Melissa Gilkes
Founder, Clinical Psychologist
MPsy (ClinPsy), BPsychSc (Hons), GradDipPsychSc, BA (Media and Communications)
Full Member The Australian Clinical Psychology Association
EMDRAA Accredited Practitioner
Full Member of EMDR Association of Australia (EMDRAA)
Interest areas
Depression & Mood Disorders
Post Traumatic Stress
Childhood emotional neglect
Abuse
Grief & Loss
Phobias
Drug and Alcohol Related Disorders
My own experience guided me towards psychology.
I had always been a curious child and my favourite subjects at school were biology and english, loving the spaces of discovery found within stories, the body and mind. I became fascinated in all people’s experiences, their thoughts and behaviour as time went on. Taking a few psychology subjects at university during a difficult time in my life fortunately nurtured my interest whilst also helped me to expand my own self-awareness. However it was my personal experience with a caring therapist that really inspired me to further my studies. I personally know how invaluable and life changing getting mental health treatment is having someone to hear, see and be with your experience, provide insight and find a way forward with.
What does the name mean?
Strength & Beauty.
What stood out to me the most whilst attending my own therapy was the healing nature of empathy, understanding, acceptance and hope that a therapist can provide. Therapy provided the therapeutic space to be connected, listened to and understood, and provided the means to find the way back to myself after feeling alone and disconnected. As I gradually recovered the words ‘you are opening up like a beautiful flower’ really resonated with me. I had become withdrawn and detached from that, but at the same time, been holding on to something that wouldn’t let me give up. I believe everyone has this beauty and resilience within them and at times lose touch with these wonderous qualities.
It is my aim to help rediscover my patients strength and beauty in my work as a psychologist and embody the qualities of empathy, understanding, acceptance and hope in my own practice.