Perinatal Psychotherapist and Group Facilitator
Melissa Hughes Grad Dip Psych and Couns., Cert Coaching for Psychotherapists., Cert Couples Counselling., B Bus (HONS) Human Resource Management., B/IS., (Assoc) CAPA., (Assoc) PACFA.
Background:
As a Counsellor and Psychotherapist, Melissa has always had a great interest in supporting women with postnatal depression. This has extended to support the partners and family members of those who suffer with perinatal mood disorders.
Melissa is the founder and Director of Baby and Beyond Parental Counselling and works from the McLaren St Clinic.
Melissa has a strong therapeutic background and completed an Internship at Tresillian Family Care Centres. Melissa was also honoured with an award from the Centre for Leadership for Women in 2009 for her ongoing work with postnatal depression support
Individual / Couples / Mother-Infant Therapy:
Melissa works as a Psychotherapist and Counsellor. Psychotherapy refers to a variety of techniques and methods used to help adults, children and adolescents who are experiencing difficulties with their emotions or behaviour. Although there are different types of psychotherapy, each relies on communication as the basic tool for bringing about change in a person's feelings and behaviours. Psychotherapy may involve an individual, a couple, or a family. In children and adolescents, playing, drawing, building, and pretending, as well as talking, are important ways of sharing feelings and resolving problems.
Melissa utilises the immense skills and innate knowledge already present in the parent-child or couple relationship and sees her role as facilitating and harnessing the positive elements of these relationships while attending to negative aspects that may be impacting on the natural flow of parenthood and intimacy.
Melissa believes strongly in and works on the premise that every individual does their very best and that sometimes even the very best needs some fine tuning and support.
Online Counselling:
Online Counselling will allow you to address issues and concerns from the comfort of your own home. We suggest that you allow yourself some privacy and switch off other intrusions such as mobile phones and TV to ensure you get the most out of the service.
The person you will be speaking with ‘live’ is a qualified Psychotherapist and Counsellor, Melissa Hughes. The software is designed to ensure maximum privacy and confidentiality. Please make an appointment and review prices.
Group therapy for Postnatal Depression and Anxiety:
At Baby and Beyond Supported Playgroup we see our role as supporting the women, children and partners who are adversely affected by some form of perinatal mood disorder. We also assist those struggling to meet the emotional demands of parenting babies and small children in this challenging role.
The group is run from Kirribilli Neighbourhood Centre where we provide access to a low cost professionally facilitated supported playgroup. The therapy is conducted by a male and female therapist combination and child care is available. Postnatal depression support groups occur each week of the school term on a Friday 10am-12pm. The supported playgroup is designed to help foster a sense of mental and emotional well-being amongst those attending. Please click for playgroup dates.