Melissa Knaggs Psychology

19/04/2026

Last night I was honoured to be named a finalist in the RCCIWA Regional Business Excellence Awards (Start-Up category).

While I didn’t take out the award, I’m incredibly proud.

As a Psychologist who has spent my entire career working exclusively in regional communities, this recognition is significant.

I hope this recognition draws greater attention to the importance of mental health in regional communities, and the need to better support people within them. I’m deeply grateful to my clients and community — those who continue to show up, prioritise their mental health, and in doing so, bring visibility to this work.

This experience has also reinforced something I see every day in my work, that impact isn’t always visible, and it isn’t always easily measured.

In regional mental health, the work is deeply relational. It happens in the quiet, human moments in being seen, heard, and met with genuine presence.

That is the work I stand for.

To my clients and community, thank you for shaping the way I practice, for trusting me to walk alongside you through the hardest moments, and for allowing me the privilege of celebrating your wins, the moments where things begin to shift.

Mel (Psychologist, Mother, Human)

06/03/2026

I wanted to share some wonderful news with you all...

I’m really honoured to share that Melissa Knaggs Psychology has been named a Finalist in the Start Up Business category of the 2026 WA Regional Business Excellence Awards.

Believe it or not, in the midst of the postpartum daze — with a newborn and a one-year-old — a number of close friends and colleagues said to me, “Why don’t you start your own practice?”

I laughed this idea off HARD.

I remember thinking: I have no idea how to run a business… let alone the ethical and logistical complexities of a psychology practice… let alone while raising two children only a year apart… and with no real support system. How?!

Thankfully, those friends gently kept encouraging me. Their voices grew louder in my mind, and eventually I thought — like with many things I’ve done in life — I’ll just try. Try not to overthink it, and pull it together piece by piece.

And so here we are.

This practice began with a simple goal — to improve access to quality psychological support for people living in regional communities, particularly across the Pilbara.

Over the past few years I’ve had the privilege of working alongside incredible clients, families, GPs, and local services.

Being recognised in this way means a great deal.

Running a small business while raising a young family has certainly been an adventure — one I feel deeply grateful for, even with the many personal and professional growing pains along the way.

Thank you to everyone who has supported the practice, trusted the process, and helped build a community that continues to break stigma around mental health.

And congratulations to the other regional businesses doing valuable and inspiring work in their communities.

06/02/2026

To my Hedland clients and community,

With a cyclone currently forecast, I wanted to acknowledge what many in our community maybe holding right now.

For many people in Hedland, cyclones aren’t just a practical challenge — they can also stir up anxiety, past memories, or a sense of unease, particularly for children. These reactions are completely understandable. Our nervous systems are designed to respond to threat, even when we’ve been through this before.

If you’re supporting yourself and/or children at the moment, the Australian Psychological Society has some excellent, evidence-based resources that may be helpful:
Strategies to help both adults and children feel safer and more in control during cyclone events
Practical tools to manage anxiety, fears, and big emotions
Guidance on how to model calm and reassurance during periods of uncertainty

You can access the APS fact sheets here:
• Preparing children for cyclones (https://psychology.org.au/for-the-public/psychology-topics/disasters/cyclones/preparing-for-cyclones/preparing-children-for-the-threat-of-cyclones)

• Preparing psychologically for cyclones (https://psychology.org.au/for-the-public/psychology-topics/disasters/cyclones/preparing-for-cyclones?fbclid=IwY2xjawPypQFleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFMc2ZXVEVWZWhWV0pTckZZc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHsgJgCvGI5pr1MLj__U8pY3-2gT6z6zlU7gxvzmuKblYRmXjahbzQePDvvhH_aem_U8kESD3jZOiHAeP0n0WGgg)

A few psychological anchors that may help in the meantime:
Keep routines as steady as possible
Offer simple, honest reassurance to children
Limit repeated media exposure, especially for children
Model calm where you can (even if you don’t feel calm inside)
Focus on what is within your control — plans, preparation, connection
Stay connected — fear settles faster when we’re not alone

If you notice anxiety escalating, sleep being disrupted, or past trauma responses resurfacing, that’s a sign to reach out for additional support.

