Worried your child is struggling, and you can't quite reach them?

Melissa Connolly

Child and Youth Counsellor

I help children and teens feel safer, calmer and more confident, with a gentle, practical approach that looks at the whole child. And I work closely with parents every step of the way.

Children and teens, and adults · In person in Engadine · $140 per session

Book with Melissa
Book a free connection call

Feeling like your child's needs are being missed?

I'm especially passionate about supporting children and teens who are:

  • Living with anxiety, worry or big emotions

  • Navigating a new diagnosis such as ADHD or Autism

  • Easily overwhelmed by noise, textures, crowds or change

  • Facing learning, communication or developmental challenges

  • Coping with hard experiences, family changes or burnout

I also support adults who want to feel calmer and steadier, including parents who are running on empty.

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Tired of trying everything and still feeling stuck?

I look beyond the behaviour or the diagnosis to the whole child: their body, their senses, their story and the world around them.

With a warm and upbeat nature, I aim to make sessions feel engaging and achievable. Children often don't realise how much they're learning, because they're having fun. Parents leave with clear, realistic ideas to try at home, and the reassurance that they're not doing this alone.

As a busy mum of four, I understand the realities of family life, and I bring that understanding into every session.

Want someone who sees the whole picture?

From an early age, I saw how grief, trauma and health challenges touch every member of a family, and how each person experiences them differently. That taught me that every path to healing needs to be just as individual.

My career began in rehabilitation counselling, supporting children and adults living with social, emotional, physical, developmental and intellectual challenges. It taught me to meet every person as a whole human being, never just a diagnosis.

When my own children saw a behavioural optometrist, I discovered vision therapy and was inspired by how it could support learning, confidence and everyday life. Since then, my interest in how the body and nervous system support wellbeing has kept growing, leading me into sensory and sound-based work.

Wondering if I'm the right fit for your child?

  • Bachelor of Health Science, The University of Sydney

  • Diploma in Youth Work

  • Background in rehabilitation counselling, Australian Society of Rehabilitation Counsellors

  • Accredited Vision Therapist, Australian College of Behavioural Optometrists

  • Safe and Sound Protocol practitioner and certified in the Focus System (sound-based programs that support the nervous system)

  • Facilitator of The Brave Space and Transition to School programs

Ready to help your child feel more like themselves?

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Have a question? You're not the only one.

  • No. You can book with us directly. There's no need for a GP referral, mental health plan or diagnosis.

  • Individual sessions are $130 to $150, depending on your practitioner. You'll find all our session and program fees on our Fees page.

  • Our counselling sessions aren't covered by Medicare or private health insurance. Some of our children's programs may be claimable under a self-managed or plan-managed NDIS plan. Please email us before booking and we'll let you know.

  • Everyone is different. All our practitioners work with clients for a minimum of six sessions, because we believe change happens over time, in spaces that feel predictable and consistent.

  • Your first session is simply a chance to get to know each other. There's nothing to prepare, and you can share as much or as little as you're ready to. If you're booking for your child, we start with a Parent/Carer Briefing Session, just for you.

  • Yes. Mira offers online sessions for adults anywhere in Australia, including evenings. Sessions with Sammy and Melissa, and our children's programs, are in person at our Engadine practice.

  • Have a look at our team page, or book a free connection call with Sammy. She'll listen to what's going on and help you find the right fit.

  • Yes. What you share stays between you and your practitioner, with a few legal exceptions if someone's safety is at serious risk. You can read more in our Privacy and Confidentiality Policy.

  • Life happens. You can reschedule without a fee with at least 48 hours' notice. Cancellations within 48 hours, and missed sessions, are charged the full fee. Programs, events and workshops aren't refundable, as your place is held for you.

  • Our practice is on Level 1 at 55-57 Station Street, Engadine, and is reached by stairs. There are female and male toilets on site. If stairs are difficult for you, please let us know before booking and we'll talk through your options, including online sessions with Mira.

  • Yes. The safety and wellbeing of every child we work with comes first. You can read our Child Safety Policy here.

  • We're not a crisis service. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 000. For 24/7 support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14, or Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800.

Feeling ready to take the next step?

Whether it's for your child or for you, I'd love to help, one gentle step at a time.

Book with Melissa
Book a free connection call