Melissa Bonnell

MAMFT, CAMFT Associate, CCC

Bio

I thoroughly enjoy working with couples and families! Regardless of your challenges, I am committed to walking with you through relational difficulties, transitions to new stages of life, betrayal, or other difficulties.

While my roots are in the East Coast of Canada, I now live in rural Alberta, building a hobby farm with my family. I recognize the strength and beauty in family and enjoy spending time outside working with my children and extended family and baking and sharing conversations and meals.

My Approach

Creating a safe and open space for connection is essential to the work you and I will do together. I make room for both the pain that needs to be felt and the healing that follows. I am trauma-informed and trauma-trained, using both narrative therapy and emotionally focussed therapy approaches through an attachment lens.

I am curious, non-judgmental, empathic and supportive of your autonomy. Every therapy journey is unique, and your goals for therapy are my priority.

My Specialties

  • Couples and Marriage Therapy
  • Family relationships and systems (larger/connecting relationships)
  • Family of origin work (Nuclear or childhood family)
  • Blended families
  • Betrayal recovery
  • Attachment and childhood trauma
  • Life transitions

Education, Certifications & Training

  • Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy
  • Canadian Certified Counsellor with CCPA (#10009045)
  • Associate Member of CAMFT (#20171173)
  • Emotion Focussed Couple's Therapy - Externship
  • NVCI Non-violent Crisis Intervention
  • Neufeld Institute Intensive 1 – Making Sense of Kids
  • Foundations in Therapeutic Play Skills
  • ASIST 11 – Centre for Suicide Prevention (CMHA)
  • Trauma Competency Training Certificate