Your Experienced Psychologist In St Leonards
Melanie Khashadorian, the Director and founder of My Appletree, provides experienced psychology and therapy services to those in St Leonards and the surrounding North Shore area. With over 20 years of experience as a therapist, her approach has continued to evolve thanks to her extensive training and varied experiences. While she initially began her career working with children and adolescents, she developed a deep passion for couples counselling. Melanie believes that healing within romantic relationships often creates a ripple effect throughout the family, fostering deeper connections, health, and happiness. She also holds the belief that connection and pleasure are foundational to overall well-being. These ideals and principles are just some of the reasons that Melanie is an incredibly sought after therapist for couples counselling.
My Appletree focuses on providing in-depth therapy services, with a strong emphasis on couples and relationship issues. Melanie’s therapeutic approach is strongly influenced by attachment theory, and she frequently employs Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and The Gottham method when working with couples. Whether working with individuals or couples, her goal is to help clients identify patterns, deepen self-awareness, and grow toward healing.
One of Melanie’s other areas of expertise is sexual health – for individuals and couples. Recognising the need for specialised knowledge in this area after many years of working with couples, Melanie became a qualified sex therapist a decade ago. This allows her to address not only the relational dynamics of sex, but also the biological and psychological aspects of sexuality. Her work in sexual health often involves psychoeducation.
Melanie is the go-to therapist for individuals trying to navigating complex relationships, those struggling with dating, and couples seeking to rebuild intimacy, improve communication, resolve trauma, or simply stop arguing.
“One of the most fulfilling aspects of being a therapist is witnessing the trust that clients place in me. I understand that therapy can be daunting, especially when opening up to a stranger, but I believe that this leap of faith often leads to transformative growth and healing. It’s an honor to accompany my clients on their therapeutic journeys.” Melanie shared.
Melanie encourages anyone considering therapy, whether individual or couples counselling, to take the time to find a therapist they feel a true connection with. An open and honest relationship with your therapist is crucial, and it’s important to trust your instinct when choosing your psychologist. Therapy is a journey, and the right therapist should become a trusted companion along the way.
Melanie created My Appletree with the vision of helping individuals, couples, and families achieve their goals and live fulfilling lives. Inspired by a holistic approach that integrates both mind and body, Melanie recognises the importance of talk therapy but also values body movement and mindfulness as integral parts of healing. This philosophy led to the recent introduction of breathwork classes and an upcoming meditation course at the practice. At My Appletree, clients are offered various avenues to care for their mental health.
Personally, Melanie has found that a combination of therapy and physical movement—whether walking, yoga, martial arts, or dancing—helps manage stress and promotes mental well-being. These are tools she encourages clients to incorporate into their own lives for healing.
Melanie also stays informed on the latest research regarding the mind and body. Recently, she has delved deeper into trauma work, particularly exploring the connection between the vagus nerve and nervous system health. This has become a growing passion of hers, and she incorporates elements of this research into her sessions, offering psychoeducation and practical strategies to help clients regulate their nervous systems as part of their healing journey.
If you're seeking therapy, couples counselling, sexual health therapy, or want to explore your options, Melanie and the team at My Appletree are here to guide you toward a healthier, more fulfilling life. Get in touch today!
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