About Me

I’m Melissa (she/her), an Educational and Developmental Psychologist with an interest and passion in providing warm, relational, and affirming psychological services. It is my goal for you to feel as comfortable as possible, so that you can get the most out of our time together. When I’m not working you’ll find me at the mercy of my children - cutting a piece of toast that needed to remain whole, refereeing whose turn it is to hold the remote control, and providing more “cuddles” than seems humanly possible. In whatever spare moment I can capture, I’ll be listening to a new Audiobook or Podcast (of which I’ll never completely finish), hitting the gym, or enjoying an almond latte with a friend. 

Experience

I started my Psychology training in 2010 and have over 10 years experience working as a therapist. My journey to becoming a registered Psychologist was slightly unorthodox, gaining therapeutic experience as a counsellor between my undergraduate degree and masters, and having children in amongst that time too. I draw on my learnings from a number of practice settings including tertiary mental health, non government organisation’s, schools, and private clinics. With advanced training in educational and developmental psychology, I am confident in completing psychological assessments and holding a systemic lens to support the needs of my clients.

I am experienced in working with the following presentations from childhood through to late adulthood:

  • Anxiety

  • Depression

  • Stress

  • Trauma

My approach

I draw on numerous therapeutic approaches to provide a client-centered and unique service. Such approaches include neurodiverse-affirming care, psychodynamic psychotherapy, attachment theory, cognitive behavioural strategies (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), compassion-focussed therapy (CFT), and psychoeducation.

Interest Areas

I have a particular interest in supporting people to understand patterns they have developed through prior experiences and the impacts these may have on current relationships, communication, and thinking. Such patterns may relate to attachment experiences, masking neurodivergence or chronic pain, or existing as one person before emerging as your true self (e.g. gender queer or transgender experiences). I am also passionate about helping people to understand their identity, be this therapeutically or through psychological assessment to determine thinking and learning differences.

Qualifications and Registration

AHPRA General Registration: PSY0002262670 | Endorsed Educational and Developmental Psychologist

Master of Psychology (Educational and Developmental), Queensland University of Technology

Bachelor of Psychological Science (4th Year), University of Queensland

Member of the AAPi

Circle of Security Parenting Program Facilitator