Psychotherapy for
a More Balanced Life
Together we will work to uncover the roots of your struggles to allow for an increased sense of meaning, richness, and connection in your life.
Uncovering the roots of suffering.
Drawing from contemporary psychoanalytic principles, I believe that lasting change begins when we look beneath the surface to uncover the unconscious origins of our struggles. By bringing these intrapsychic elements into the light, and considering how they interact with your external world, we will work together to help you move beyond the patterns that keep you feeling stuck.
A trusting and collaborative therapeutic relationship is central to this process of deep exploration and growth. Together, we will work to better understand your challenges, and help you cultivate the self-acceptance, integration, and emotional flexibility needed to navigate life with increased clarity and ease.
Psychotherapy Philosophy
Services
I support teens and adults navigating a variety of personal challenges, from managing mood and anxiety to strengthening self-worth and shifting unsatifying relationship patterns. Whether you feel a loss of creative spark or are searching for a deeper sense of direction, I am here to help. To begin our collaboration and determine the best path forward, please share your details through my intake form. We will then meet to explore which approach best aligns with your needs.
Psychodynamic Therapy
In this form of therapy, we will explore how unconscious beliefs and formative early experiences influence your current patterns of thinking, feeling and relating to others. By understanding these inner dynamics, we can address the core of your distress and foster shifts towards growth and healing.
Psychodynamic therapy involves weekly sessions at a consistent time to provide steady support for your growth.
Psychodynamic therapy is currently eligible for coverage through MSP.
Psychoanalysis
Some individuals benefit from a more immersive experience to spark and consolidate deep internal shifts. Engaging in more frequent sessions (3 to 5 times each week) allows us to reach the quieter corners of the mind, facilitating a more profound and sustained level of transformation and growth.
At this time, psychoanalysis is not covered by MSP in BC. Fees may be negotiated on a case-by-case basis.
This brief video offers further insight into this practice:
Medication Management
At present, I am not offering standalone medication management assessments.
For those already engaged in regular therapy with me, we can consider introducing or adjusting medication if it appears it might be a helpful addition to your ongoing treatment plan.
Group Therapy
I co-facilitate a time-limited, virtual group dedicated to supporting new mothers explore the unique emotional landscape of becoming a parent.
If you are a new mother looking for a supportive space to process this major life change and its effects on your identity and relationships, please reach out to be for more information about the referral process.
About me
I'm a psychiatrist (she/her) based in Vancouver, BC specializing in psychotherapy.
I completed my medical training at McMaster University and my residency in psychiatry at the University of British Columbia. I am currently clinical faculty in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of British Columbia, as well as a candidate in psychoanalytic training at the Seattle Psychoanalytic Society and Institute (SPSI).
Prior to medical training, I completed a Masters in Hispanic Literature and a BA in Comparative Literature. My background in literature informs my approach of listening to others' life narratives with empathic curiosity and humility, in addition to paying close attention to subtle details in the therapeutic encounter.
I practice from an intersectional and anti-oppressive lens, and am experienced in working with individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
I offer both virtual and in-person sessions. We will work together to determine which is the best fit for your needs.
My office is located in downtown Vancouver at 240-970 Burrard St.
I acknowledge with respect and gratitude that I live and work on the unceded and traditional territories of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
Location
Begin Your Journey
Based in Vancouver, BC
In-person and virtual sessions available.
Email: drmelissabota@proton.me
Fax: (604) 398-6592