Compassionate evidence-based psychotherapy
supporting lasting recovery and resilience.
About me
Melissa Tjakrawisada
Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)
Diploma of Psychological Practice
Master of Clinical Psychology
I am a clinical psychologist with over 15 years’ experience providing evidence-based psychotherapy to adults across public health, NGO and private settings. I have special interests in cross-cultural and trauma-related presentations in adults. I support individuals experiencing anxiety, panic attacks, depression, trauma (including PTSD, cross cultural challenges, recent and/or childhood trauma, intergenerational trauma and family dynamics, cross cultural challenges, grief and loss, and other emotional difficulties.
My therapeutic approach is tailored to each individual’s presentation and pace, employing evidence-based modalities such as schema therapy and/or EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) therapy. I also draw on training across other therapeutic approaches, including Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Psychoanalysis Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and body-focused therapy.
I also currently work part time at National Centre for Veterans Healthcare (NCVH) at Concord Hospital mainly providing trauma-focused psychotherapy for both current serving and ex serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) members.
Languages: English and Indonesian
About me
Melissa Tjakrawisada
Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)
Diploma of Psychological Practice
Master of Clinical Psychology
I am a clinical psychologist with over 15 years’ experience providing evidence-based psychotherapy to adults across public health, NGO and private settings. I have special interests in cross-cultural and trauma-related presentations in adults. I support individuals experiencing anxiety, panic attacks, depression, trauma (including PTSD, cross cultural challenges, recent and/or childhood trauma, intergenerational trauma and family dynamics, cross cultural challenges, grief and loss, and other emotional difficulties.
My therapeutic approach is tailored to each individual’s presentation and pace, employing the evidence-based modalities of schema therapy and/or EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) therapy.
I currently work part time at National Centre for Veterans Healthcare (NCVH) at Concord Hospital mainly providing trauma-focused psychotherapy for both current serving and ex serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) members.
Services
EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing is a trauma-focused therapy approach.
Intensive EMDR
Extended and/or more frequent EMDR sessions.
Schema Therapy
Longer term therapy to identify and heal early maladaptive schemas.
Clinical Supervision
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Frequently Asked Questions
What should I expect in therapy?
The first one to two sessions focus on assessment, including discussion of your concerns, treatment goals, informed consent, formulation, and treatment planning.
Standard therapy sessions are approximately 50 minutes. EMDR sessions may be longer (90 minutes, 2 hours, or 3 hours), depending on your preferences and availability.
Psychotherapy involves both a strong therapeutic relationship and evidence-based psychological interventions. Therapy is a collaborative, relational process grounded in trust, emotional safety, healthy boundaries, and empowerment. Melissa’s practice is trauma-focused and integrates EMDR, schema therapy (including parts work), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), mindfulness-based, somatic/body-focused, and polyvagal-informed approaches.
Do I need a referral?
A referral is not required. However, to access Medicare rebates, you will need a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) from your GP or psychiatrist.
The current Medicare Rebate until June 2026 is $145.25 per session for up to 10 individual sessions with a clinical psychologist per calendar year.
First responders accessing therapy under workers compensation are welcome.
Fees and availability
Fees for around 50 minutes session are:
- $270 (within business hours of 9am to 5pm) or $124.75 with Medicare rebate
- $285 outside of business hours or $139.75 with Medicare rebate
These fees are lower than the 2025/2026 APS recommended rate $318 for clinical psychologists.
Please note that Medicare allows only one rebate per day. Longer sessions attract the same rebate as a standard 50-minute session.
Availability:
Tuesdays: 7 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Fridays: alternating telehealth and in person, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Have any questions or want to book your first session? Reach out and get started.
Safe Within Psychology does not provide medico legal reports.Safe Within Psychology is not a crisis service. If you or someone you know needs urgent assistance, please present to the nearest emergency department or call 000. For urgent psychological assistance, please contact the following 24/7 services:
Lifeline 131114 or text 0477 13 11 14
Beyond Blue 1300 22 46 36 or webchat
NSW Mental Health Line 1800 011 511I acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which I work, the Wallumedegal people of the Dharug Nation, and pay my respects to Elders past, present, and emerging. I extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
What we offer
Our services
EMDR
EMDR is an evidence-based psychotherapy used to treat PTSD and other trauma-related psychological difficulties. It works by changing how distressing memories are stored in the brain, allowing them to be processed in a more adaptive way.
EMDR involves guided bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements and the butterfly hug) while recalling aspects of a distressing experience. This process helps reduce emotional intensity and supports the development of more adaptive beliefs. Importantly, EMDR can be undertaken without the need to disclose specific details of the traumatic event.
EMDR is an effective and efficient treatment for trauma related to childhood and/or more recent experiences. It also effectively addresses trauma-associated symptoms including anxiety, panic, depression, prolonged grief, low self-esteem, attachment difficulties, relationship challenges, and substance misuse.
EMDR targets past experiences, present triggers, and future goals. The therapy follows an eight-phase framework, including history taking, preparation, assessment, desensitisation, installation, body scan, closure, and re-evaluation. Treatment is continuously adapted to each individual’s needs, capacity, and pace, and may incorporate complementary approaches such as parts work, polyvagal-informed strategies, body-focused techniques, and imagery rescripting.
