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Melissa Nigrini

B.A., M.Ed.
Psychotherapist

"I was drawn to psychotherapy by my passion for helping others thrive, and a profound belief in the transformative potential of mindfulness meditation and experiential learning for healing and growth."

About Me

I’m delighted to be part of the care team at Bay Psychology. I specialize in evidence-based, mindfulness-based therapies for depression, anxiety, chronic stress and cancer. Guided by compassion and curiosity, I take a collaborative, trauma-informed, and inclusive approach that honours each person’s skills, experience, and wisdom.  I aim to listen compassionately, connect mindfully and work respectfully in alliance with individuals, to foster self-awareness, build self-efficacy and enhance skills for change. For decades I have worked as an adult educator and therapist in community, clinical, workplace, and academic settings, supporting and learning from youth, adults, and seniors in English, French, and Spanish. I have a special interest in supporting newcomers, seniors, and LGBTQIA+ individuals either in group based or individual therapy. Outside of work, I can be found adventuring, creating, learning and traveling. 

Education & Training
Experience

  • M.Ed. Adult Education and Counselling Psychology (Community Development/ Comparative, International and Development Education Collaborative) - University of Toronto, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education

  • B.A. in English and French Linguistics - York University, Glendon College

  • Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) Advanced Certification
    with Dr. Zindel Segal, University of Toronto / Centre for Mindfulness Studies

  • Cognitive Behavior Therapy Training, University of Toronto / Centre for Mindfulness Studies

  • Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Advanced Certification, UCSD / Centre for Mindfulness Studies

  • Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) Certification with Christopher Germer, UCSD/ Centre for Mindfulness Studies

  • Mindfulness-Based Cancer Recovery (MBCR) Certification with Dr. Linda Carlson, University of Calgary, UHN

  • Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness Training with David Treleaven, Centre for Mindfulness Studies

  • Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Life (MBCTL), Oxford University Mindfulness Institute

  • Deeper Mindfulness Certification with Dr. Mark Williams, Oxford University Mindfulness Institute

  • Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) Trainer Certification with Drs. Zindel Segal and Patricia Rockman, Centre for Mindfulness Studies

  • Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Trainer Certification with Drs. Patricia Rockman and Susan Woods, Centre for Mindfulness Studies

  • Psychotherapist, College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO, since 2017)

  • Member: Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association 

  • 10 years of clinical experience in mindfulness-based interventions for mental health at University Health Network and Centre for Mindfulness Studies, Toronto

  • 30 years facilitating experiential and participatory adult education and community development programs

  • Instructor at University of Toronto, Applied Mindfulness Certificate Program

Therapeutic Approaches
Services Offered
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