Thinking of you all during the days ahead 💛
(A picture I took in 2019 of Pretty Pool following Cyclone Veronica)

07/01/2026

🌿 January & Early February Appointments Now Open 🌿
As we move into a new year, I wanted to share an update for existing clients of Melissa Knaggs Psychology and let you know that the online booking portal is now open for January and early February appointments.

The start of a new year often brings a mix of hope, pressure, reflection, and adjustment. From a psychological perspective, transitions, even positive ones, place additional demands on our nervous system. Research consistently shows that gentle routines, realistic expectations, and self-compassion are far more supportive than pushing for rapid change or “fresh start” perfection. Therapy remains a space to slow things down, make sense of what’s emerging, and respond to life with intention rather than urgency.

🗓 Scheduling over the coming weeks
Over the next month, my available hours will vary slightly while our family settles into some practical changes (including my partner starting a new role, and children starting daycare and school). To support this, appointments are currently being released one month at a time, with further availability added as things stabilise.

Current appointment availability (WST):
✨ Thursday 15 January
• 9:00am | 10:00am | 3:00pm | 4:00pm | 5:00pm
✨ Friday 16 January
• 9:00am | 10:00am | 3:00pm | 4:00pm | 5:00pm
✨ Wednesday 21 January
• 9:00am | 10:00am | 11:00am | 4:00pm | 5:00pm
✨ Thursday 22 January
• 9:00am | 10:00am | 3:00pm | 4:00pm | 5:00pm
✨ Wednesday 28 January
• 3:00pm | 4:00pm | 5:00pm
✨ Thursday 29 January
• 3:00pm | 4:00pm | 5:00pm
✨ Monday 2 February
• 8:00am | 9:00am | 10:00am
✨ Wednesday 4 February
• 8:00am | 9:00am | 10:00am | 3:00pm | 4:00pm | 5:00pm

⏰ Important time zone reminder
Being based in NSW, I am currently three hours ahead of Western Standard Time (WST) due to daylight savings. When you log into the booking portal, appointment times should display in WST. If an appointment time looks unusual or doesn’t align with what you were expecting, please feel free to email me - this usually means your client profile hasn’t yet been adjusted to the correct time zone, which I can easily fix.

📬 Emails & responses
If you have sent me an email recently, please know that it has been received. I’ll be working through responding over the coming weeks as I continue to play a bit of catch-up.

As always, therapy works best when it feels collaborative, predictable, and responsive to real life. I appreciate your understanding and flexibility, and I look forward to continuing our work together as we move through this next chapter.

Warmly,
Mel

P.S. A little moment of joy and wonder to finish - this koala was found having a rest in one of our trees at home. A gentle reminder that sometimes the nervous system does best when we pause, perch, and breathe 🐨

22/12/2025

As this year comes to a close, I want to say thank you.

To everyone who has supported Melissa Knaggs Psychology this year - whether you’ve attended a session, shared a post, left a comment, reacted quietly from the sidelines, or offered kind words and feedback - I am deeply grateful.

Solo and small businesses don’t exist in isolation. They are built with community, through trust, and because people choose to show up in both big and small ways. I don’t take that for granted not for a moment.

As we head into the Christmas period, I’m also mindful that this time of year can feel both beautiful and heavy. With that in mind, here are three evidence-based ways to protect your mental health over Christmas:

✨ Set boundaries before you need them
Boundaries reduce cognitive and emotional load by removing the need to make decisions in the moment. When expectations are clarified ahead of time - such as how long you’ll stay, which topics are off-limits, or when you’ll take a break - the nervous system experiences greater predictability and safety. Boundaries aren’t unkind; they’re protective.

✨ Maintain small, predictable routines
Research on stress regulation shows that predictable routines support nervous-system stability, particularly during high-stimulus periods like the holidays. Even one or two daily anchors - a morning walk, a consistent sleep window, or quiet time - can help regulate mood and reduce overwhelm.

✨ Stay connected in realistic ways
Strong evidence links social connection with improved mental health outcomes, but connection doesn’t have to mean big gatherings. A single safe conversation, a brief check-in message, or simply sitting alongside someone can be just as regulating - especially for those navigating grief, trauma, or burnout.

Thank you to PAHA - Pilbara Aboriginal Health Alliance (and -Maree in particular) for sharing local support resources. If things feel overwhelming over the break, supports are available, and emergency services are available if you’re at immediate risk. You don’t have to carry it alone.

