About Barwon Counselling & Hypnotherapy | Melbourne Australia
Hi, I'm Melissiah!
practice manager and Telehealth Therapist
I've long been captivated by what drives human behavior. My journey into understanding the mind began years ago when I first dabbled in psychology at La Trobe University. But life took me on a different path—I became a piano bar entertainer, then a music teacher, immersing myself in the world of performance. As a vocal coach, I noticed something fascinating: some students thrived under pressure, while others crumbled with stage fright. This curiosity pulled me back into psychology, where I explored therapeutic approaches to help people unlock their potential and overcome the mental roadblocks that hold them back.
I’ve since earned an honours degree in Psychological Science from Deakin University and a Master of Professional Psychology. But my learning hasn’t just been confined to textbooks—I also spent years as a train driver, working gruelling shift hours that wreaked havoc on my sleep. Struggling with insomnia firsthand gave me a personal understanding of just how disruptive sleep issues can be. That experience fuelled my passion for sleep psychology, leading me to explore evidence-based strategies to not only overcome my own challenges but also help others reclaim deep restorative sleep.
Today, I offer telehealth services across Australia, helping to make mental health support more accessible and convenient. Beyond one-on-one therapy, I also provide low-cost downloads and free psychoeducational materials to help people better understand their minds and take control of their well-being. Ultimately, my goal is to break down barriers to mental health care, ensuring evidence-based strategies are available to everyone who needs them.
I’ve since earned an honours degree in Psychological Science from Deakin University and a Master of Professional Psychology. But my learning hasn’t just been confined to textbooks—I also spent years as a train driver, working gruelling shift hours that wreaked havoc on my sleep. Struggling with insomnia firsthand gave me a personal understanding of just how disruptive sleep issues can be. That experience fuelled my passion for sleep psychology, leading me to explore evidence-based strategies to not only overcome my own challenges but also help others reclaim deep restorative sleep.
Today, I offer telehealth services across Australia, helping to make mental health support more accessible and convenient. Beyond one-on-one therapy, I also provide low-cost downloads and free psychoeducational materials to help people better understand their minds and take control of their well-being. Ultimately, my goal is to break down barriers to mental health care, ensuring evidence-based strategies are available to everyone who needs them.
My Key areas of Interest
Sleep Psychology
Sleep disorders are now recognized as distinct mental health conditions that can cause significant impacts on mood, functioning, and health. My work includes:+ Assessing and treating sleep disturbances+ Developing personalized treatment plans+ Educating clients on sleep hygiene+ Addressing underlying psychological and environmental factors contributing to sleep problems
Depression, Anxiety anD Stress
Depression, anxiety, and stress can significantly affect daily life and often contribute to insomnia or other sleep difficulties. My approach involves:+ Identifying and addressing underlying psychological factors+ Using evidence-based techniques to reduce symptoms and restore functioning+ Helping clients develop coping strategies for stress and emotional regulation+ Providing support to improve sleep, mood, and overall well-being
Religious Trauma
Negative experiences in high control/high demand groups and religious communities can profoundly affect mental health. I help clients by:+ Providing a safe space to process emotions and trauma+ Supporting them in establishing relationships outside of religion+ Exploring alternative perspectives or detaching from religion+ Addressing the intersection of religious trauma and mental health
My qualifications & Credentials
- Master of Professional Psychology
- Bachelor of Psychological Science Honours (majoring in Child and Family)
- Diploma of Counselling
- Diploma of Clinical Hypnotic Science
- Graduate Diploma of Music
- Associate Trinity College London (voice)
- Essential Practitioner NLP
- Rewind Technique Practitioner (PTSD treatment)
- Certificate IV Small Business Management
- Certficate in Logical and Critical Thinking (University of Aukland)
- Certificate of Completion Students Helping Students, Foundation Training - Basic (Deakin University)
- Certificate of Completion Human Research Ethics Training
My Philosophy...
As a strong advocate for Carl Rogers' person-centered approach, I believe in fostering a therapeutic relationship that promotes self-esteem, authenticity, and actualization. By helping clients tap into their inherent strengths and potential, I support meaningful and lasting growth.
With training in psychology, counselling, hypnotherapy, and NLP, I bring a well-rounded perspective to therapy. These different modalities complement each other, allowing me to guide you in unlocking new insights, releasing maladaptive beliefs, and shifting behaviours that no longer serve you.
Beyond my training, my approach is shaped by personal experience. As a piano bar entertainer, I spent long stretches away from home, often feeling isolated in an era before smartphones and social media. Later, as a train driver, I worked unpredictable shifts, experiencing firsthand the toll that disrupted sleep can take on functioning and mental health. These experiences deepened my understanding of loneliness, stress, and the challenges of shift work, ultimately driving my passion for sleep psychology.
In addition to my formal studies, I have deepened my expertise through further study in sleep science and evidence-based interventions like CBT-I and light therapy. I take a research-driven approach to therapy, ensuring that the strategies I use are grounded in science and tailored for real-world effectiveness. Understanding the intricate link between sleep and mental health allows me to provide targeted, results-oriented interventions that empower clients to reclaim restorative sleep and overall well-being.
Additionally, my years as a music teacher have reinforced the power of intrinsic motivation in facilitating change. This understanding informs my therapeutic approach, where I use motivational interviewing and tailored strategies to help clients stay engaged and achieve lasting results. Preventing lapse or relapse is just as important as initial progress, so I work with clients to build the skills and resilience needed for long-term success.
As your therapist, I look beyond the immediate problem to identify underlying factors that may be making you more vulnerable or keeping the issue ongoing. At the same time, I help you recognize your strengths, skills, and abilities, which play a key role in your recovery. Together, we will explore practical strategies and exercises that reinforce the therapeutic work we do in sessions.
I invite you to book a free 20-minute consultation with me today. We’ll discuss how we can work together to overcome your challenges and help you move toward the life you want.
Beyond my training, my approach is shaped by personal experience. As a piano bar entertainer, I spent long stretches away from home, often feeling isolated in an era before smartphones and social media. Later, as a train driver, I worked unpredictable shifts, experiencing firsthand the toll that disrupted sleep can take on functioning and mental health. These experiences deepened my understanding of loneliness, stress, and the challenges of shift work, ultimately driving my passion for sleep psychology.
In addition to my formal studies, I have deepened my expertise through further study in sleep science and evidence-based interventions like CBT-I and light therapy. I take a research-driven approach to therapy, ensuring that the strategies I use are grounded in science and tailored for real-world effectiveness. Understanding the intricate link between sleep and mental health allows me to provide targeted, results-oriented interventions that empower clients to reclaim restorative sleep and overall well-being.
Additionally, my years as a music teacher have reinforced the power of intrinsic motivation in facilitating change. This understanding informs my therapeutic approach, where I use motivational interviewing and tailored strategies to help clients stay engaged and achieve lasting results. Preventing lapse or relapse is just as important as initial progress, so I work with clients to build the skills and resilience needed for long-term success.
As your therapist, I look beyond the immediate problem to identify underlying factors that may be making you more vulnerable or keeping the issue ongoing. At the same time, I help you recognize your strengths, skills, and abilities, which play a key role in your recovery. Together, we will explore practical strategies and exercises that reinforce the therapeutic work we do in sessions.
I invite you to book a free 20-minute consultation with me today. We’ll discuss how we can work together to overcome your challenges and help you move toward the life you want.
Exclusion criteria: This clinic is not equipped to see clients under the age of 18 or individuals with personality disorders, bipolar disorder, substance use disorder (including alcohol, prescription drugs, or illicit drugs), or psychotic disorders.
Hypnotherapy Training Australia recommended therapist
