About
Mel is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (AMHSW), Counsellor, and facilitator of Trauma Centre Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY). She is a neurodivergent practitioner with a strong commitment to social justice and human rights, and a focus on providing trauma-informed, evidence-based care. Mel’s professional practice is guided by values of safety, choice, empowerment, trustworthiness, collaboration, and anti-oppressive practice. She respects and values identity, culture, community, and worldview, and supports collective and relational approaches to wellbeing.
therapeutic Style
Mel offers a non-judgmental, warm, and collaborative therapeutic approach. Her work is grounded, responsive, and client-centred, with an emphasis on creating a safe and supportive therapeutic environment. As a neurodivergent practitioner, Mel brings an inclusive and affirming perspective that recognises diverse ways of thinking, communicating, and experiencing the world. She works alongside clients with curiosity, compassion, and respect, supporting autonomy, choice, and meaningful change.
Special Interests
Anxiety
Depression
Stress
Loss and grief
Therapeutic Group Work
Trauma Sensitive Yoga, individuals & groups*
*What is this?
Trauma Centre Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) is an empirically validated clinical intervention for complex trauma or chronic, treatment-resistant post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Grounded in trauma theory, attachment theory, neuroscience, and hatha yoga, TCTSY emphasizes body-based yoga forms and breathing practices.Trauma Centre Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) supports self-regulation skills through mindfulness, sensory integration, movement, and breath. It is accessible for all bodies and identities.
Trauma Centre Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) can be done in our individual sessions, or you can join the groups I facilitate in the community. Please get in touch if you would like further information.
Education
Accredited Mental Health Social Worker
Member of the Australian Association of Social Workers
Approved Victims Services NSW Counsellor
50hr Advanced Yoga Training in Trauma, Mental Health and Body Image
300hr Trauma Centre Trauma Sensitive Yoga Certification Program, Centre for Trauma and Embodiment - Resource Justice Institute
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy, Level 1
Resource Therapy Foundation and Resource Therapy Intensive, in EMDR
Narrative Therapy Level 1 & Level 2, Dulwich Centre
Diaphragmatic Breathing for Chronic Conditions
Graduate Certificate of Indigenous Trauma and Recovery Practice, University of Wollongong
Master of International and Community Development, Deakin University
Bachelor of Social Work, La Trobe University
Bachelor of Arts, La Trobe University
Modality & Approach
Integrative
Narrative
Trauma Sensitive Yoga
Personal Insight
What is a quote or phrase really resonates with you?
“No intervention that takes power away from the survivor can possibly foster [their] recovery, no matter how much it appears to be in [their] immediate best interest.”
— Judith Herman, M.D.
What makes you happy?
Nature, dancing, singing, and belly laughs with loved ones.
What is one food you can't live without?
Any food made by my Nonna :)
fee
Individual Therapy, with Medicare Rebate (requires GP referral and Mental Health Care Plan) | $180 (rebate $87.25, for up to 10 sessions per calendar year)
Private Individual Therapy | $150
Trauma Centre Trauma Sensitive Yoga Session | $150 (60 mins) | $80 (30 mins)
Victims Services referrals accepted
NDIS participants may be eligible for funded sessions through their NDIS plan and per NDIS price guide
Location
Albany Street Clinic: The House with the Yellow Door
1/64 Albany Street
Coffs Harbour
Google maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/JM1vuAXE73TzKh8m6
DAYS
Thursday