Meet Melanie Vegter

I'm Melanie, the founder of Journey Forward Counselling, a Registered Social Worker (#4616), Certified Divorce Coach®, and Bachelor of Social Work graduate from the University of Regina.


Having personally navigated a high-conflict divorce and lengthy court process, I understand how overwhelming separation can feel. Through personal reflection and conversations with my child about their experiences growing up, I've also gained a deeper understanding of how differently children can experience divorce and the importance of hearing their perspectives.


I believe that parents' feelings matter, and so do their children's. I combine lived experience, professional training, and practical guidance to help individuals and families navigate separation, reduce conflict, and make thoughtful, child-centred decisions.


I'm also passionate about educating parents and professionals on the emotional impact of divorce and the importance of children's voices.


Warmly,

Melanie

Ready to move forward?

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 Professional Credentials

  • Bachelor of Social Work – University of Regina
  • Registered Social Worker (#4616)
  • Certified Divorce Coach®
     

Specialized Training

  • Voice of the Child Reports Training
  • New Ways for Families® Counsellor Provider
  • Meeting with Children: A Child-Centered Approach
  • Family Mediation Training
  • Domestic Violence Training for Family Law Professionals
  • Managing High Conflict Personalities and Disputes

 Clinical Approaches

  • Family Systems Theory
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
  • Solution-Focused Therapy
  • Trauma-Informed Practice
  • Child-Focused Approach
     

Additional Certifications

  • ASIST Suicide Intervention
  • Mental Health First Aid
  • Violent Threat Risk Assessment Level 1 (VTRA)

Personal Experience

Personal Experience

Personal Experience

 I've experienced both high-conflict and amicable divorce, and the difference between the two is profound. I've seen how parental conflict can change a child's sense of security. A child who once felt free to love and trust both parents can suddenly find themselves caught between competing perspectives, feeling confused about who to believe and uncertain whether loving one parent means betraying the other. I've also experienced what it looks like when a child can maintain loving relationships with both parents without feeling caught in the middle. Seeing the contrast between these experiences has stayed with me. It's a powerful reminder of how much our words, reactions, and choices can affect our children, even when we're navigating our own hurt and challenges.

My Mission

Personal Experience

Personal Experience

My mission is to provide compassionate emotional support and practical guidance to individuals and families navigating separation, divorce, and co-parenting challenges.

I believe parents deserve support in managing their own emotions while also understanding how their words, actions, and decisions can affect their children. Through counselling, coaching, and education, I strive to help families reduce conflict, strengthen relationships, and make thoughtful, child-centred decisions.

My goal extends beyond helping families get through divorce. I want to help change how families experience it. By encouraging greater understanding, personal reflection, and respect for children's voices, I hope to help families move forward with greater clarity, confidence, and hope for the future.

Ready to Move Forward

Contact me today to take the first step toward a healthier future. Together, we can work to reduce conflict, support your children, and create a more stable path through separation and co-parenting challenges. 

CONTACT ME