Dr Melissa Connell is a centrally based Brisbane clinical psychologist offering counselling and psychological services to young people and adults.
As a clinical psychologist, Melissa has undergone advanced training in a range of treatment interventions and tailors the approach she uses to meet the specific needs of individual clients. Melissa values warmth and empathy in her approach to therapy and strives to understand the individual difficulties and circumstances of each client.
About Melissa
Melissa has a broad range of experience in mental health working with veterans and families, NGOs, universities, volunteer groups, corporate organisations, public mental health and alcohol & other drug services. She has maintained a private practice for many years and provides individual psychological treatment for clients with complex needs. She also provides consultation and advanced clinical training for other mental health clinicians in the area of trauma and substance use.
Skills, qualifications and registrations
Melissa has a Doctor of Clinical Psychology degree and has expertise in the assessment, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of a wide range of emotional, behavioural and relational issues.
She has been working in the field of mental health for over 15 years and has worked in a variety of mental health and research settings. Melissa also has experience and expertise in trauma informed care and trauma treatment.
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Registered Psychologist (endorsement in Clinical Psychology) with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency
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Registered with Medicare for rebates under Better Access to Mental Healthcare Initiative
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Doctor of Clinical Psychology
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AHPRA approved clinical supervisor
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Clinical consultant Trauma Informed Care
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Member of Australian Psychological Society
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Member of EMDRAA
How therapy can help
Psychological treatments can help you to make sense of your thoughts, feelings and behaviours and how you have been affected by what's happened in your life. Most people who are experiencing psychological and emotional problems have had stressful or traumatic life experiences. Therapy can play an important role in helping you to process and heal from those experiences and learn ways to cope with difficult thoughts and feelings when they arise.
You don’t need to have a mental illness to benefit from seeing a psychologist – everyday difficulties such as relationship problems, stressful events, or a low sense of self-worth can be improved through therapy.
While it is helpful to have the support of family and friends, there are times when you may need guidance from a therapist who has an objective perspective and can help you to make sense of what is happening in your life.
It is important that each person take an active role in the therapy process. This may mean developing new ways of thinking and behaving or just having a willingness to reflect on your inner experience.
Learning new ways to understand and manage thoughts and feelings can take time but will ultimately lead to the ability to cope with life difficulties more effectively in the future.
Melissa believes that clients should work at their own pace, and feel supported to explore their difficulties and move towards healing, self-understanding, personal growth and change.
EMDR treatment for trauma related problems
Therapy for help with life challenges
Psychodynamic informed psychotherapy for relational difficulties and increased self understanding
Assessment, diagnosis and treatment for a range of mental disorders
Telehealth services available
Fees and rebates
Medicare rebates
The Better Access to Mental Health Care Initiative entitles you to 10 Medicare funded sessions per calendar year if you have a Mental Health Care Plan (with an additional 10 under COVID legislation). Your GP or psychiatrist can refer you for treatment under the Better Access scheme if you are experiencing significant mental health difficulties.
As a clinical psychologist, Melissa qualifies for the highest rebate which is $131.65
Health fund rebates
If you have private health cover, you may be eligible to claim some of the fee from your health fund.
