Richard is a qualified Mental Health Social Worker dedicated to supporting young people’s emotional well-being. Born in Fiji and a proud father of three, he understands the unique challenges families face today.
Richard holds a Bachelor of Social Work from Monash University, with a focus on Indigenous Studies and Counselling, and has completed post-graduate studies in Youth Mental Health at Melbourne University. He has specialized training in Cognitive and Dialectical Behaviour Therapies and extensive experience in remote Indigenous communities and international settings.
With a background in counselling primary and secondary students and leading a team supporting university students, Richard has helped young people with anxiety, depression, academic stress, trauma, self-harm, substance misuse, and more.
Richard is passionate about empowering young people, using evidence-based approaches like CBT, DBT, narrative therapy, and solution-focused therapy to meet each individual’s needs and strengths. At State of Mind Counselling, he’s here to support you and your child every step of the way.
Mel is a qualified and experienced educator and counsellor specializing in supporting children, young people, and families. Mel works with clients dealing with anxiety, depression, stress, grief, and the challenges of adolescence. Mel’s approach is grounded in evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), the Strengths-Based Approach, and Trauma-Informed Practice, tailored to each individual’s needs. Mel also has experience supporting young people in elite athlete settings through her work with the AFL.
With a strong background in both counselling and education, Mel is dedicated to helping young people build resilience and emotional skills while supporting families in creating healthy, nurturing environments. Mel is committed to maintaining high professional standards as a member of the Australian Counselling Association.
Madison is a registered psychologist with a decade of experience in the mental health and NDIS sectors. She employs a collaborative, neuro-affirming, and strengths-based approach to her sessions, tailoring her methods to meet the unique needs of her clients. Madison primarily focuses on testing through state of mind counselling, and her practice is underpinned by various techniques and theories.
While she primarily focuses on children and young people, Madison is also adept at working with adults, covering an age range of 2 to 65 years.
Madison offers a wide range of psychometric assessments. These include cognitive assessments for ages 6 and up, educational assessments for children and adolescents, behavioural and emotional screening assessments for children and adolescents, and adaptive behaviour assessments for both children and adults.
Meet Basil, the Wonder Dog! This sweet Lagotto Romagnolo, also known as an Italian Water Dog, is a therapy dog with a calming presence that brings joy to everyone around him.
After a year of training, Basil has become a loving companion, especially to children. He thrives in their company, eagerly welcoming cuddles and providing comfort with his soft, curly coat and gentle nature.
Basil has worked in schools, helping children feel at ease by offering his calming influence during sessions. Whether on their laps or beside them, he’s always there to provide reassurance and a furry friend to brighten their day.
With his heart of gold, Basil makes every interaction memorable, proving that life is more fun and comforting with a Wonder Dog by your side! 🐾💙✨