As a Masters-level, ACA Registered and PACFA Certified
Practising Counsellor, Melissa provides effective, evidence-based interventions
that support deep meaningful personal growth and promote emotional and mental
wellbeing in children, couples, and families.
Melissa takes an integrative approach to therapy that is
humanistic, trauma-informed, neuro-affirming, and relationally focused. Her
practice is grounded in systems theory, neuroscience, neurobiology, and
attachment theory. She believes in understanding the whole person—recognising
how relationships, personal history, and the meaning we assign to life events
shape our experiences.
Melissa strives to create a safe and supportive therapeutic
environment built on compassion, respect, and trust—where clients feel heard,
understood, and valued. She deeply honours the courage it takes to seek support
and work collaboratively with clients to empower them to live purposefully and
thrive.
When working with children, Melissa’s approach is grounded
in Child-Centred Play Therapy and informed by Synergetic Play Therapy. She
believes in the healing power of play as a natural language for children to
express themselves and process their inner world. Melissa fosters a space of
acceptance and safety, where children can explore their feelings and develop
emotional resilience. She also partners with parents and caregivers to
strengthen connection, promote felt safety, and support nervous system
regulation within the family.
In family work, Melissa draws on Integrative Attachment
Family Therapy, Filial Therapy, and Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy to
support healthy family dynamics and deep relational repair.
With couples, Melissa uses the Gottman Method and Acceptance
and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for Couples to help build emotional safety, deepen
understanding, and restore trust, intimacy, and commitment.
Melissa believes that every individual has the capacity for
change—change that can lead to a more fulfilling, connected, and meaningful
life. If you’re ready to take the next step in your journey, Melissa invites
you to reach out.
