Nuturing Safety and Strengthening Relationships

Counselling for Individuals, Couples, Children & Families in Townsville

Hi I am Melanie. I am passionate about all people living life to the full. I have a Bachelor in Arts (Human Services) and a Masters in Social Work (Professional Qualifying). I am trained in various psychological interventions and offer a range of services. You can self refer or see your GP for a referral, rebates available. Click here to learn more about me.

COUPLE & RELATIONSHIP COUNSELLING

When you love each other but things just aren’t working, couples counselling can help you understand what’s happening between you, break unhelpful patterns and reconnect.

I support couples experiencing:
• recurring conflict or the same arguments
• communication difficulties
• feeling disconnected or like housemates
• parenting and relationship stress
• hurt, betrayal or infidelity
• uncertainty about whether to stay together
• emotional or physical intimacy difficulties

I use Gottman-informed couples therapy alongside my broader experience in trauma, family dynamics and mental health.

You don’t need to know exactly what’s wrong before you book — we can start by understanding what’s happening and what you each want to be different.

Parenting Support

CHILD AND FAMILY THERAPY

Children and families often need support during times of stress, change or emotional difficulty. I use a range of play‑based and developmentally informed approaches to help children express themselves, build emotional skills and feel safe and understood. When needed, I also work with the whole family, drawing on my training in Family Therapy.. I support families experiencing:

emotional or behavioural challenges in children
anxiety, worry or big feelings
parenting stress or uncertainty
family conflict or communication difficulties
changes such as separation, grief or transitions

Sessions are gentle, collaborative and tailored to your child’s age, needs and family situation.

Parenting can feel overwhelming when children are struggling with emotions, behaviour, or big life changes. I offer practical, evidence‑based support to help parents understand what’s happening, respond calmly, and strengthen connection. I draw on programs such as:

• Circle of Security

• Tuning Into Kids

• Tuning Into Teens

• GPEP (Group Parent Empowering Protocol (EMDR))

• Emotion coaching

• Attachment‑based approaches Together we focus on building confidence, reducing conflict, and supporting your child’s emotional development in a way that feels warm, calm and achievable.

EMDR TRAUMA THERAPY

INDIVIDUAL THERAPY

Trauma can leave the mind and body feeling stuck in patterns of fear, overwhelm or distress. EMDR helps the brain process difficult experiences so they no longer feel as intense or disruptive.

I am Level 2 EMDR trained and have completed advanced EMDR training for children, teens, adults and parent support, including group‑based approaches. This allows me to tailor EMDR to each person’s age, needs and stage of life.

I support people experiencing:

trauma from past events
childhood trauma or attachment wounds
distressing memories that won’t settle
anxiety or panic linked to past experiences
emotional triggers that feel out of proportion

EMDR is gentle, structured and evidence‑based. We work at a pace that feels safe, helping you reduce distress and regain a sense of stability and control

Life can feel overwhelming when stress, worry, past experiences or relationship challenges start to build up. Individual therapy offers a safe, supportive space to explore what’s happening, understand patterns, and develop practical tools to move forward with confidence.

I support adults experiencing:

anxiety, stress or burnout
low mood, grief or feeling stuck
trauma or difficult past experiences
relationship or family challenges
self-esteem or identity concerns
major life transitions or uncertainty

Together we focus on understanding your story, strengthening coping skills, and creating meaningful change at a pace that feels right for you