Approved Mental Health Provider (BAMHS Registered)

Approved NDIS Provider

Ba.App.Sci(OT), Ma.App.Sci(OT)

Melissa practises as a developmental paediatric, adolescent, adult and mental health Occupational Therapist, with strong knowledge in physical, social-emotional and sensory development.

Melissa cherishes collaborating with neurodivergent children, adolescents and adults, and consistently uses a neuroaffirming and client led approach in her sessions, to build upon strengths and client goals.

Melissa can provide full developmental and functional assessments, assessing and supporting development of gross/fine motor co-ordination skills, handwriting, sensory processing, and social-emotional abilities as agreed upon by the client and where appropriate, family/caregivers.

Assessments may include comprehensive written reports with easily accessible and practical recommendations and strategies for home, school, university and/or work.

Melissa provides regular educational consultations and training, and liaises closely with educational facilities. Melissa has a special and longstanding interest in working with and supporting Neurodivergent children, adolescents and adults to build on strengths and connections.

Melissa values working within a multi-disciplinary team to offer flexible, individualised and important options for support and development.

Melissa is registered with Medicare as a Mental Health Provider of Focused Psychological Strategies. She provides therapeutic support for 4-50 year olds who are struggling socially, emotionally and/or behaviourally; or who present with mild to significant anxiety, depression, stress, attentional and/or executive function challenges, emotional regulation and/or other mental health difficulties.

Melissa also provides specific therapy/ psycho-education to parents and siblings or partners as required, and will offer some relational support work as part of this. Melissa enjoys providing sibling play therapy sessions and values the connections and positive relationships that develop in this space.

Therapy sessions are developmentally and family sensitive, and provide a safe space to explore issues verbally and/or through play; to explore and practice alternative options for social, behavioural and emotional self-regulation; to improve self-esteem and self-confidence in relevant areas (eg. handwriting, sports skills, social skills, attentional/ organisational skills, emotional and behavioural regulation skills, workplace or study skills and confidence).