Our Journey Begins
Origins Psychotherapy began with a passion for holistic, person-centred care and a belief that meaningful change begins with understanding ourselves more deeply.
Our work is grounded in a psychodynamic psychotherapy framework, which invites us to look beneath the surface and develop a deeper understanding of the unconscious processes that shape how we think, feel, and relate to others. Together, we can begin to make sense of the emotional pain and patterns that may be difficult to understand on your own.
We recognize that our lives are shaped by our developmental histories and the relationships we have experienced along the way. These early experiences can continue to influence how we understand ourselves, navigate relationships, and respond to the challenges of the present.
Therapy offers an opportunity to explore these connections with curiosity and compassion. Together, we can begin to understand the origins of your psychic pain and, through that understanding, create new possibilities for how you experience yourself, others, and your life.
My Commitment to You
Melissa Perez BA Specialized Honors Psychology, MPS Candidate, RP Qualifying
At Origins Therapy, your journey matters. I believe that meaningful therapy begins with feeling genuinely heard, supported, and understood. I strive to create a space where you can explore your experiences with curiosity and without judgment.
My approach is grounded in the belief that understanding ourselves, our emotions, relationships, patterns, and the experiences that have shaped us, can open the door to meaningful change. Together, we can explore what lies beneath the challenges you are experiencing and develop a deeper understanding of yourself.
My role is not to tell you who you are or how you should live, but to accompany you as we make sense of your experiences together. Through this process, therapy can become a space for greater self-understanding, empathy, and possibility. I use the real-time dynamic between us to safely identify and reshape painful patterns that disrupt your outside relationships. I strive to bridge the gap between conflicting parts of yourself and target foundational structures that may be driving your anxiety, anger, or emptiness. Our sessions are collaborative, active, and deeply relational.
I am a Regsitered Psychotherapist Qualifying with a background in psychology and nursing, dedicated to supporting individuals as they navigate life’s challenges. My clinical experience spans over a decade of working with diverse populations, including those facing complex mental health concerns, dementia care, and palliative care. My research experience resides in neuropsychology and developmental psychology. I have focused extensively on how adversity and stress impact individuals across the lifespan. This work has also led me to explore mindfulness-based approaches, including meditation, yoga, and mindful eating, and their potential to support emotional well-being and reduce anxiety, depression, and disordered eating, particularly within communities experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage.
My academic and clinical interests also extend to the intersection of psychology, spirituality, and human suffering. I have presented at a conference on interreligious perspectives on moral injury from a Buddhist perspective, examining how Buddhist practices and teachings can offer meaningful perspectives on psychological suffering.
I invite you to begin this journey with me, as we explore your story, understand your origins, and discover new possibilities for growth and change.
