Melissa Ander, MEd, RCC

CLINICAL DIRECTOR , Couples & Family Therapist

Before my mother passed away, she looked at my new baby and said, “This is ....everything”.

This statement became a guiding principle and practice in my clinical work, a core value at NSCA, and a personal journey of reflection, learning and growth as a mother, partner, sister, daughter and friend.

Melissa’s 20 years of working with children, youth, and families, furthered by evidence in attachment science and neurobiology, has deepened this conviction that most aspects of our development are profoundly impacted and shaped through our relationships.

While trained in evidence and skill-based modalities to treat individual mental health and behavioural issues, Melissa is confident that in order to most effectively treat mental health symptoms, behavioural issues and interpersonal conflict, it is essential to include a systems based approach to care. Her therapeutic work as NSCA’s Clinical Director and Family Development Specialist focusses on optimizing development through the lifespan.

We are interdependent, our beliefs, nervous systems, emotional styles, and coping/defense systems are created within our relationships-therefore, it makes sense that the most effective way to shift problematic patterns is through mobilizing the transformative power of love, through including communication and interactional styles in treatment. Through both reparative therapy, crisis intervention, and prevention, Melissa is committed to following her families into greater health through identifying barriers and modelling attachment principles in action for true, lasting change.

Our pain makes sense, when you know what to look for and when you understand our primal and collective human needs.

Melissa cares deeply and is grateful to have shared in the growth of hundreds of families who have taught, confirmed, and continue to inspire her work and NSCA’s mission.

Areas of specialization

Family therapy

Couples therapy

Anxiety, depression, suicidality, self harm

Behavioural issues

Problems with attachment