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Hi there, I’m Melanie 

As a dedicated mom and a Registered Nurse Psychotherapist, I understand that family life can often feel overwhelming. With years of experience in both healthcare and mental health, I have a deep appreciation for the unique challenges that families face today.

 

My journey began with a passion for nurturing and healing, which led me to pursue a career in nursing. Over time, I realized that mental well-being is just as important as physical health, prompting me to specialize as a nurse psychotherapist. This dual perspective allows me to provide comprehensive support to families, focusing on both emotional and physical wellness.

 

I believe that there are no “bad” kids or “bad” parents. Instead, we encounter situations that require understanding, patience, and the right tools to navigate. My goal is to empower families to find peace amid the chaos, helping you build stronger connections with your children and each other.

 

Through personalized support, practical strategies, and a nurturing approach, I strive to ensure that every family feels heard, supported, and equipped to handle life’s challenges. Whether you’re seeking guidance on parenting, coping strategies, or want to create a more harmonious home environment, I’m here to help you and your children thrive.

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Let's start making family life a little easier, together.

Why Work With Me?

Creating Peaceful, Connected Families

Family life has its challenges. As a psychotherapist specializing in parent-child relationships, I provide the guidance and tools you need to build a more harmonious home. My approach combines compassionate support with practical strategies to help your family thrive.

How I Help:

  • Transform daily struggles into opportunities for connection

  • Develop customized strategies that fit your family's unique needs

  • Build lasting skills for positive communication and stress management

Your journey to a more peaceful family life starts here. Let's work together to create the meaningful changes you're seeking.

Melanie sitting at the table working on her laptop

Approaches

In my work with children, teens, and families, I draw from Humanistic, Person-Centered Therapy, grounded in the principles developed by Carl Rogers. I believe every child and adolescent has the innate capacity for growth and healing when they feel genuinely heard, accepted, and understood.

With younger children, I primarily use Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT), a developmentally attuned approach that allows children to express thoughts and emotions through play, their most natural form of communication. CCPT creates a safe, supportive environment where children can process experiences, strengthen self-esteem, and develop healthy coping skills at their own pace.

In working with caregivers, I also integrate Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT), which helps parents and guardians build stronger, more empathetic connections with their children. CPRT offers practical tools for understanding a child’s emotional world, improving communication, and fostering secure, trusting relationships at home.

At the heart of my practice is a commitment to supporting the whole family system, helping both children and caregivers feel understood, capable, and connected.

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About

Family life can be tough, but I'm here to help you and your kids reduce stress and find peace. There are no "bad" kids or parents—just those who need support and the right tools to succeed.

Here’s how I can help:

  • Emotional Difficulties

  • Behavioural Issues

  • Family Relationships

  • Social  & Developmental Concerns

  • Life Transitions & Stressors

Let's Connect

Got a question or want to chat? I’d love to hear from you.

       Located Inside Rising Phoenix Therapy & Wellness Center​

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Let’s find ways to bring a little more joy and peace into your family’s life.

We acknowledge that our therapy practice rests on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe peoples. We recognize that this land has been a place of healing and care for thousands of years. As mental health practitioners, we honour the enduring relationship between Indigenous peoples and these lands, and we commit to practices that respect this legacy while working toward reconciliation and healing.

© 2026 Melanie Huffman, Powered and secured by Wix

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