Catherine Mellinger Expressive Arts Therapist, Perinatal Mental Health Therapist
I have worked with both individuals in private sessions and facilitate therapy groups through my clinic and within the community. I support folx in processing trauma, new diagnosis of mental health conditions or neurodivergence, late life diagnosis, mis-diagnosis, psychiatric trauma, folx struggling with anxiety and depression and have some experience working with folx as part of wraparound care teams post hospitalization. My practice is based in a framework that is trauma-informed, anti-racist, anti-oppressive and anti-ableist. I also use principles of feminist therapy, including societal impact of self-identity and includes resource building and supporting/advocating for clients in community when needed. I work with adults, as well as youth and children in partnership with parents.
Since 2019 I have specialized in working with folx who are struggling in their Perinatal Mental Health journeys, supporting all birthing and non-birthing parents/caregivers. This includes supporting folx undergoing fertility treatments, abortion, pregnancy loss, reproductive trauma, birth trauma, past sexual trauma, pregnancy, systemic discrimination, obstetric violence and all stages of the postpartum period. This can also include supporting clients through surrogacy, adoption and fostering, as well as parents who are caring for children with disability or who live with disability themselves. I work with gender queer, non-binary, trans, inter-sex parents, as well as cis hetero parents - birthing, non-birthing and partners.
I continue to engage in learning centred in anti-black racism and cultural humility in order to support indigenous clients and clients of the global majority. I have experience in working with clients who have Family and Children Services involvement. I can offer services in english and french, and can work with language interpreters when needed. I also offer referrals to clients who want to work with someone who shares their lived experience specifically.
Credentials: Canadian Certified Perinatal Mental Health (certifying) Graduate 2011– The Create Institute (formerly ISIS Canada- Creative Integrative Arts Therapies training program).
Additional Training:
Maternal Mental Health Professional Certificate and Advanced Psychotherapy: Postpartum Support International
Canadian Certified Perinatal Mental Health Clinician, Perinatal Grief and Loss, and Perinatal Trauma from Canadian Perinatal Mental Health Trainings
Anti-Racism Training Course: Selam Debs
Trans Fertility and Birth PD Workshop: Kayden X Coleman
Areas of expertise & experience: Anxiety, life transition, trauma processing, perinatal mental health, relational trauma.
Languages: English and French
Arts practice: Born and raised on Treaty 6 territory (colonially named Saskatoon), I am a mixed media collage artist currently living on land that is part of the Haldimand Tract, belonging to the Haudenosaunee, Anishnaabe and Neutral Peoples (colonially named Waterloo) with my two children and co-parent. My works have been exhibited across North America and published Internationally, as well as commissioned by musicians, writers and private collectors. My personal practice is grounded in exploring my own identity as a parent living with invisible disabilities who themselves parents children with disabilities. More recent works have explored more fully inter-arts practice in collaboration with other artists, creating public installations, self-portrait and short video works.
Location: 44 Gaukel St., Unit 235 (Kitchener- Waterloo and virtual) Fee: Full $120 Sliding scale: yes Contact: [email protected]
