Choose A Therapist

What I Do?

Melanie Franklin is a Registered Psychotherapist (RP) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) and a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA). She holds a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology and is a member of the Ontario Society of Registered Psychotherapists (OSRP). With a commitment to ongoing professional development, she has completed additional training in trauma-informed care and culturally responsive therapy.

Melanie has extensive experience working with individuals, couples, and families from diverse backgrounds and integrates a variety of evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness, Somatic and Arts-Based therapies when treating issues such as anxiety, depression, stress, relationship challenges, past trauma, grief and loss, or major life transitions.

With a holistic and culturally sensitive approach, she prioritizes creating a safe therapeutic space where you can feel heard, validated, and supported. She is dedicated to helping you build resilience, develop coping strategies, and work towards a more balanced and fulfilling life.

I Believe

I believe that healing begins with feeling truly seen and heard. Everyone deserves a safe, compassionate space to explore their experiences, process emotions, and grow. With the right support, change is possible, and each person has the capacity for resilience and transformation.

Qualifications

Melanie Franklin

Registered Psychotherapist (RP), Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC)

Education & Accomplishments

  • Registered Psychotherapist (RP) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO)
  • Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA)

Modalities

  • Adlerian
  • Art Therapy
  • Behavioral Therapy
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectic Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
  • Exposure Therapy
  • Family Systems Therapy
  • Gestalt
  • Narrative Therapy
  • Person-Centered Therapy
  • Play Therapy
  • Social Learning/Modeling Therapy
  • Solution-Focused Therapy
  • Somatic Therapy
  • Mindfulness-Based Therapies
  • Internal Family Systems (IFS)

Professional Memberships

  • Ontario Society of Registered Psychotherapists (OSRP)

Experience

  • 2.5 Years

Melanie's Favorite Quote

“The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any”
Alice Walker

Frequently Asked Questions With Melanie

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions that we receive. If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to contact us.

From an early age, I was drawn to understanding human emotions and relationships. Through my own life experiences and challenges, I saw firsthand how powerful support and guidance can be in navigating difficult times. This deepened my passion for mental health and led me to pursue a career where I could help others feel heard, understood, and empowered in their personal growth.

One of the most rewarding aspects of being a therapist is witnessing transformation—seeing clients develop self-compassion, gain new insights, and build the confidence to create meaningful change in their lives. Every person’s journey is unique, and I feel privileged to be part of that process, offering guidance and support as they navigate their challenges.

It’s completely normal to feel unsure about starting therapy. It can be difficult to open up about personal struggles, especially if you’re not sure what to expect. My goal is to create a space where you feel safe, respected, and in control of your own process. Therapy isn’t about judgment—it’s about exploring what’s important to you and finding ways to help you move forward at your own pace.

Long-term relationships require ongoing effort, communication, and mutual respect. Love alone is not enough—healthy relationships thrive on emotional safety, shared values, and the ability to navigate conflict constructively. Growth and change are inevitable, and couples who approach challenges with curiosity and a willingness to adapt are more likely to build a lasting, fulfilling partnership.

One of the biggest misconceptions about trauma is that it only includes extreme or life-threatening events. In reality, trauma can stem from any experience that overwhelms a person’s ability to cope, including emotional neglect, chronic stress, or relational wounds. Healing is not about “just getting over it” but about processing and integrating past experiences in a way that fosters resilience and self-compassion.

While friends and coaches can offer valuable support, therapy provides a unique, professional space tailored to your individual needs. As a therapist, I am trained to help you explore deeper patterns, address underlying issues, and develop strategies rooted in evidence-based approaches. Unlike a friend, I offer an objective perspective without personal bias, and unlike coaching, therapy goes beyond goal-setting to focus on healing, emotional processing, and long-term well-being.

Melanie Franklin

Bayridge Counselling

Availability

  • Monday to Friday
    Daytime
  • Monday and Wednesday
    Evenings 7-9pm
  • Saturday and Sunday
    Mornings 9am-11am & Afternoons 1pm-4pm

Contact

What activity instantly calms you?

Listening to music, dancing, and singing helps reduce my stress level. Music has a way of shifting my mood, whether I need to unwind, feel energized, or simply be present in the moment. Dancing and singing allow me to express myself freely, reconnect with my body, and become more grounded and centred.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

One of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever received is to ‘slow down’. It seems simple but when we rush through our everyday lives we lose our connection with what is truly important to us. When we focus too much on the past or worry about the future, life can feel overwhelming, but real change, healing, and growth happen in the present. By practicing mindfulness—grounding ourselves in the here and now—we gain clarity, build resilience, and cultivate inner peace. This advice has taught me that slowing down isn’t a bad thing, it’s a form of self-care that allows us space to enjoy the present moment, while increasing our self-compassion, patience, and connection with others and the world around us.

Would you rather cook or order in?

I love to cook! There’s something grounding and creative about preparing a meal from scratch, whether it’s trying a new recipe or making a comforting favorite. Cooking allows me to slow down, be present, and enjoy the simple pleasures of preparing delicious, healthy, food that nourishes my body, mind, and spirit.

Need Help Choosing a Therapist?

If you are still trying to decide whether therapy is right for you, book a free 20-minute virtual consultation with our Clinical manager and therapist, Nicole Callander, RSSW. Nicole would be happy to answer any questions about therapy or who would be a match for your unique situation.

Free 20-Minute Virtual Consultation
Need help booking your free 20-minute consult? (905) 319-1488
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