About Marlise Meilan Thompson, Registered Psychotherapist and Clinical Supervisor
Marlise has a masters degree in psychology and is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. She is also a Canadian Certified Counsellor with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association, and she has been a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors since 2008.
Marlise is a seasoned psychotherapist and clinical supervisor with nearly two decades of experience, known for her integrative approach that blends Tibetan Buddhist philosophy, psychodynamic theory, and humanistic principles. With specialized training in insight-oriented, somatic, interpersonal, and sex psychotherapies, she offers compassionate and transformative healing for individuals and couples.
Grounded in psychodynamic theory, Marlise explores the depths of the unconscious mind and relational dynamics with her clients. She facilitates insight-oriented therapy to help individuals uncover underlying patterns, conflicts, and meanings that shape their experiences and relationships. Her humanistic orientation underscores a commitment to authenticity, self-compassion, and personal growth, empowering clients to cultivate resilience and lead more fulfilling lives.
Central to Marlise's approach is the integration of somatic psychotherapy, recognizing the interconnectedness of mind and body in healing trauma and promoting holistic wellbeing. She employs somatic techniques to support clients in accessing and processing stored emotional and physical tensions, facilitating a deeper integration of their experiences.
In her work with couples, Marlise utilizes interpersonal psychotherapy to enhance relational dynamics and communication. She addresses intimacy, sexuality, and relationship patterns with sensitivity and skill, fostering deeper emotional connection and mutual understanding.
As a registered professional, Marlise upholds the highest ethical standards and is committed to ongoing professional development. She offers clinical supervision, mentoring therapists in integrating theoretical knowledge with practical skills to provide effective and compassionate care.
Marlise is dedicated to creating a therapeutic environment grounded in trust, empathy, and cultural competence. Her warmth, insight, and commitment to social justice and inclusivity have established her as a respected mentor in the psychotherapeutic community.
Marlise is highly-trained, dedicated, compassionate, and experienced.
It's important that you feel safe and can be assured of Marlise's credentials and professional standing. Please feel welcome to check public directories for Marlise's registrations:
Professional Registrations
You can verify that Marlise is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario here: https://www.crpo.ca/find-a-registered-psychotherapist/
Marlise is a Registered Clinical Counsellor. You can verify Marlise's registration with the BC Association for Clinical Counsellors here: http://bc-counsellors.org/counsellors/
Marlise is also a Canadian Certified Counsellor with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association: https://www.ccpa-accp.ca/find-a-canadian-certified-counsellor/
Masters in Psychology
Marlise has a masters degree in Psychology: Contemplative Psychotherapy from Naropa University, a nationally-accredited university in Boulder, Colorado.
You can search for Marlise in the Naropa-trained Therapists Directory here: http://www.naropa.edu/alumni-relations/alumni-resources/alumni-therapist-directory/index.php
Marlise strives to be reliable, caring, and respectful.
On a personal note
As a biracial Asian-Canadian and queer person, Marlise brings a unique perspective to her practice, honoring diversity and intersectionality in her therapeutic work. Her personal journey as a visual artist and former yoga and meditation teacher enriches her therapeutic style, emphasizing creativity, mindfulness, and embodied awareness in the healing process.
Marlise loves painting and photography, moving meditation, fabulous food, and cuddling her puppies, Rosie & Momo. Marlise knows therapy helps, having received over 25 years of it, herself.