Rate Melissa Stokes

Taking the first step to reach out takes courage. I'm here to support you through the process of navigating mental health and life challenges.

I'm a dedicated mental health clinician credentialed in Australia with 25 years of professional work experience. As a mental health clinician, I have worked in various clinical settings, including domestic violence, child adolescent and adult community mental health, youth justice, rape and sexual assault, hospitals, public and private practice. In these settings I have been trained in and use a range of evidenced based therapies including CBT, CPT, DBT, ACT, EFT, IPT, MI, Trauma focussed, EMDR, Mindfulness and use a range of psychoeducation and skills training to support a reduction in distress and increase in wellbeing.

My passion for understanding and improving mental health is demonstrated in the way I provide compassionate, evidence-based therapy to individuals facing a wide range of psychological challenges. My therapeutic style is eclectic and integrative, drawing from cognitive-behavioural, psychodynamic, and humanistic person-centred, attachment and strengths-based perspectives to personalise treatment plans which meet your unique needs and strengths.

In my practice I work to create a safe and supportive environment where you'll feel heard, validated, and empowered to explore thoughts and emotions. My warm demeanour, empathetic approach, and genuine commitment to clients' well-being have earned my clients trust and gratitude.

Committed to sharing my expertise with the next generation I supervise students and early career professionals providing mentoring and support as they develop their own careers in mental health.

It's important for clinicians to continue learning and updating their knowledge and I'm committed to ongoing and continuing professional development which includes a continuing interest in research. At the Research and Education Unit for Gendered Violence I worked on a number of projects developing assessment tools for first responders. My research thesis into online mindfulness users’ characteristics and motivation to learn focused on the intersection between mental health challenges and positive psychology.

Outside of professional life, I enjoy hiking, foraging, music, board games, cooking, yoga, being in nature and spending time with others and getting lost in gardens.