Intensive EMDR
Intensive EMDR involves longer and/or more frequent sessions over a shorter period of time. Sessions may be 90 minutes, 2 hours, or 3 hours, offered weekly or several times per week depending on individual needs and capacity.
Intensive EMDR can support faster treatment progress by allowing more continuous trauma processing with fewer interruptions compared to traditional weekly or fortnightly therapy. This format may be particularly helpful for people who are time-limited, live in regional or rural areas travelling for treatment, or wish to build or maintain therapeutic momentum.
Schema Therapy
Schema therapy is an integrative psychotherapy that combines elements of cognitive behavioural therapy, attachment theory, object relations, and experiential approaches such as chair work and imagery rescripting.
Schema therapy is well supported by research, particularly for chronic and complex presentations including personality disorders and longstanding or recurrent anxiety and depression. The therapy focuses on identifying and modifying early maladaptive schemas—deeply ingrained patterns often developed in response to adverse childhood experiences.
Schemas influence how individuals view themselves, others, and the world, and tend to be self-perpetuating. Schema therapy also addresses schema modes—moment-to-moment emotional states and coping responses that emerge when schemas are triggered.
Schema therapy is generally a long-term treatment involving regular sessions over six months to two years, or longer for complex mental health conditions.
Clinical Supervision
Melissa is a board approved supervisor and able to supervise clinicians undertaking the registrar program in clinical psychology. She has over 15 years’ experience working across NSW public health, non-government organisations, and private practice.
Her clinical background includes extensive experience with chronic mental illness and personality-related presentations, including coordinating and facilitating comprehensive DBT programs in public health settings. She currently works with veterans at Concord Hospital alongside her private practice.
Recent Highlights
A curated look at our most recent creative endeavours—each project a unique collaboration shaped by bold ideas, purposeful design, and measurable impact.
Alternate
Preventing cancer, one step at a time.
Articulate
Helping autistic kids overcome speech issues.
Melody
The music marketplace of the future.
2023 – 2025
Selected Works
Melody
The music marketplace of the future.
Alternate
Preventing cancer, one step at a time.
Articulate
Helping autistic kids overcome speech issues.
Articulate
Helping autistic kids overcome speech issues.
Melody
The music marketplace of the future.
Alternate
Preventing cancer, one step at a time.
Want to see the full picture?
For a full list of our works, leave your email below.
EMDR
EMDR is an evidence-based psychotherapy used to treat PTSD and other trauma-related psychological difficulties. It works by changing how distressing memories are stored in the brain, allowing them to be processed in a more adaptive way.
EMDR involves guided bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements and the butterfly hug) while recalling aspects of a distressing experience. This process helps reduce emotional intensity and supports the development of more adaptive beliefs. Importantly, EMDR can be undertaken without the need to disclose specific details of the traumatic event.
EMDR is an effective and efficient treatment for trauma related to childhood and/or more recent experiences. It also effectively addresses trauma-associated symptoms including anxiety, panic, depression, prolonged grief, low self-esteem, attachment difficulties, relationship challenges, and substance misuse.
EMDR targets past experiences, present triggers, and future goals. The therapy follows an eight-phase framework, including history taking, preparation, assessment, desensitisation, installation, body scan, closure, and re-evaluation. Treatment is continuously adapted to each individual’s needs, capacity, and pace, and may incorporate complementary approaches such as parts work, polyvagal-informed strategies, body-focused techniques, and imagery rescripting.
Intensive EMDR
Intensive EMDR involves longer and/or more frequent sessions over a shorter period of time. Sessions may be 90 minutes, 2 hours, or 3 hours, offered weekly or several times per week depending on individual needs and capacity.
Intensive EMDR can support faster treatment progress by allowing more continuous trauma processing with fewer interruptions compared to traditional weekly or fortnightly therapy. This format may be particularly helpful for people who are time-limited, live in regional or rural areas travelling for treatment, or wish to build or maintain therapeutic momentum.
Schema Therapy
Schema therapy is an integrative psychotherapy that combines elements of cognitive behavioural therapy, attachment theory, object relations, and experiential approaches such as chair work and imagery rescripting.
Schema therapy is well supported by research, particularly for chronic and complex presentations including personality disorders and longstanding or recurrent anxiety and depression. The therapy focuses on identifying and modifying early maladaptive schemas—deeply ingrained patterns often developed in response to adverse childhood experiences.
Schemas influence how individuals view themselves, others, and the world, and tend to be self-perpetuating. Schema therapy also addresses schema modes—moment-to-moment emotional states and coping responses that emerge when schemas are triggered.
Schema therapy is generally a long-term treatment involving regular sessions over six months to two years, or longer for complex mental health conditions.
Clinical Supervision
Melissa is a board approved supervisor and able to supervise clinicians undertaking the registrar program in clinical psychology. She has over 15 years’ experience working across NSW public health, non-government organisations, and private practice.
Her clinical background includes extensive experience with chronic mental illness and personality-related presentations, including coordinating and facilitating comprehensive DBT programs in public health settings. She currently works with veterans at Concord Hospital alongside her private practice.
Contact Us
Have any questions or want to book your first session? Reach out and get started.
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