Melanie enjoys working with some of the most challenging and difficult presenting issues that many other mental health practitioners shy away from. She has a strong track record working with youth at risk of suicide in the Northern Territory, providing culturally sensitive counselling for Aboriginal people. In more recent years in Sydney, she has worked as a Senior Social Worker and team leader, helping families who struggle to know how to help their children with ADHD and Autism.
In her other workplace, as part of a multidisciplinary team, Melanie has facilitated therapeutic interventions and provided case management (including consultation in school settings), using evidence-based strategies such as Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
As a former member of a Forensic Community Transition Team, Melanie has worked in a prison environment, leading DBT informed group programs for people with Borderline Personality Disorder.
Melanie is skilled in developing Child Safe policies and safe supervision, as part of her family-focussed therapy. She is committed to providing culturally sensitive counselling and brings a wealth of experience in supporting behaviourally challenging children, as well as teens, adults and families through complex mental health challenges.
Melanie works with:
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health
- Anxiety and Depression
- Self-Harm and Suicidal Ideation
- Borderline Personality Traits
- ADHD, Bulimia, and Eating Disorders
- Gender Dysphoria
- Trauma and Attachment
- Behaviours of Concern at School
- School Refusal
- Social Skills in Autism
Melanie’s qualifications:
- Bachelor of Social Work, University of New South Wales
- Graduate Diploma Dance Movement Therapy, Wesley Institute
