Meet Melissa

Do you remember who you were before the world told you who you should be?  

My name is Melissa Gauthier and I'm a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO).  I am a wife, mom and bonus mom to 6 beautiful children who has a real soft spot for animals and believe they can have a huge impact on our health and wellness.  

I have been working in the field of Addictions and Mental health for 24 years with a primary focus on working with individuals experiencing a variety of issues such as addiction, substance use, trauma, family of origin and the impact of addiction on the family unit. I also have extensive experience working with individuals struggling with alcohol use disorder, substance dependence, opioid addiction and opioid replacement therapy.    

In recent years my work has focused on supporting individuals struggling with shame, developmental trauma, PTSD and First Responders and the impact that has on our mental health, addiction and overall wellness. 

This includes exploring and rebuilding a stronger sense of self, learning new coping strategies to heal from trauma and addiction and creating an overall sense of wellness.  I believe that supporting empowerment gives individuals an opportunity to trust in themselves, to see that they can stop the chaos and regain control in their lives, creating an opportunity to explore their own needs and wants.  

• Roadtrips, exploring, making memories with family and friends. There is a real sense of freedom to choose where to lose yourself 
• Community - seeing people show genuine kindness towards eachother, people with common ground and goals stepping outside of their comfort zone and empowering one another
• My grandmother - her smiling face, strong, and stoic. My most grounding moments are found in baking, gardening, and parenting which she certainly passed down to me