- Stress and anxiety
- Relationships and intimacy
- ACT and CBT techniques
About Melissa
Melissa Thompson is a PACFA-credentialled counsellor in Australia with 14 years of professional experience. She works with people struggling with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, motivation and self-esteem. Her practice often supports issues common in early adulthood such as career pressure, relationship questions and feeling overwhelmed by life changes.
Melissa keeps sessions straightforward and practical. She listens to what is worrying a person and helps them try small, doable steps to feel more in control. Conversations cover thoughts, feelings and routines so clients can test different ways of managing stress and low mood.
Her approach draws on evidence-informed methods but the focus is on what works day to day. Melissa uses techniques from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to help people notice unhelpful patterns and practice alternatives. Attachment-based ideas also inform how she looks at relationship and intimacy concerns.
Clients often bring worries about work, study, identity or starting relationships. Melissa also supports people with substance concerns, sleep problems, anger and issues tied to abandonment or family of origin. She pays attention to how past experiences affect present behaviour and connection with others.
Sessions aim to be practical and readable rather than full of jargon. Melissa asks about practical goals and helps set straightforward steps between meetings. People who want clear strategies and space to talk through difficult feelings may find this approach useful.
How Melissa uses therapy approaches online
Melissa commonly draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Attachment-Based Therapy in her clinical work. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice thought patterns, identify what matters to them, and practice actions that fit those values. It can be useful for anxiety, stress and feeling stuck. Attachment-Based Therapy looks at how early relationship patterns shape current connections and intimacy; it helps people understand relationship reactions and try different ways of relating.Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the work. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences and practical needs, and then collaborate with the client to choose techniques that fit. Sessions are a shared process of testing what helps and adjusting as progress is tracked.
Confirm available session formats before booking because they are not specified here. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions around study, work or travel, and can reduce commute time. It can also allow shorter check-ins when needed or sessions that do not require being on camera. These practical benefits help people keep therapy manageable while they juggle early-adult responsibilities.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
14+ years
Listed in
Australia
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does she work with?
She works with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, low self-esteem, addictions, relationship and intimacy issues, career and life changes, ADHD and related concerns.
How would she describe her therapeutic style?
She uses practical, evidence-informed methods and conversational sessions. Expect goal-focused work that explores thoughts, feelings and everyday habits.
How much experience does she have?
Melissa has 14 years of professional experience working with adults on a range of mental health and life concerns.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She is PACFA-credentialled and based in Australia.
Can international clients work with her?
Sessions are offered in English and she does not accept international clients at this time.
Which session formats are offered?
Please confirm current session options before booking as formats are not specified here.
How much do sessions cost?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription model that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I get started with a first session?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy through BetterHelp is for adults aged 18 and over and is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Find someone else by name.