hello
I'm Melissa Mavis.
"Mel is an intuitive listener and has a gift for interpreting emotions and behaviours. A reliable soundboard and provider of essential advice, she has a soft manner but a strong drive to help her clients". - A
​
I am a multipassionate Mama, wife and mental health clinician with a special interest in coaching, counselling and supporting mothers through the emotional and mental challenges of parenting and motherhood. I help mamas improve their mental wellbeing so they can nurture their family from a place of love and abundance.
​
I provide a safe space for my clients to explore and grow their sense of self. I guide and coach you through your biggest challenges. I provide education and insight into behaviours, thought patterns and various life circumstances. I help clients develop healthy coping strategies and effective communication skills to enhance their relationships.
​
My practice is centered around you and together we will work towards your parenting and life goals.
Counsellor Coach Mentor
... because I've been there.
Becoming a mother is one of the biggest transformative processes a woman will journey through in her lifetime.
Dana Raphael coined this transition:
​
​
why am i the best person to support you?
matrescence
With each pregnancy and birth, a mother is born and reborn. For some, this is an empowering experience, for others, it can be what feels like the unravelling.... Eight months after the birth of my first daughter, twenty-five year old me found herself on struggle street. She was confused, anxious, resentful, frustrated, depressed and extremely hard on herself. She questioned why she found motherhood so challenging and at times; numbing and unfulfilling... why did all the other mums seem to be 'all over it' when it came to mumlife whilst her inner critic repeatedly told her she was failing. She was exhausted, flat and searching for answers. And she kept all these overwhelming thoughts and emotions bottled up, until the day came that she realised that overcoming these challenges was not a task that could be achieved without effective support - so she began her mental health recovery journey by seeking the support of a therapist.
She engaged in therapeutic support. Until one day, she experienced her breakthrough moment. It was in that moment, that she could see and feel the new sense of self she had built - bit by bit she had been slowly trying to figure out which piece fit where. Bit by bit she was able to tone down her inner critic and engage in self-compassion. Bit by bit she was able to allow others in and communicate her needs. And as she did the work, her new identity emerged.
​
I write her story in past tense because that woman, and the woman I am today are very different (in the best way). Though my initial transition into motherhood was not one I "loved every minute" - it is a journey I whole-heartedly own, respect and hold gratitude for. It was this journey that led me to develop an immense passion and desire to help and support mothers with the emotional and mental challenges experienced throughout matrescence.
​
So that's what I do now. I provide individualised support to mothers; to deep dive into their journey of
self-discovery and self-development. I help them enhance and maintain their own mental health and wellbeing so they can thrive in motherhood.
Qualifications & Professional Memberships
Bachelor of Psychological Science - Griffith University
Master of Social Work (Professionally Qualifying) - Southern Cross University
Graduate Certificate in Applied Mental Health Studies specialising in Perinatal & Infant Mental Health - Health Education Training Institute
​
Registered with the Australian Association of Social Workers
​
