About
Melissa Clews-Hunt
My connection with nature transformed over the years from my own experiences of being outside to include studying about and understanding more about our relationship with the natural world. I am continuously drawn into ways we can participate in healing ourselves and the earth. Keep reading to learn more about me.
How I Became a Nature Loving Therapist
I grew up with the tremendous privilege to climb sumac trees, nestle among clusters of spruce trees, and make witches brew with rotting apples in seasonal ponds. As a child I found adventure, joy, and peace exploring the natural world.
In times of deep pain in my life, Mother Earth held me and nurtured me. I can recall specific moments in my journey where present with my sorrow was the supportive and soothing presence of the natural world.
My connection with nature transformed over the years from my own experiences of being outside to include studying about and understanding more about our relationship with the natural world. I am continuously drawn into ways we can participate in healing ourselves and the earth.
When I came to navigate my university options, at the time my choice was either Environmental Studies or Psychology (and Religious Studies). Now many years later I can bring these worlds together again, our emotional and spiritual experiences as humans in relation with all of the earth. It feels profoundly meaningful that I get to support others on their own journeys and can invite their relationship with nature into our work.
Melissa Clews-Hunt
I continue to learn about our reciprocity with the earth, that it is not just what we receive from the natural world, but more wholistic. I have been leaning into how we can contribute to earth’s thriving and therefore our own too. We are not as separate as we once thought. There is a lot to undo in our current oppressive systems, alongside opportunities to cocreate new ways of living with this beautiful earth and in our relationships with one another.
My own concerns for the future of humans and the earth have guided me to draw from my unique position as a relational therapist to support the healing of our relationship with the earth. As a parent I feel deeply motivated to do the work that is needed in this time for the sake of future generations, for the future of our children.
What is it like to do therapy with Melissa Clews-Hunt and nature?
I see outdoor therapy as an opportunity to engage differently. It is a chance to slow down, to reconnect within yourself, to notice all the living beings who are here with us, it is a chance to feel the air, hear the bird songs and release some the of the tension in your body. As we process together the themes you bring to therapy, outdoor therapy sessions enable a wider vantage point, an invitation of different perspectives, and the stillness to hear yourself. Mother Earth herself is present in our conversations, and she orchestrates magical moments that carry depth and meaning far beyond our session. Nature therapy sessions allow us to enter more intentionally into our place in this wider web of life.
Credentials
Master’s degree (University of Guelph)
Individual, Couple and Family Therapist for approx. 20 years
Registered Marriage and Family Therapist with Canadian Association for Couple and Family Therapy (2017546)
Supervise other Therapists for approx. 20 years; Approved Supervisor and Supervisor Mentor with CACFT and a recognized CRPO supervisor
Registered Psychotherapist in Ontario (001368)
Clinical Approaches
Ecotherapy
Strength-Based
Anti Oppressive
Family Systems
Emotionally Focused Therapy
Attachment Based
Bowenian
Psychodynamic
Narrative
Solution Focused
Mindfulness
Therapy Services
Outdoor Therapy
Integrating the calm and restorative presence of the natural world into our therapy conversations can bring peace, perspective, and can illuminate how interconnected we all are. Outdoor therapy sessions allow us to stroll through forests, sit in the presence of a river, or even x-country ski!
Virtual & Phone Therapy
Phone sessions can enable you to get out to a local trail and integrate the healing presence of nature in our conversations. Virtual sessions are a space to explore how themes in your personal life are impacted by the wider systems we are a part of, and how your own healing sends ripples out to all of the earth.
Couples Therapy
Support for couples to open healing conversations, to reconnect, and to strengthen your bond together. Outdoor therapy sessions can support your connection together and with the natural world.
Family Therapy
Intentional space to have brave conversations together, to realign shared values, and to strengthen your relationships together. Outdoor therapy sessions can integrate a sense of openness, creativity, and playfulness. Adult families as well as families with children and youth are welcome.
Supervision Services
Ecotherapy Clinical Supervision for Therapists
Therapists looking to expand your self reflective practices, to integrate ecotherapy into your clinical work, and to explore an anti oppressive lens. Outdoor clinical supervision sessions are available. Clinical supervision is an individualized way to meet professional accreditation such as with CRPO.
Ecotherapy Group Supervision for Therapists
A collaborative space to cocreate safety and vulnerability together. Explore how to integrate ecotherapy and anti oppressive practice into our clinical work. Be part of virtual or outdoor group clinical supervision. Maximum of 6 therapists attend, and counts toward CRPO group supervision.
For those interested in a unique winter therapy experience, x-country ski and snowshoe sessions are available with Melissa Clews-Hunt!
Proud Mother & Outdoor Enthusiast
As a proud mom of two children, I strive to be part of every moment that I can to bear witness to them growing and changing. Parenting has been the most challenging and most rewarding role I have known. My life partner is my biggest supporter in all that I do, hope, and dream. I am fortunate beyond measure.
Some of my favourite activities involve time outside hiking, running, and tending to my vegetable garden. In the winter, x-country skiing is one of my great passions. To be surrounded by still forests draped in sparkling snow is magic to my spirit. In any season in any weather, I welcome a moment of stillness to admire the dance of the trees in the enlivening presence of the wind. This is reciprocity I aim to be part of, to breathe in the blessings of the earth and to exhale our gifts of healing ourselves, our relationships, and this sacred earth.