessment work.
