Melissa Fellin is a Registered Social Worker who holds a Master of Social Work from Wilfrid Laurier University. She also has a Master of Arts in Anthropology and PhD in Anthropology and Migration and Ethnic Relations from Western University.
Melissa has expertise in the areas of trauma, resilience, attachment, transitions and family relationships. Melissa is a Play Therapy Intern and a member of the Canadian Association for Play Therapy. Melissa Fellin is an Instructor in the Youth & Children’s Studies Program at Wilfrid Laurier University.
Melissa has developed and is a trainer in Culturally Safe Health Care and has received a certificate in Indigenous Cultural Safety in Health Care. She has expertise working with children, youth and families from diverse backgrounds and abilities. Melissa has over 15 years’ experience in intervention and treatment of mental health among children and youth, including working in the areas of attachment, trauma, play therapy, expressive arts therapies, psychoanalytic therapy, narrative therapy, healthy relationships and addictions. Melissa is an expert in the area of children and youth living with disabilities, refugee and immigrant children and families as well as trauma.
Melissa has received multiple awards and distinctions for her research. The research has been implemented in hospitals, children’s services, education programs, research centres, and counseling agencies. She has published a book, book chapters and has publications in numerous academic journals including Disability & Rehabilitation, Journal of Social Science Education, Disability Health Journal, International Journal of Migration, Health and Social Care, Landscapes of Violence. Melissa has been a speaker in academic and community forums. She has taught courses at Western University, Wilfrid Laurier University, and Sheridan College.
Melissa is passionate about working with children. She loves all things creative, especially dance and expressive arts. Drawing from evidence-based practice to tailor treatment for clients, she uses integrative (directive and non-directive) play therapy techniques with children. She is creative, warm, holistic and strengths-based. Drawing from evidence-based practice to tailor treatment for clients, she uses play therapy, expressive arts therapies, attachment family therapies, narrative therapy, cognitive behavioural play therapy, Sandtray Worldplay, psychodynamic therapy, interpersonal therapy, EMDR, as well as mindfulness to meet children where they are in their healing journey. Melissa believes it’s a privilege to learn about and bear witness to the inner worlds of children. She believes that the therapeutic relationship is integral to the success of treatment. The inclusion of emotional, psychological, spiritual and physical aspects of the child is welcome in treatment.
Melissa works with post-natal mothers building attachment between caregivers and their infants. As well, Melissa offers support and psychoeducation for parenting. Melissa works with parents and caregivers raising children with diverse abilities, social and behavioural difficulties to support them both as individuals and parents. Melissa works with children with a variety of experiences including anxiety, depression, ADD/ADHD and autism. She works with children who are struggling with emotional regulation, behavioural difficulties/emotional release, have experienced death or other kinds of loss, children going through transitions, struggling to cope with academics or other stressors, and trauma.
Many Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) and extended health care plans will cover services rendered by a Registered Social Worker.
