Our Team
MELISSA STERN, Ph.D.
Psychologist & Co-Director
Dr. Melissa Stern is a licensed psychologist who has been working with children, adolescents, and young adults, and families for over 10 years. She is a graduate of the McGill School/Applied Child Psychology program where her research focused on adolescents’ and young adults’ emotional regulation and self-harm. She has experience working in various clinical settings such as in private practice, hospital outpatient clinics as well as the McGill University Assessment Clinic. In addition to her clinical work, Melissa is a graduate course instructor at McGill University, training future psychologists.
Notably, Melissa received extensive training in Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) at the Douglas Mental Health University Institute’s Child and Adolescent Depressive Disorders Clinic. Furthermore, she is the first DBT-Linehan Board of Certification, Certified Clinician™ in Quebec, and she is one of a select number of mental health professionals trained in Dialectical Behavioural Therapy for Children (DBT-C) in Canada. Melissa’s specialized training permits her to provide therapy to individuals with a wide range of difficulties, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, self-harm, as well as suicidal thoughts and behaviours. This approach provides a better understanding of her client’s difficulties and equips them with the tools they need to manage their emotions, improve their well-being and build a life worth living.
Furthermore, her authentic, empathetic, and non-judgmental approach allows for all of her clients to feel comfortable in therapy. Melissa is bilingual and can respond to client requests for therapy and/or assessment in French and English.
JENNIFER SIDEL, M.Ed.
Psychotherapist & Co-Director
Jennifer Sidel is an OPQ licensed Psychotherapist (L’Ordre des psychologues du Quebec) and a certified member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA). She has been working with adults and children both individually and in groups for over 14 years. She graduated with a Masters in Educational Counselling from the University of Ottawa and has extensive post-masters training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy and trauma-informed psychotherapy. Jennifer is the second DBT-Linehan Board of Certification, Certified Clinician™ in Quebec. Her diverse experience includes working in clinical settings, community organizations as well as private practice where she has provided individual and group therapy. This experience has allowed her to gain valuable experience, knowledge, and sensitivity towards people of varied socioeconomic statuses, cultural communities, and the LGBTQ community.
Trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Jennifer draws upon methods and skills from various treatment modalities to tailor her approach to each person’s unique needs and personality.
Jennifer’s genuine care, empathy and authenticity are paramount in her treatment. She believes wholeheartedly that the relationship she cultivates with her clients is a crucial element to successful therapy.
