Melissa Petrescu

PSYCHOLOGIST

BPsych(Hons); MProfPsych; MAAPi; MAPS

Melissa is a registered psychologist who works with children aged 8 years and over, adolescents and adults experiencing a broad range of emotional and psychological challenges. She has experience supporting clients with anxiety, depression, stress and burnout, emotional dysregulation, trauma, grief and loss, relationship difficulties, life transitions, neurodivergence and complex mental health presentations.

Melissa believes that a strong and trusting therapeutic relationship is at the heart of meaningful change. She brings warmth, curiosity and advocacy to her work, creating a space where clients feel comfortable exploring what is important to them. Her approach is person-centred and responsive, allowing therapy to develop around each client’s individual needs and treatment goals.

When working with children and adolescents, Melissa recognises the important role that parents, caregivers, schools and other professionals can play in a young person’s wellbeing. Where appropriate, she works collaboratively with their support network to develop a shared understanding of their needs and practical strategies that can be implemented across different environments.

Melissa also has experience supporting clients with complex and high-risk presentations. She understands the importance of thoughtful risk assessment, individualised safety planning, and collaboration with relevant family members and health professionals where appropriate.

At the heart of Melissa’s work is a focus on helping clients better understand themselves and the patterns that may be contributing to their difficulties. She supports clients to build on their strengths, develop practical skills and create meaningful and sustainable change.

Melissa draws on a range of evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Schema Therapy, and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) informed strategies. Her work may also incorporate psychoeducation, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, behavioural approaches, and practical skills development.

Melissa holds a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) from Monash University and a Master of Professional Psychology from Australian Catholic University. She is registered with the Psychology Board of Australia and is a member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS) and the Australian Association of Psychologists Inc (AAPi).