In-Person in North York, ON M2K 2W1
Online in
Multiple Canadian Provinces
Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Newfoundland And Labrador, Northwest Territories, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Yukon
Life's challenges can feel overwhelming and isolating, and when you're stuck in the same patterns, it's hard to see a way forward. This is a space where that changes. Whether you're navigating anxiety, relationship struggles, emotional overwhelm, or simply feeling lost, you'll find a warm, nonjudgmental space here to slow down, make sense of what's happening, and begin moving toward something better. The goal isn't just to cope, it's to genuinely understand yourself, replace what's holding you back with habits that actually nourish you, and reconnect with what brings you peace and fulfillment.
My approach is warm, collaborative, and nonjudgmental, drawing on evidence-based therapies that target both symptom relief and deeper lasting change. I specialize in working with trauma, brain injuries, and ADHD, and have built my practice around helping clients in these areas feel truly understood. Together we'll work not just toward insight, but toward real, meaningful change, so you leave sessions feeling more grounded, more connected to yourself, and more equipped to navigate your life and relationships.
Client Focus
Session Format: Couple, Family, Individual sessions.
Age Specialty: Adult, Senior, Teen, Young Adult
Demographic Expertise: Asian, Persons with Disabilities, Women clients.
Languages: English
Treatment Approach
- Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) Helps people accept difficult thoughts and feelings instead of fighting them, while committing to actions that reflect their values. It blends mindfulness with practical behavior strategies.
- Behavioral Therapy Uses learning techniques like reinforcement and practice to change unwanted behaviors. It is often applied to phobias, anxiety, and habits.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) One of the most widely used approaches, CBT helps people identify unhelpful thoughts and replace them with healthier patterns. It is effective for anxiety, depression, and many other concerns.
- Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) An evidence-based treatment for PTSD that teaches clients to reframe unhelpful thoughts about trauma. It helps reduce guilt, shame, and fear.
- Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) Builds skills in self-kindness and compassion toward others. It is especially helpful for people who struggle with shame or self-criticism.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Combines CBT with mindfulness to help regulate emotions, tolerate stress, and build stronger relationships. Originally designed for borderline personality disorder, it’s now used more broadly.
- Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) Focuses on strengthening emotional bonds in couples or families. It helps people identify negative cycles and create more secure connections.
- Existential / Humanistic Therapy Encourages people to explore meaning, freedom, and authenticity in their lives. It focuses on personal growth and living in alignment with one’s values.
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) A structured therapy that uses guided eye movements to help process traumatic memories. It is widely recognized for treating PTSD and trauma-related conditions.
- Gottman Method Couples Therapy Based on decades of research, this method gives couples tools to improve communication, manage conflict, and strengthen intimacy.
- Internal Family Systems (IFS) Helps clients heal by working with different ‘parts’ of themselves, like inner critics or wounded children. It fosters harmony within the self.
- Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) Combines mindfulness practices with CBT to prevent depression relapse. It helps people notice thoughts without judgment and respond more calmly.
- Narrative Therapy Encourages people to view problems as separate from themselves and reframe their life story. It helps build resilience and self-identity.
- Person-Centered Therapy (Rogerian) Emphasizes empathy, unconditional positive regard, and authenticity. It provides a safe space for self-discovery and growth.
- Psychodynamic Therapy Explores unconscious thoughts and patterns that influence current behavior. It builds insight into how the past impacts the present.
- Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) Focuses on solutions and future goals rather than past problems. It is practical, short-term, and goal-driven.
- Somatic Therapy Helps clients notice how emotions are stored in the body. It uses breath, movement, and awareness for healing trauma and stress.
Approach Description: Our approach is person-centred and humanistic at its core: the therapeutic relationship comes first and foremost. You are the expert on your own life, and techniques only work when you feel genuinely seen, heard, and safe. From that foundation, we draw on evidence-based therapies matched to your needs. Many clients begin with practical symptom relief using CBT, DBT, and ACT skills, then move into deeper root-cause work with EMDR, Internal Family Systems, and Emotionally Focused Therapy when they're ready. You set the pace, and we work alongside you toward change that lasts.
Fees & Insurance
Fees
- Average Session Fee $170
- Affordable sliding scale therapy: apply if you may be eligible.
- Cost shouldn't be the thing that keeps you from support. A limited number of sliding scale spots are available for clients experiencing financial barriers, with fees adjusted based on your circumstances. If cost is a concern, please mention it during your free 15-minute consultation and we'll talk openly about what's workable. We also provide receipts for extended health insurance, and psychotherapy services may be covered under many workplace benefit plans. For clients recovering from a motor vehicle accident, therapy may be covered through accident benefits.
- Accepts Insurance
- Psychotherapy services are not covered by OHIP, but many extended health benefit plans include coverage for Registered Psychotherapists. Direct billing is available through providerConnect for Green Shield Canada plans. Direct billing is also available through Telus eClaims for many plans, including Manulife, Canada Life, Desjardins, Equitable Life, iA Financial Group, ClaimSecure, GroupHEALTH, Beneva, Johnston Group, and People Corporation. For all other plans, including Sun Life and Blue Cross, we provide a detailed receipt after each session for you to submit directly to your insurer for reimbursement.
Education & Credentials
Melissa Huang (Qualifying), MA
- Female
- License # 17942
- Licensed in ON
- Practicing Since 2024
Education: Our team includes Registered Psychotherapists and Registered Social Workers, all registered with their respective Ontario colleges (CRPO and OCSWSSW) and holding graduate-level training in psychotherapy or clinical social work.
Melissa Huang Practice Details
Therapy Sessions
- Available In-Person in North York, ON M2K 2W1
- Available Online for residents of Multiple Canadian Provinces Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Newfoundland And Labrador, Northwest Territories, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Yukon
- Online Therapy Details: Sessions are held by secure, PHIPA-compliant video through Jane, our online practice platform. All you need is a private space, a device with a camera, and a stable internet connection; there's nothing to download, your session link arrives by email. We serve clients anywhere in Ontario. Booking and reminders are handled through Jane as well, and a free 15-minute video consultation is available before you commit to anything.
Mindful Connections Therapy is a virtual psychotherapy practice serving adults across Ontario, founded by Melissa Huang, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying). The practice was built on a simple belief: meaningful change starts with a genuine therapeutic relationship. We specialize in trauma, brain injuries, and ADHD, with additional support for anxiety, depression, burnout, and emotional regulation. Our founder's years of rehabilitation experience supporting individuals with acquired brain injuries shape how we work: with patience, practical understanding, and deep respect for how disorienting recovery can be. Sessions are secure and online, so support fits into your life. We offer a free 15-minute consultation to help you decide if we're the right fit.