THERAPIST

WELCOME TO UNDER THE OAK PSYCHOTHERAPY.

I’M SO GLAD YOU ARE HERE.

MY NAME IS MELISSA LOUKA, M.DIV., RP

I am a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) and just as important, a person with a passion to walk alongside the broken hearted in the ups and downs of this life. 

This world can feel overwhelming and cruel, and at times, it truly is. At Under the Oak, I work with you to sit safely in the pain and grieving, all the while helping you to see the flickers of beauty through the trees. I understand that it can be difficult to find purpose and meaning in seasons of suffering and I work with you to help create a life you want to stick around for and is worth your while. 

Under the Oak is a passion project that has been decades in the making. Growing up, my grandfather taught me through words and actions that humans can be both weak and resilient, afraid and courageous, vulnerable and strong, independent and in need of saving grace. 

As a child, my safe place was sitting at his feet listening to his stories of great losses and even greater victories. When he died, the image of a strong and graceful oak tree became a symbol of him. In times of grief and times of joy, I imagine myself sitting Under the Oak and I can find rest and assurance.

This is the space and atmosphere I like to help create with my clients. Life can be difficult and it can be beautiful too. I cannot promise that our work together will be easy or pain free, but I am confident that we can develop a life worth living for you that isn’t marked by prolonged and unnecessary suffering. 

Come take a sit with me, Under the Oak.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & TRAINING

  • B.A. Psychology-McMaster University

  • M.Div. Clinical Counselling – Tyndale University & Seminary

  • Registered Psychotherapist – RP

  • 15 years working with Adolescents and Families Mental Health

  • 5 years working with Individuals, Couples and Families

  • Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Essentials-Beck Institute

  • Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Anxiety-Beck Institute

  • Emotion Focused Skills Training-Joanne Dolhanty

  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy Foundational-Behavior Tech

  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy Skills for Adolescence and Families-Behaviour Tech

  • Trauma, Attachment and the Brain-Sue Johnson & Janina Fisher

  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy-Prolonged Exposure for PTSD Intensive Training-Melanie Harned, PhD, ABPP & Lorie Ritschel, PhD

  • Mood Disorder (i.e. Anxiety, Depression) 

  • Emotion Dysregulation

  • Distress Tolerance

  • Interpersonal Effectiveness

  • Adolescents & Women

  • Mindfulness

  • Parenting 

  • Attachment

  • Trauma & PTSD

  • Family Systems

  • Neurobiology and Bio Temperament

  • DBT Skills Training

AREAS OF CONCENTRATION

We understand that it can be difficult to find purpose and meaning in seasons of suffering which is why we work with you to help create a life you want to stick around for and is worth your while. 
— Melissa Louka, M.Div., RP