Welcome to Desert Solace Counselling & Recovery

Located at 339 Fairview Rd, Oliver BC & 103-208 Martin St, Penticton BC


Please choose carefully when booking: In-Person or Virtual (1 or 1.5 hr)


If you are looking to book with Melanie Bakker, please send her an email to book (melanie@desertsolacecounselling.com). Friday and Saturday availability.


💥Penticton Location is now live (Availability is Mondays, Fridays, & every other Saturday)💥

Equine-Assisted Counselling

I offer equine-assisted counselling—a powerful, experiential method that uses the human-horse connection to foster emotional awareness, self-confidence, and healing. This approach is particularly effective for clients of all ages who may benefit from a more dynamic, non-verbal path to self-discovery and personal growth.

I’m a Registered Counselling Practitioner (RCP) and have been working in the field since 2020, offering compassionate, client-centered support to children, adolescents, couples, and families. My approach is flexible and tailored to each individual’s needs. I draw on evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Person-Centred Therapy, alongside more holistic, relational models like Nonviolent Communication (NVC).

In addition to traditional counselling, I offer Equine-Assisted Therapy—a powerful, experiential modality that helps clients build emotional awareness, confidence, and communication skills through meaningful interactions with horses. This approach can be especially impactful for children and teens who may find it difficult to connect through words alone.

I’m passionate about helping individuals and families explore and express their feelings and needs in safe, respectful ways. Whether in the counselling room or out on the ranch, my goal is to create a space where people feel seen, heard, and empowered to grow.

As a lifelong coach, I also bring years of experience as a riding instructor and vaulting coach as well as a ski and snowboard instructor, which has deepened my understanding of how confidence, connection, and growth are built through supportive guidance and experiential learning. Coaching continues to be a thread that runs through all areas of my work.

Outside of my counselling practice, I’m a wife, mother and long-time 4-H leader. These roles shape my understanding of the everyday joys and challenges families face. I bring warmth, authenticity, and deep respect for each person’s story to every session.

I’m a Registered Counselling Practitioner (RCP) and have been working in the field since 2020, of... Read More

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