Hi, I'm Melanie!
A counsellor in Melbourne for teens and adults experiencing anxiety, emotional overwhelm and disconnection from their true selves.
I believe everyone has an inherent capacity for growth. My role is to create the space for that can happen, where you feel safe enough to look at what’s going on beneath the surface.
To me, therapy is more than talking through problems. It’s also about how things feel in your body and in your relationships. I work with Internal Family Systems (IFS) alongside somatic, experiential, and relational approaches, to help you understand your thoughts, emotions, and patterns, and build deeper trust in yourself.
Whether you’re navigating anxiety, the effects of trauma, or a quieter sense that you’ve lost touch with yourself, you don’t need the right words to begin. My hope is to bring warmth and steadiness, so you can loosen the beliefs that hold you back and move towards a life that feels more aligned with your True Self.
Outside the therapy room, I’m a human too! I love tea, being out in nature, travel, and cats, especially my two, Toast and Luna. I love understanding people, and I’m continually inspired by the strength and resilience of everyone I work with. In sessions, I bring my whole self, balancing professionalism with genuine warmth, so it becomes somewhere you can breathe and feel grounded.
Compassion
I'm here to listen without judgement, offering understanding and support as you navigate life’s ups and downs.
Curiosity
I encourage you to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences with an open mind, helping you discover new perspectives and insights about yourself.
Authenticity
I create a secure space where you can openly share your thoughts and feelings without judgement or criticism.
A little more about me
I created True Self Space around a simple belief: that meaningful change doesn't come from constantly trying to fix what you perceive to be wrong with yourself.
The parts of you that feel anxious, overthink, criticise or avoid emotions often have their own reasons for being there. Rather than seeing these parts as flaws to fix, I’m interested in understanding what they might be trying to protect you from.
I believe meaningful change begins when we learn to meet ourselves more deeply, make space for our needs and respond to ourselves with compassion, rather than constantly trying to change who we are.
True Self Space is a place where all parts of you are welcome, including the ones that feel messy, unloveable, and afraid.
Areas of Expertise
Anxiety ⋆ Depression ⋆ Perfectionism ⋆ People-Pleasing ⋆ Emotional Regulation ⋆ Motivation ⋆ Stress ⋆ Self-Worth ⋆
Low Self-Esteem ⋆ Friendship Challenges ⋆ Relationships ⋆ Attachment ⋆ Trauma ⋆ Life Transitions
My Professional Background & Qualifications
-
Bachelor of Psychological Science
-
Master’s of Counselling & Psychotherapy
-
PACFA Registered Psychotherapist
-
Internal Family Systems Therapy Level 1 Therapist
"Live a life that is driven more strongly by curiosity than by fear."
- Elizabeth Gilbert
Understanding yourself beyond the patterns
Rather than focusing only on changing unwanted thoughts or behaviours, we explore the different parts of you involved in those experiences. This might include the part that worries, the part that criticises you when you make a mistake, or the parts that shutdown, perform or cope.
Together, we work towards understanding these responses, developing a more compassionate relationship with yourself, and discovering what becomes possible when these patterns no longer guide every decision.
At the heart of our journey together we will create a collaborative and supportive space built on trust, safety, and compassion. The therapeutic relationship provides the foundation, so you can explore the deeper roots of your experiences, building self-trust and inner clarity to navigate life’s challenges with emotional resilience.
