Melissa McKay , PACFA

Melissa McKay welcomes people who are feeling stuck, overwhelmed or unsure where to start. She is a PACFA counsellor practising in Australia with 12 years of experience supporting people through stress, anxiety, depression, addiction and intimacy-related concerns. Melissa writes in a direct, calm way and focuses on what will help right now.

Her sessions are practical and person-focused. She listens to the problems you bring and helps you build small, clear steps to feel steadier. Conversations cover coping with trauma and abuse, low self-esteem, anger, sleeping difficulties and relationship strains.

Melissa also works with people dealing with caregiver stress, chronic pain or long-term illness, and the challenges that come after separation or loss. She pays attention to attachment patterns and how those affect trust and closeness. That makes it easier to spot repeated habits that keep you stuck and try new ways of relating.

She uses a mix of approaches to match each person’s needs, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and client-centred methods. Sessions are collaborative - Melissa helps you choose what feels useful and realistic.

Her style is respectful and down-to-earth. If you want straightforward tools and a counsellor who will listen without judgement, Melissa offers that steady, practical support.

Approaches that translate well to online therapy

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on values and small actions you can take even when thoughts feel difficult. It helps with anxiety, depression and problems that hang on because of avoidance. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) looks at unhelpful thinking and behaviour patterns and teaches practical techniques to change them. It is useful for stress, sleeping problems, low mood and managing cravings.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Melissa will discuss different methods and together you will decide what suits your goals and preferences. That collaborative process means the plan can change as you learn what helps most.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text-based messaging. Video lets you use visual cues and longer therapeutic exercises. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited or when a shorter check-in is needed. Live chat and messaging suit brief coaching, ongoing check-ins or people who prefer writing. These options make it simpler to fit therapy into a busy life.