About Accord Psychology
We are a small, boutique psychology clinic founded by Dr. Melodie Lemay-Gaulin with the goal of creating a safe, welcoming space for those who have historically felt misunderstood and misrepresented in the mental healthcare system. Our work is grounded in the understanding that people differ in nervous systems, communication styles, identities, and life contexts, and that therapy must be responsive to those differences to be genuinely helpful.
Our clinicians offer support for a wide range of mental health, sexual, relational, and identity-related concerns, from a primarily humanistic-psychodynamic approach. In particular, we most often work with clients who identify as neurodivergent.
We believe that effective therapy depends less on specific approaches or techniques and more on fit — between the client, the clinician, and the way therapy is practiced. Each member of our team brings their own interpersonal style, background, and theoretical orientation to the work. What our team shares is a commitment to authenticity and to providing thoughtful, personalized, and affirming care.
What Neuro-Affirming and Trauma-Informed Care Means To Us
Neuro-affirming (or neurodiversity-affirming) care means that neurodivergence is not treated as a disorder, pathology, or undesirable condition, but as a natural and valuable form of human diversity. We understand differences in cognitive style, communication, and sensory processing as meaningful aspects of how a person experiences and interacts with the world, without attaching value judgments to any particular way of existing.
We reject neuro-normative assumptions that there is a single preferred way of interacting with the world. For this reason, we do not view masking as a set of skills to be strengthened, but as a costly survival mechanism that often develops in response to chronic misattunement and pressure to conform. We believe that good therapy or coaching should help you work with your brain, not against it, and embrace creative solutions to the mismatch between neurodivergent experiences and societal expectations. This blog post explains what neuro-affirming therapy looks like in practice
Trauma-informed support means approaching each person with an awareness of how experiences of threat, relational harm, and systemic oppression can shape a person’s sense of safety, trust, connection, and control. We prioritize collaboration, transparency, choice, and consent, and we respect each client’s pace without pressuring them to disclose, revisit, or process experiences before they feel ready. Rather than asking only what is “wrong,” we remain curious about how coping strategies may have developed to protect or support the person in difficult circumstances. Being trauma-informed means creating a context that is attentive to power, avoids unnecessary harm or re-traumatization, and supports greater safety, agency, and self-understanding.
An Intersectional Perspective
Our rejection of a single, “normal” way of being extends beyond neurotype. We understand that neurodivergence always exists within a broader social and relational context, and often intersects with other marginalized identities and experiences — including race, gender, sexuality, relationship configuration, chronic illness and body size.
We recognize that systems of oppression do not operate in isolation, and that distress is often shaped by the cumulative impact of ableism alongside other forms of structural harm. Our work is informed by this intersectional lens, and we strive to understand each client’s experiences in the full context of who they are and the environments they move through.
Our Commitment to Continued Learning
Boundless curiosity and a love of learning are shared traits that bring our team together. We are each always looking for ways to grow as mental health professionals. We are committed to continually expanding our knowledge and skills to provide the best possible care for our clients. We regularly participate in trainings and workshops, consult with each other and other trusted professionals, and seek to stay up-to-date on the latest literature and research. This ongoing learning ensures our approach is grounded in the latest body of knowledge and best practices, especially in areas like neurodivergence, relationships, and inclusivity.
Our Location
Accord Psychology is located in the West-Annex neighbourhood of Toronto, near Bathurst subway station.
We welcome clients in an intimate, colorful and cozy space that used to be a house. Come in, grab a cup of tea, and make yourself comfortable!
Accessibility notice: Unfortunately, our offices may not be accessible to clients with limited mobility as there are stairs at the front entrance, and to access the washroom in the basement. We do our best to accommodate for sensory needs by keeping a low-scent environment and using multiple sources of diffuse light in our space.
Visit the Contact Us page for more information on how to find us.
Land Acknowledgement: We respectfully acknowledge that the land on which we live, work and play is the traditional lands of the Mississauga of the Credit, Anishnaabe, Chippewa, Haudenosaunee and Wendat Peoples. We are grateful for the opportunity to exist, work and grow on these lands.
Meet Our Team Of Neurodiversity-Focused Professionals
Ready to get started?