🎄 I wish you and your loved ones a peaceful Christmas and a gentle start to the New Year.

📅 I’ll be opening appointment availability from 12 January.
If you’re an existing client, please keep an eye on your email for details when bookings open.

Thank you again for being part of this community - it truly means more than I can put into words.

Mel

04/12/2025

🌿 Back Online Next Week — After the Biggest Move, the Highest Roof, and the Most Ridiculous Adventure of My Career 🌿

If you’ve been wondering why things have been very quiet over here… it’s because my family and I have just survived what can only be described as a logistical triathlon with a psychological twist.

We relocated from Port Hedland → Perth → across the Nullarbor → NSW, with:
🚗 Two cars
⛵ A boat (which genuinely, I wasn’t convinced would survive the journey)
👶 Two toddlers (testing every piece of psychological knowledge and toolkit I have)
🐶 One Pilbara Special who is on the greatest adventure of his life

After driving our way to Perth, the kids and I jumped on a red-eye to Port Macquarie, followed by another 1.5-hour drive — because why not finish strong? And then… we had to set up a house. From scratch. On fumes. With a nervous system that was politely whispering, “stoppppp.”

And today? I added a new skill to my CV — rooftop Starlink technician. Nearly 2.5 storeys in the air, talking myself through it so Telehealth doesn’t miss a beat. Swipe to see the exact moment I realised I may have taken “client care” to a whole new height. 😅 A true “feel the fear and do it anyway” moment (10/10 book recommendation, by the way).

✨ Burnout, Boundaries & Being Human
Professionally and personally, this past chapter has been massive — and I’ve had to take my own advice when it comes to burnout prevention:
✔ listening to my body
✔ pacing my return
✔ prioritising sleep (or toddler-adjacent versions of it)
✔ keeping boundaries even when uncomfortable
✔ choosing restoration over hustle
Burnout isn’t just about doing too much — it’s what happens when we keep going without enough recovery. This move required a level of energy, adaptability, and grit that was… let’s just say not sustainable long term. So I’m intentionally slowing down, pausing, and allowing myself to be human as we settle in.

✨ I’m Back Online Next Week — Bookings Now Open
Now that we’re finding our feet (and the WiFi has officially been wrangled from the roof), I’ve opened new Telehealth availability, and will be back online next week.
Telehealth Times (WST):
📍 Wednesdays & Thursdays: 3:00pm, 4:00pm, 5:00pm
📍 Fridays: 9:00am, 10:00am, 11:00am
Because I’m now based in NSW, I’m 3 hours ahead of Hedland, so all times listed are in WST.

If you’re an existing client, you can now book directly through the Client Portal — the quickest and easiest way to secure your session. If you jump on and there are no spaces left, please send me a message. I’ll do what I can to find a spot as I continue opening additional availability over the coming weeks.

After the wildest few months of my life, I’m genuinely looking forward to reconnecting with you all — from a safe and very stable ground level.

Thank you again for your patience, and here’s to a steadier, more grounded chapter ahead ❤️

Mel (Psychologist, Mum, Human)

12/11/2025

💙 A resource worth sharing

Experiencing separation or bereavement can deeply affect our sense of self, connection, and meaning. It often requires us to rebuild how we understand ourselves, others, and the world around us.

There’s no single “right” way to grieve. Each person’s process is unique and can change over time. When a loss is unexpected or traumatic, it can make recovery even harder, especially if support feels limited.

As we approach the end of the year, many people notice emotions feel heavier. The Christmas period can increase feelings of loneliness, financial strain, or family stress, and may intensify grief. Reaching out for professional support during these times can be both protective and healing.

Lifeline WA offers free counselling for young people aged 6–25 years and their parents, delivered by qualified mental health professionals. Sessions are available in person (Subiaco), by phone, or via Telehealth.

If you or someone you know is navigating separation, loss, or bereavement, this service provides a safe and confidential space to talk and process what you’re going through.

Learn more or refer directly here:
🔗 wa.lifeline.org.au/services/counselling-and-support

28/10/2025

🧠 Calling all local health, community, and wellbeing professionals!

