Janet Melo-Thaiss

Janet Melo-Thaiss


MACP (candidate),
RP (qualifying)

Pronouns: she/her

Availability
Accepting New Clients

Specialties
Anxiety, Life Transitions, Stress & Resilience

Session Types
Individual

Age Range
18+

Session Delivery
Phone, Video

Session Rate
$90 + HST
Sliding Scale Available


Contact Info

janet@rootsinwellness.ca


Additional Specialties:

  • Academic Stress and Burnout
  • Support doe Post-Secondary Educators
  • Student Success & Empowerment
  • Emerging Adults
  • International Students
  • Work-Family Conflict
  • Job Loss
  • Resilience and Coping Skills
  • Climate Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Intergenerational Family Conflict
  • Peer Relationships
  • Boundaries
  • Parenting
  • Mind-Body Connection
  • Focus
  • Self-Esteem
  • Mindfulness-Based Interventions
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  • Solution Focused
  • Emotion Regulation
  • Person-Centered
  • Therapeutic Photography
  • Humanistic
  • Feminist
  • Narrative

Do you feel like you lack direction or purpose? It can be hard to navigate paths in our lives when we’re being pulled in so many different directions. Whether you’re grappling with job loss and feelings of self-doubt, you’re a post-secondary student feeling overwhelmed by academic pressures, or a parent struggling to find balance amidst competing demands, know that you are not alone. I am dedicated to providing compassionate support to individuals navigating the complexities of life transitions, work and academic pressures, and mental health challenges

I approach my therapy practice with empathy, non judgment, and evidence-based techniques tailored to your needs, values, and goals. Currently, my therapeutic approach is informed by Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Solutions-Based Therapy (SBT), and Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBIs). My goal is to empower you to develop coping skills, manage stress and overwhelm, build resilience, and cultivate a sense of self-worth and confidence as you navigate through life’s ups and downs.

Drawing from a holistic perspective, I believe in addressing the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit to promote overall well-being. Through collaborative exploration and personalized interventions, we will work together to identify underlying patterns, challenge negative thoughts and beliefs, and co-create practical strategies to help you reach the best version of yourself.

I specialize in working with individuals experiencing anxiety, low self-esteem, work-life balance concerns, and stress. I am committed to creating a safe and nurturing space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences without judgment. Together, we will embark on a journey of self-discovery and growth, paving the way to greater self-awareness, fulfillment, and resilience.

I humbly welcome individuals from all backgrounds and communities, working through a client-centered, gender and sexuality-affirming, anti-oppressive, and anti-racist lens. I look forward to the opportunity to walk with you for part of your journey towards healing and transformation


Professional Background

I am a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) and a member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA). I am currently completing my Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. I have a Ph.D. in English Literature and teach at the post secondary level. My graduate project argued for interhuman relations based on authenticity, care, trust, and love. In the past 15+ years, my teaching, publications, and public speaking have focused on advocating for and fostering awareness of the fragile connections that hold us all together.


I have 10+ years of experience working with at-risk emerging adults in a university setting, coaching individuals who are experiencing anxiety, depression, loneliness, and stress. Working with thousands of emerging adults, I have facilitated and co-created programs to build resiliency, manage stress, increase focus, and address overwhelm in adaptive ways. Another area where I have experience is in supporting individuals experiencing great transitions such as immigration, parenting, or job loss. Since 2018, I have developed and led mindfulness and resiliency programs to support adults in addressing work-life balance and job precarity concerns. As a creative and curious learner, I am always seeking innovative ways of connecting with my clients.  A good example is my use of photography to help individuals work through and understand thoughts and emotions.

On a Personal Note…

I am blessed with a wonderful partner, two lovely daughters and a rescue bunny named Popcorn! When I am not in the therapy room or the classroom, I am finding ways to learn about and celebrate the wonderful people and the world around me. I recently took up salsa dancing and violin! I love reading memoirs and travelling because these activities allow me to connect with the planet and with others. I am an avid hiker and camper who loves the wilderness, including the beautiful lakes and mountains of Canada. I am also a photographer and recently was awarded a prize for a documentary project focusing on bison in Yellowstone National Park!

Everything I do, whether at work or play, supports my project to be as present, kind, and compassionate as I can be. I am deeply committed to advocating for mental and physical health for all. Like you, I have experienced difficult life circumstances and through the support of loved ones as well as mental health professionals was supported through my own journey.

I would be honoured to do the same for you. Please feel free to reach out to schedule a session or inquire further about how I can support you on your journey.

Contact Janet Today!


Training & Continuing Education

  • Certificate in Photography Studies, Toronto Metropolitan University, September 2018 – December 2023
  • Ph.D., English, York University, October 2022
    • Thesis: “Reimagining Subject-Other Relations: Embracing the other Without and Within”
  • Artrepreneur Program Certificate, Photography, York Region Arts Council, January 2020
  • New Student Success and Orientation Program, Designer & Facilitator, September 2019 – January 2020
  • Stress Management and Resiliency Techniques (SMART) Education Certificate, University of British Columbia, June 2017
  • Mindfulness Leadership Training, York University, June 2016 – December 2017
  • Mindfulness Teacher (for Students, Staff and Faculty), York University, June 2016 – December 2018
  • Mindfulness & Mental Health Coach, Healthy Student Initiative, York University, September 2016 – December 2018