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Melissa Frishling

SOCIAL WORKER, MSW. RSW.

Accepting New Clients for: Individual Therapy | Family Therapy | Child & Adolescent Therapy | Parenting Therapy/Coaching | Co-parenting Therapy & Coaching | Parenting Plan Consultation | Crisis Intervention

Flexible Options: In-Person Therapy | Virtual Therapy | Hybrid (In-person and Virtual)

Languages: English

Specialized Experience in

Anxiety
Depression
ADHD
Trauma & Recovery
PTSD
Personality Disorders
Separation and Divorce
Family Conflict
Communication and Conflict Resolution
Emotional Regulation
Educational and Learning Issues
Stress
Low Self-Esteem
Parent & Child Contact Problems
Autism

Therapeutic Modalities

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy
Emotionally Focused Therapy & Basis of Attachment Theory
Attachment-Based Therapy
Family Systems Therapy
Strength-Based Therapy
Solution-Focused Therapy
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
Trauma Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Bio

Melissa is a dedicated social worker with a specialization in trauma-focused care and over a decade of comprehensive experience working with families. With a master’s degree in Social Work, Melissa has honed her skills in addressing complex social issues and providing crucial support to children, youth, and families facing various challenges. She is a member of the OASW.

Melissa’s expertise spans a broad spectrum, including anxiety, stress, depression, emotional regulation, PTSD, personality disorders, separation and divorce, developmental disabilities, parent-child issues, and child welfare. Her professional journey includes the Children’s Aid Society, where she has diligently assisted families in crisis, navigating through situations of mental and physical abuse, addictions, and trauma. Additionally, Melissa has served within the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) for seven years, supporting children and youth with developmental disabilities and their families.

Central to Melissa’s practice is a multidimensional approach to therapy, which integrates biological, psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions to tailor interventions that meet the unique needs of each client. She is deeply committed to client-centered and trauma-informed care, fostering genuine connections and providing a safe space for healing and growth. She very much believes that a big part of what determines the success in therapy is the relationship between therapist and client.

Melissa actively engages in continuous learning and professional development, participating in workshops, seminars, and educational initiatives to stay abreast of advancements in the field of social work. Her dedication extends beyond professional responsibilities; she volunteers as a mentor to parents of neurodivergent children, specifically those with autism and ADHD, advocating for their support and empowerment.

As a supporter of self-care and mental health awareness, both within her practice and in the broader community, Melissa exemplifies the values of empathy, resilience, and dedication. She strives to make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals and families, embodying the true spirit of social work through her unwavering commitment to fostering well-being and resilience in those she serves.