Melissa McKay, PACFA
Compassionate Australian therapist for stress and relationships
- Stress and anxiety
- Trauma and addictions
- Relationship support
About Melissa McKay
Melissa McKay is a credentialed therapist based in Australia with 12 years of clinical experience, offering compassionate, person-focused support for people facing a wide range of emotional and relational challenges. She works respectfully and sensitively with concerns such as stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related difficulties, depression, relationship and family strains, sleep problems, anger, and self-esteem struggles. Her practice also pays close attention to attachment issues, avoidant and dependent personality patterns, caregiver stress, chronic pain and illness, codependency, dissociation, and the complex needs that arise with divorce, separation, and domestic violence.
Melissa tailors each therapeutic plan to the individual, drawing on established methods to match treatment to a person's goals and circumstances. She is registered with PACFA - the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia - which reflects her professional standing within the counselling community. Her clinical work blends acceptance-based and skills-oriented strategies alongside a client-centered stance that prioritizes a collaborative, respectful therapeutic relationship.
Clients can expect a practical, strengths-focused approach that balances emotional understanding with tools for managing symptoms and improving relationships. Melissa aims to create a supportive space where people can explore their experiences, build coping strategies, and move toward the changes they want in their lives.
Melissa tailors each therapeutic plan to the individual, drawing on established methods to match treatment to a person's goals and circumstances. She is registered with PACFA - the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia - which reflects her professional standing within the counselling community. Her clinical work blends acceptance-based and skills-oriented strategies alongside a client-centered stance that prioritizes a collaborative, respectful therapeutic relationship.
Clients can expect a practical, strengths-focused approach that balances emotional understanding with tools for managing symptoms and improving relationships. Melissa aims to create a supportive space where people can explore their experiences, build coping strategies, and move toward the changes they want in their lives.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
Additional Focus Areas
Attachment issuesAvoidant personalityCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEmptinessFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHospice and end-of-life counselingIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMood disordersObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPersonality disordersPhobiasPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressSelf-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issues
Therapeutic Approach
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Attachment-Based Therapy Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Narrative Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy Somatic Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy Internal Family Systems
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Melissa McKay have?
Melissa McKay has 12 years of professional experience.
Is Melissa McKay a licensed therapist?
Yes. She holds PACFA, the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia credential.
In which languages does Melissa McKay provide therapy?
Melissa provides therapy in English.
Where is Melissa McKay located?
Melissa is located in Australia.
How can I work with Melissa McKay as my therapist?
You can work with Melissa through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Melissa McKay work with international clients?
Melissa McKay does not currently work with international clients.
How much does therapy with Melissa McKay cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Therapeutic approaches adapted for online care
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people clarify their values and accept difficult thoughts and feelings while committing to actions that align with what matters to them. It is often used for persistent anxiety, stress, mood concerns, and difficulties that interfere with daily life.
Attachment-Based Therapy focuses on patterns of relating that develop from early relationships and how those patterns affect current intimacy and trust. It is useful when addressing relationship challenges, attachment issues, and difficulties with closeness or emotional regulation.
Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes a warm, nonjudgmental therapeutic relationship in which the therapist follows the client's pace and perspective. This approach supports self-exploration, building self-esteem, and coping with life transitions.
Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic journey. Melissa works collaboratively with each person to identify which methods feel most helpful based on their needs, goals, and preferences, and adapts techniques over time as progress unfolds.
Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions can take place by video call, phone, live chat, or text messaging - making it easier to fit therapy into busy lives, maintain continuity of care during life changes, and access support without geographic constraints. Licensed professionals can deliver the same relational and skills-based work remotely, with options chosen to suit each client's comfort and schedule.