Melissa Stokes

Melissa Stokes offers support for people dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, grief and the effects of trauma. She also helps those coping with life changes, parenting strain, eating and sleeping difficulties, attention challenges and relationship patterns linked to attachment and abandonment. Melissa is inclusive of all genders, cultures and sexual identities and works with LGBT concerns as well.

She brings 25 years of clinical experience in Australia and holds AASW and AHPRA credentials. Her work across hospital, community mental health, youth justice, sexual assault services and public and private practice shapes a practical approach to common problems. Melissa combines talking, skills training and psychoeducation so people learn ways to reduce distress and manage day-to-day challenges.

Her style is collaborative and warm. She listens, validates what people are facing and helps them set clear goals. Sessions focus on learning tools that can be used between meetings, such as emotion regulation skills and strategies to shift unhelpful thinking.

Melissa draws on several evidence-informed approaches including cognitive-behaviour therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, attachment-focused work and dialectical behaviour therapy. She personalises treatment plans to suit each person’s strengths, preferences and life context rather than using a one-size-fits-all method.

She also supervises students and other clinicians and stays involved in research and professional development. Outside work Melissa enjoys hiking, gardening, music, yoga and time with her dogs.

How Melissa uses evidence-based approaches online

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice thoughts and feelings without getting overwhelmed by them, then commit to actions that match their values. It can help when anxiety, depression or motivation problems are blocking everyday life.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) focuses on the links between thoughts, feelings and behaviour and teaches practical strategies to change unhelpful thinking and habits. This approach is often used for stress, anxiety, low mood and sleep difficulties.

Attachment-Based Therapy looks at patterns of relating that began in earlier relationships and how they show up now. It can be useful for people dealing with abandonment issues, attachment concerns and relationship patterns that affect self-worth.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Melissa will talk with each person about their goals and preferences and together they will choose methods that fit the issues and day-to-day life. The plan can change as needs evolve and new skills are practised.

If you are considering online sessions, confirm the exact formats available when you book. The biography indicates she works online as well as from a clinic in Payneham, Adelaide, but session types can vary. Online work can make it easier to fit appointments around work, reduce travel time and allow shorter check-ins when needed. Discuss what will work best during the initial match and scheduling steps.