About Melissa Garstang-Leary

My journey into counselling has been shaped by a lifelong passion for relationships, connection, and community. With a career that has spanned education, defence, and private practice, I’ve always been drawn to the moments where people come together, navigate challenges, and grow. This path led me to pursue postgraduate studies in psychology and counselling, deepening my commitment to supporting children, families, and couples with compassion and evidence-based care.

I founded Inner Wisdom Counselling and Wellbeing on the belief that healing begins with reconnecting to our own inner knowing—and that lasting change unfolds within safe, supportive relationships. I offer an integrative therapeutic approach that is humanistic, trauma-informed, neuro-affirming, and grounded in systems thinking, neuroscience, and attachment theory. My role is to hold space for people to explore their inner world, make sense of their experiences, and reconnect with themselves and others in more meaningful ways.

As a Masters-level Counsellor, registered with both ACA and PACFA, I am committed to offering effective, ethical, and evidence-based support. I am an Associate Member of the Australian Play Therapists Association (APTA) and passionate about the therapeutic powers of play. I bring a warm, relational presence to my work, and feel deeply honoured to walk alongside those who entrust me with their stories.

I work with children, families, and couples who are going through challenging times—whether it’s dealing with stress or trauma, working through conflict, adjusting to separation or divorce, or simply feeling disconnected. I also support couples navigating major life transitions, like becoming parents, rebuilding trust, or figuring out the next steps in their relationship.

With children, I use play as a natural way for them to express their feelings, build confidence, and process what’s happening in their world. I create a safe, caring space where each child feels accepted and understood. I also work closely with parents and caregivers, helping strengthen the bond between them and their child, and supporting calm, connected relationships at home.

In family and parenting sessions, I tailor my support to each family’s needs. Whether you’re seeking better communication, deeper connection, or help working through big emotions or behaviours, I offer a respectful and thoughtful space for everyone to feel heard and supported. My goal is to help families feel more connected and resilient, even during tough times.

With couples, I help partners improve how they talk, listen, and understand each other—especially during times of stress, distance, or hurt. I provide a calm and supportive space for couples to rebuild trust, strengthen their bond, or gain clarity about their relationship. No matter what your goals are, I work in a way that values honesty, care, and mutual respect.

I believe everyone has the potential to grow and heal when they feel safe, seen, and supported. My approach is warm, practical, and grounded in what matters most—helping you reconnect with yourself and those you love. 

Qualifications

Bachelor of Arts & Bachelor of Education

Master of Education

Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology

Master of Counselling

Clinical Training and Professional Development

Circle of Security Parenting Facilitator Training

Child Centred Play Therapy QLD Institute of Play Therapy)

Filial Family Therapy (The Family System Hub & QLD Institute of Play Therapy)

Gottman Method (Level 1 and Trauma & Affairs)

Gottman Bringing Baby Home

Integrative Attachment Family Therapy Level 1 and Level 2

Currently completing: Synergetic Play Therapy Level 1 (Synergetic Play Therapy Institute)

Registrations & Memberships

Registered Counsellor (Level 2), Australian Counselling Association (ACA)

Certified Practising Counsellor, Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA)

Registered Teacher, Queensland College of Teachers (QCT)

Circle of Security Parenting Facilitator (COSP International)

Associate Member, Australian Play Therapists Association (APTA)*

International Member, Association for Play Therapy (APT, USA)

A note to referring practitioners

Referring practitioners can expect clear, confidential communication and collaborative care to support client progress. Melissa welcomes referrals for clients seeking a compassionate and skilled counsellor who works respectfully alongside families and couples to foster healing, growth, and connection.

Melissa’s therapeutic practice is integrative and informed by well-established, evidence-based approaches. Her work with children is primarily grounded in Child-Centred Play Therapy and Synergetic Play Therapy, incorporating the Therapeutic Powers of Play and the Play Therapy Dimensions Model to tailor interventions developmentally and relationally. In family and parenting work, she draws on Family Systems Theory, Integrative Attachment Family Therapy, Filial Therapy, and Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy to support relational repair and systemic resilience. For couples, Melissa utilises the Gottman Method, the Developmental Model of Couples Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), alongside systemic perspectives and Internal Family Systems (IFS), to promote emotional safety, communication, and growth. This multifaceted approach ensures that interventions are evidence-based, client-centred, and responsive to the complex dynamics presented by children, families, and couples.

N.B. * Melissa is currently completing post training client and supervision hours for designation as a Registered Play Therapist with APTA.