If you work in or around Hedland and want to strengthen referral pathways, collaborate across services, or simply learn more about the support options available locally — this meeting is for you.

As a bonus we will be joined by Zoe from Lifeline, who’ll be presenting on Lifeline’s free counselling services and mental-health education programs — helping us all better understand how clients and organisations can access this valuable support.

Port Hedland Mental Health Professionals’ Network (MHPN) Meeting
Topic: Pathways to Support: Navigating Together
📅 Wednesday 29 October 2025
🕕 6:00–8:00 PM AWST
📍 South Hedland Lotteries House – 2 Leake Street
🍽 Light refreshments provided

Whether you’re a mental health professional, SEWB, GP, social worker, nurse, or community organisation — you’re warmly invited to come along, share what your service offers, and connect with others doing great work in our region.

➡️ RSVP via the MHPN website https://mhpn.org.au/members/ #/Network/9463

26/10/2025

26/10/2025

Stepping into my final week…

This week marks my final chalkboard reflection here in Hedland (although I’ll still be available via Telehealth) and I wanted it to be one that captures the heart of the work I’ve done, and what this community has given back to me in return.

Every feeling has a function:
Anger protects.
Sadness releases.
Fear alerts.
Joy connects.

Thank you Hedland - for shaping me as a Psychologist, and for teaching me that healing begins in relationship.

In therapy and in life our emotions are not problems to be fixed; they’re messages to be understood. Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) reminds us that when we make space for emotions rather than pushing them away, we access the wisdom underneath. Anger can signal a boundary crossed. Sadness helps us let go. Fear alerts us to potential threat. And joy reminds us of connection and safety.

Over my years here, I’ve come to see Hedland as a place that provides growth - if you’re willing. It has a way of revealing who you are and what truly matters most.

When I first arrived, I quickly recognised that I was stepping into a community where many people had never worked with a Mental Health Professional before. Cultural, gender, and generational stigma often shaped how people viewed mental health, and this challenged me in the best way - to rethink how I practiced.

What I learnt was that healing happens in relationship.I needed to foster the relationship first - to understand the landscape, to show my humanness, to be genuine and authentic (even when I had no idea what I was talking about when it came to fishing!), and to keep showing up. Over time, consistency built trust, trust built safety, and safety became the catalyst for growth. Watching people develop through this process has been nothing short of powerful.

When we are met with empathy instead of evaluation, and understanding instead of judgment, our nervous system relaxes, defences soften, and healing begins to unfold. Relationship is not just the setting for therapy - it is the therapy.

As I prepare to say goodbye to my Hedland chapter in physical presence, I’m profoundly grateful to every person who has shared a story, a conversation, a session, or a piece of their life with me. You’ve reminded me that healing isn’t found in techniques or tools alone - it’s found in safe, attuned, and genuine relationships. And that truth will continue to guide my work wherever I go.

Thank you Hedland 🤍

Mel (Human, Psychologist, Mum)

19/10/2025

🌿 This Week’s Chalkboard: G R O W – Get Rid Of Old Ways
Change can feel hard and for good reason. Our brains are wired for efficiency, so we repeat what’s familiar even when it no longer serves us. From a psychological perspective, habit loops form through cue → routine → reward cycles.

To GROW, we don’t just break habits — we replace them.
✨ Identify the cue (what triggers the behaviour)
✨ Reflect on the reward (what need it’s meeting)
✨ Experiment with a new, values-aligned response

Small, consistent shifts in awareness and action gradually rewire our brain’s neural pathways — this is neuroplasticity in action. So if you’ve been feeling stuck, remember that growth often begins with the gentle decision to “get rid of old habits” that once helped you survive, but no longer help you thrive.

A big thank-you to sewing extraordinaire Juliette Gerhardt for sending through this week’s reflective suggestion.

🪴 Practice Update
Good news — I’ll be back in The Bungalow this coming week, as the air-conditioning has now been fixed. A huge thank-you to Oresome Air, your responsiveness, efficiency, and professionalism have been greatly appreciated!

💬 A Note from Me
This will be the third last chalkboard reflection I’ll be sharing before I wrap up my time in Hedland. If you have a favourite quote, reflection, or psychological theme you’d love to see featured in these final weeks, please send it through — I’d love to include some community-inspired messages to finish strong.