Our team consists of experienced registered psychologists and counsellors. We work in a trauma informed, person-centred and neuroaffirming way to meet the needs of each client. We utilise a variety of therapeutic modalities including art and play therapy, EMDR, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), DBT and Radical DBT.
Our therapists are experienced in being able to tailor a person’s therapy to their unique communication, social, emotional and developmental needs.
Psychology and counselling can be provided face to face in Able2 offices in Springwood and Wentworth Falls, as well as online via Telehealth.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a powerful, evidence-based therapy designed to help the brain reprocess traumatic memories, offering fast and long-lasting relief from PTSD, anxiety, and severe emotional distress without requiring a detailed retelling of the trauma. By utilizing bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements or tapping, this structured approach lowers the emotional intensity of “locked” memories. At Able2, Tiffany, one of our registered psychologists, has a practise focus on EMDR, providing the expert, safe, and structured support you need to heal from the past and move toward a balanced life.
I support adolescents, adults and families who feel overwhelmed, anxious, stuck, or impacted by trauma, neurodivergence, grief, phobias, burnout, distressing memories, shutdowns or strong emotional responses. Clients often come to therapy wanting to feel safer in themselves, understand their patterns, and find practical ways to move forward. I offer a warm, neuroaffirming and trauma-informed space where clients feel understood, supported and respected.
‘I have a practise focus on EMDR Therapy and use it carefully to support healing from trauma, anxiety, phobias, grief and distressing memories. I also draw on CBT, mindfulness, person-centred therapy and trauma-informed brain-based approaches, tailoring therapy to each client’s needs, goals and readiness.
Reaching out for support can feel like a big step, especially if you have been coping for a long time. You do not have to work through things alone. I aim to provide a safe, respectful and compassionate space where you can feel genuinely seen, build confidence and begin moving toward healing and connection.
Mel has a background as an educator at a school for autistic students and as an Early Intervention Key Worker, supporting young children and their families within a trans-disciplinary team. Mel offers a compassionate and holistic approach to supporting children who experience a range of challenges including,
– school attendance difficulties
– situational mutism
– demand avoidance
– learning difficulties.
Mel works collaboratively with clients to enhance wellbeing using a therapeutic approach drawing from ACT and DBT. Mel is a passionate advocate for neurodiversity affirming support.
Mel offers neurodiversity affirming cognitive and diagnostic assessments for children and young persons under the age of 16.
Mel engages in ongoing professional development with a particular interest in learning from neurodivergent individuals with lived experience.
In her free time, Mel volunteers with Assistance Dogs Australia as a puppy educator.
Mel is registered with the Australian Health Practitioner and Regulatory Authority (AHPRA) as a psychologist.
Welcome – I’m Glad You’re Here!
Reaching out for support takes courage. From our very first session, my focus is to offer a safe, grounded space where you feel truly heard, valued, and at ease.
I believe the therapeutic relationship is the heart of healing. Working through a person-centered lens, I tailor every session to what you need on any given day. You are the expert in your own life, and I am here to walk alongside you at your pace.
Qualifications & Experience
– 9+ Years of Experience supporting children, young people, and adults across all life stages.
– ACA Level 2 Member with current Master’s-level training.
My deepest passion is supporting individuals through the far-reaching impacts of trauma, as well as working with clients to manage life stressors, relationship challenges, and things that have or are making life tough for you.
Healing isn’t about fixing what is broken—it’s about uncovering the safety, strength, and clarity that has been within you all along. I look forward to walking this path with you.
I am passionate about supporting and empowering people to better understand and express their emotions, navigate difficult life situations, and develop skills that support meaningful and positive change. I use a client-centred, strengths-based approach, recognising each person’s individual strengths, experiences, communication style, needs, and personal goals.
I have experience working with children, adolescents, and adults from diverse backgrounds and with a wide range of support needs. I have extensive experience supporting people with disability, complex communication needs, and people who may require additional support to navigate life’s challenges.
I place a strong emphasis on building trusting therapeutic relationships and creating a safe, supportive, and non-judgemental environment. I aim to ensure that each person feels heard, respected, valued, and empowered throughout the counselling process.
I hold a Master of Counselling, and I am a Level 2 Registered Counsellor with the Australian Counselling Association (ACA). I am also a registered Behaviour Support Practitioner with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, allowing me to draw on my counselling and behavioural support experience to provide individualised, person-centred support.
Hayley Ward is a registered art therapist and counsellor who uses both creative art activities and traditional counselling to help people. Sometimes it’s hard to put feelings into words, and art therapy offers a way to express, explore, and work through those emotions. Hayley provides a safe and supportive space where clients can feel comfortable looking inward and making positive changes. Besides art therapy, Hayley also uses therapies like Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT).
Hayley has a Master’s degree in Art Therapy and is registered with important professional organizations in Australia and New Zealand (ANZACATA) and Australia (ACA).
