Melissa Stokes, AASW, AHPRA
- 25 years experience
- LGBT affirming care
- Trauma informed support
About Melissa Stokes
She draws from an integrative, evidence-based toolkit and has training in therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), cognitive processing therapy (CPT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), emotion-focused therapy (EFT), interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT), motivational interviewing (MI), and EMDR. Her approach blends cognitive-behavioural, trauma-informed, person-centred, attachment and strengths-based perspectives to tailor treatment plans to individual needs.
Inclusive of all genders, cultures and sexual identities, Melissa offers collaborative, compassionate care aimed at reducing distress and strengthening wellbeing. She also supervises students and other professionals and remains engaged in ongoing professional development and research, including work at the Research and Education Unit for Gendered Violence and a thesis exploring online mindfulness users. Outside work she enjoys hiking, foraging, music, board games, cooking, yoga, comedy, her dogs and spending time in gardens.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
Additional Focus Areas
Therapeutic Approach
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Melissa Stokes have?
Melissa Stokes has 25 years of professional experience working in mental health.
Is Melissa Stokes a licensed therapist?
Yes. She holds AASW and AHPRA credentials. AASW refers to the Australian Association of Social Workers and AHPRA indicates registration with Australia’s national health practitioner regulator.
In which languages does Melissa Stokes provide therapy?
She provides therapy in English.
Where is Melissa Stokes located?
Melissa Stokes is located in Australia.
How can I work with Melissa Stokes as my therapist?
You can work with Melissa Stokes through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Melissa Stokes work with international clients?
Melissa Stokes does not currently work with international clients.
How much does therapy with Melissa Stokes 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 is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire to help 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 and Online Support
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people clarify their values, accept difficult thoughts and feelings, and take practical steps toward a more meaningful life. It is often used for anxiety, stress, and coping with life changes.
Attachment-Based Therapy explores how early relationships shape current patterns of relating and emotional regulation, and can be particularly helpful for clients working with abandonment, attachment issues, or complex relational difficulties.
Client-Centered Therapy prioritises the client’s experience and fosters a warm, nonjudgmental space where the therapist reflects and supports the client’s self-directed growth; it is useful for building self-esteem, exploring identity, and improving emotional awareness.
Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Melissa collaborates with clients to identify which techniques and perspectives best suit their needs, goals and preferences, adapting methods over time as progress unfolds.
Online therapy offers flexible access to licensed professionals through video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text-based messaging, making it easier to fit therapy into busy lives, manage logistics, and maintain continuity of care regardless of location.