Melissa Herdy

Melissa Herdy — Clinical Psychologist, Sunshine Coast Psychology Clinic
MH

Meet Your Clinician

Melissa Herdy

Clinical Psychologist & Board-Approved Supervisor

Masters of Clinical PsychologyBSc (Hons) PsychologyAHPRA Registered
📍 Sippy Downs Clinic
ClinicalPsychologist
Health & WellbeingPrimary Specialty
Teens & AdultsClient Focus
30+ AreasPresentations
Sippy DownsLocation

Warm, Experienced & Down-to-Earth Psychological Support

With a career spanning 30 years, Melissa Herdy is a highly experienced Clinical Psychologist who brings a wonderful blend of warmth, humour, and wisdom to her work. She is passionate about creating a safe, non-judgemental space where clients feel instantly at ease, deeply respected, and genuinely understood. For Melissa, it is a profound privilege to be invited into a client's inner world and to walk alongside them on their journey.

Melissa has a rich and diverse professional background. She has spent 15 years in university counselling services, including roles as a Senior Clinical Psychologist and Clinic Coordinator for the QUT Psychology & Counselling Clinic. She has also worked as a Senior Mental Health Clinician in a Youth Enhanced Service for young people (12-25), in specialised domestic violence services, and at Bloomhill Cancer Care. This breadth of experience gives her a holistic, grounded, and deeply human approach to therapy.

She works primarily with adolescents (12+) and adults, supporting them through a wide range of life challenges and mental health concerns. While experienced with more complex presentations, Melissa is passionate about helping people build resilience, manage stress, and navigate life transitions to prevent burnout and foster a balanced, fulfilling life.

Evidence-Based, Trauma-Informed, and Individually Tailored

Melissa draws on a comprehensive range of evidence-based therapeutic frameworks, selecting and tailoring her approach to each individual client. Her Masters level training ensures a strong foundation in proven methods, while her extensive experience allows her to flexibly integrate different approaches to best meet a client's unique needs and goals.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)The gold-standard evidence-based approach for anxiety, depression, and a wide range of presentations. Focuses on identifying and shifting unhelpful thought patterns and behaviours.
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)Builds psychological flexibility — helping clients accept difficult internal experiences while committing to values-driven action.
Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT)Cultivates self-compassion as a powerful tool for healing, resilience, and emotional regulation, particularly for those with high levels of self-criticism.
Trauma-Informed CareAn overarching approach that recognises the widespread impact of trauma and understands potential paths for recovery, ensuring a safe and supportive therapeutic environment.
Positive Psychology ApproachesFocuses on building strengths, fostering positive emotions, and enhancing wellbeing to help people flourish and live a more meaningful life.
Motivational InterviewingA collaborative approach that strengthens a person's own motivation and commitment to change. Effective for addictions and substance use.

What Melissa Can Help With

Managing Stress & Finding Life BalanceWork Stress & BurnoutAdjusting to Life TransitionsNavigating Career TransitionsAnxiety & WorryDepression & Low MoodCoping with Grief & LossLiving with Physical Health ConditionsSupporting People Affected by CancerSupporting StudentsPerformance AnxietySelf-EsteemRelationship Difficulties (Individual)ADHD Support (16+)Neurodiversity AffirmingPerinatal Mental HealthProblematic Substance UseWorkCoverDVA

Melissa's Approach to Care

“I never take for granted the courage it takes to share your story. I bring curiosity, compassion, and no judgement to every session — and my hope is always to help you find relief, clarity, and a better quality of life.”

Melissa brings a natural warmth and humour to the therapy room, creating a space where clients feel instantly at ease and deeply respected. Drawing on a rich background in health psychology, she has a holistic understanding of the connection between physical and mental wellbeing, and a particular passion for supporting clients navigating the healthcare system or living with physical health conditions. Ultimately, Melissa considers it a profound privilege to walk alongside her clients, helping them connect with their own strengths and find a more balanced, fulfilling life.

Ready to Get Support?

Our admin team will match you with the right clinician based on your needs, location, and current availability — so you get the best possible care, as soon as possible.

Contact Our Team Send an Enquiry

Availability

WednesdaySippy Downs, 9:30am–5:30pm
ThursdaySippy Downs, 8:30am–5:30pm
FridaySippy Downs, 8:30am–2:30pm
TelehealthAvailable

Available Wednesday to Friday. Contact admin to confirm current openings.

Who Melissa Works With

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Age GroupsAdolescents (12+), Adults & Older Adults
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Session TypesIndividual Therapy, Telehealth, Supervision

Funding & Rebates Accepted

Medicare MHCPNDISDVAWorkCoverEAPPrivate

Not sure which funding applies? Our admin team can help you navigate your options.

Professional Credentials

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Board-Approved SupervisorPsychology Board of Australia
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Master of Clinical PsychologyPostgraduate clinical training
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BSc with Honours in PsychologyUndergraduate science degree
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AHPRA RegisteredPsychology Board of Australia

Clinic Location

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Sippy Downs ClinicSuite 4/103 Sippy Downs Drive
Sippy Downs QLD 4556
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Phone(07) 5309 6128
Emailinfo@scpc.net.au

Taking the First Step is the Hardest Part

Our friendly admin team is here to make it easy. They will listen to your needs, answer your questions, and match you with the right clinician — so you can start getting the support you deserve as soon as possible.