Meet Mel
Hi, I’m Mel. I’m a counsellor, clinical hypnotherapist, educator, and a neurodivergent parent of a neurodivergent child.
I have over 15 years of experience across education, behaviour support, and therapeutic work. I support neurodivergent adults and parents who are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure of their next steps.
My approach is calm, practical, and neuroaffirming, combining clinical training with lived experience to help you better understand yourself and feel more in control.
Sessions are available in a warm, private therapy room at Evolve Mental Health & Wellbeing Hub in Charlestown, or as walk-and-talk sessions in local outdoor spaces such as Redhead Beach and Speers Point Park.
📘My Story
For many years, I was the educator working behind the scenes to support students who didn’t quite fit the mould. These were the students who struggled within the school system, who masked their challenges, or who needed more than just academic support. As a teacher and learning support coordinator, I specialised in working with neurodivergent students and their families, advocating for inclusion and personalised support.
But my connection to neurodivergence didn’t stop at the classroom.
I’m a mum to two beautiful girls, one of whom is neurodivergent. Navigating diagnosis, therapy, and the NDIS as a parent gave me a deeper understanding of what families actually go through. The mix of joy, challenges, advocacy, and uncertainty. It reinforced how important it is to have someone who truly understands and can offer practical, compassionate support.
Along the way, I also discovered that I’m neurodivergent myself. This late diagnosis brought clarity to so many parts of my life. It helped me understand how I think, my sensory sensitivities, and the deep empathy I’ve always had for those who have spent years masking, coping, and feeling unseen.
Leaving teaching wasn’t easy, but it was the right decision. I wanted to support more than just learning. I wanted to support the whole person. Becoming a counsellor and clinical hypnotherapist gave me the tools to do that. Through Bright Feathers, I now work more deeply with neurodivergent individuals and their families to help them feel understood, supported, and empowered.
Whether I’m working with a teen navigating school pressures, a parent feeling lost in the NDIS, or an adult learning to unmask and understand themselves, I bring compassion, clarity, and lived insight to every session.
💡My Philosophy
At Bright Feathers, I work from a neurodiversity-affirming, person-centred, and trauma-informed lens.
I don’t see ADHD or autism as disorders to be “fixed,” but as natural and valuable variations of the human experience. So often, the real barriers are the systems that aren’t designed with neurodivergent needs in mind: schools, workplaces, and societal expectations.
I believe in presuming competence, always. Every person deserves to be seen as capable, worthy, & whole
regardless of labels or diagnoses. Too often, neurodivergent children are underestimated or overlooked. I want to change that.
In my work with children, their voice is central. They lead and have authority over their goals, strategies, and direction of their support. And I view parents and carers not as passive observers, but as experts on their child. I know how many hats we wear, while other parents are fussing about dance recitals, we're playing the role of parent, tutor and therapist and sometimes chef to the world's fussiest food critic! It can be overwhelming when all the specialists in your child's life are telling you what to do for them, it can sometimes feel like no one stops to check in with you and see how you are managing. I can be that person for you.
For adults, I aim to create a space where you can unmask, feel understood, release shame and begin to honour your neurodivergent mind. Think of the care you’d give a struggling friend — you deserve that too.
✨Training & Experience
I bring over 15 years' of professional experience in education, behaviour support, and therapeutic work — with a strong focus on neurodivergent individuals and families.
🎓 Diploma of Counselling – Institute of Applied Psychology
Neurodiversity-affirming and trauma-informed, with a focus on identity, regulation, and mental health support
🎓 Diploma of Clinical Hypnotherapy – Hypnotherapy Training Australia
Certified clinical hypnotherapist using gentle, evidence-based tools for stress, trauma, mindset and behaviour change
🎓 Master of Autism and Neurodivergent Studies (In Progress) – University of Wollongong
Committed to ongoing learning and best-practice, with a lived-experience lens
🎓 Postgraduate Diploma of Education (Secondary) & Bachelor of Fine Arts – University of Newcastle
Former learning support teacher and coordinator specialising in autism and ADHD support across school settings
✅ Registered Counsellor – Australian Counselling Association (ACA)
NDIS self- and plan-managed participants welcome under Individual Counselling (15_043_0128_1_3)
🌿 Modalities & Approach
I tailor every session to suit the individual — blending evidence-based strategies with a compassionate, neuroaffirming mindset. My approach is flexible, collaborative, and informed by both clinical training and lived experience.
🧠 Neurodivergent-Affirming & Trauma-Aware Support
ADHD- and Autism-informed counselling with a strong focus on emotional safety, regulation, and identity-affirming care.
🗯️ Cognitive & Behavioural Therapies (CBT)
Helping you identify unhelpful thoughts, challenge limiting beliefs, and create meaningful, lasting change.
💡 Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
A practical, strengths-based approach focused on what's working, developing solutions, and clarifying desired outcomes.
📅 Executive Function & Life Skills Coaching
Real-world planning, organisation strategies, and self-management tools to support everyday success.
🌬️ Mindfulness & Relaxation Techniques
Breathwork, guided visualisation, progressive muscle relaxation, and stress relief tools to calm the nervous system.
🌀 Clinical Hypnotherapy
Gentle, goal-oriented sessions supporting stress reduction, confidence, trauma recovery, and behaviour change.
🔍 Behavioural Insight & Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)
Understanding the function of behaviours and supporting respectful, person-centred responses to challenging situations.
🌈 Culturally Sensitive & LGBTQIA+ Inclusive Practice
A safe, respectful space for clients from all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences.
