At Connections, our team brings together a wealth of experience, genuine care, and a forward-thinking approach to support you on your journey to wellbeing.
With diverse skills and a collaborative spirit, we’re dedicated to offering personalised, holistic services that are tailored to your individual needs.
Sunelle is the Founder and Director of Connections, a Clinical Social Worker, and an Advanced BCIA-International Board-Certified Neurofeedback and QEEG-Diplomate Licensed Practitioner. She is registered with both the Australian and USA Boards of Biofeedback to provide neurofeedback mentoring and currently serves as the elected Chair of BCIA-A.
With over 25 years of experience working with children and families across South Africa, the UK, and Australia, her professional approach is firmly grounded in traditional, evidence-based therapies, adhering to the highest professional standards and ethical guidelines. At the same time, Sunelle is a passionate lifelong learner, committed to exploring and incorporating emerging evidence-based interventions to stay at the forefront of advancements in mental health and wellbeing.
Prior to founding her private practice, Sunelle spent more than a decade with Queensland Health, delivering specialist mental health services to children and families. Her work focused on addressing trauma, attachment, grief and loss, and developmental challenges. As a systemic therapist, she emphasises a holistic approach to wellbeing, collaborating closely with families and other professionals to achieve optimal outcomes for her clients.
Over the past 25 years, Sunelle has deepened her expertise by training in various play therapy modalities and earning advanced certifications in Anxiety and Panic Disorders, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), and Mentalisation-Based Therapy (MBT). Most recently, she achieved accreditation in Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy. Additionally, she is a registered Paediatric Massage Consultant and Trauma-Informed Kids Yoga Teacher.
Driven by her special interest in Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Services, Sunelle completed the Australian Psychological Society’s Non-Directive Perinatal Counselling training and is registered with Medicare to provide specialised Perinatal Services.
Sunelle’s extensive training also includes certifications in EFT (Levels 1 & 2) and EMDR (Levels 1 & 2), reflecting her dedication to a comprehensive and client-centred therapeutic approach.
Sunelle is a registered Medicare provider.
Melanie is a highly experienced Registered Family and Play Therapist supporting individuals and families of all ages. Through her collaborative and individualised approach, she honours each client’s unique journey and works alongside them to create tailored therapeutic plans that promote healing, personal growth, and lasting transformation.
Having honed her skills over the past 22 years, Melanie specialises in life transitions, family dynamics, relationship challenges, trauma and stress, identity and self-esteem, grief and loss, school refusal, and emotional regulation.
Her sessions offer a safe, empathetic environment for clients to receive the tools, guidance, and strategies required to navigate life’s complexities with ease.
Melissa is a Registered Clinical Nurse Specialist and Credentialled Diabetes Educator with over 18 years’ experience managing chronic diseases in both public and private health sectors, as well as her own private practice.
She specialises in newly diagnosed and insulin-managed diabetes, insulin pump therapy, and diabetes technology, such as continuous glucose monitoring systems (CGMS) and flash glucose monitoring (FGM) to provide comprehensive support for individuals with type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes. Through a wellness and client-centred approach, Melissa works collaboratively with each client’s multidisciplinary team to achieve an optimal outcome in their diabetes management.
Melissa’s public health service led her to Sandtray Therapy, where she combines her medical expertise and trauma-informed care with holistic and non-traditional talk therapies to support clients who have experienced medical or complex trauma, those with ADHD or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), or who are navigating grief, loss, anxiety, or depression. She is passionate about working with families, particularly paediatric and young adults, to foster expression, processing, and advocacy within these individuals.
In addition to her clinical work, Melissa enjoys contributing to the professional development of future healthcare practitioners and is a learning facilitator and lecturer for Southern Cross University’s postgraduate Diabetes Education program.
Melissa is registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and the Australian Diabetes Educators Association (ADEA).
Sharon is a Clinical Psychologist and Registered Nurse with a diverse background in clinical psychology, community nursing, and residential aged care. In her private practice, she works with adolescents, adults, older adults, and caregivers experiencing anxiety, depression, neurodiversity, adverse life circumstances, and life transitions.
She has a special interest in the connection between sleep, activity, and mental health, and is qualified in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-1) to address a wide range of sleep-related challenges to promote overall wellbeing.
Beyond her private practice, Sharon has contributed to significant research as a Project Manager at Griffith University, where she led studies in behavioural treatments for chronic migraines and headaches. She has also collaborated with Carers Queensland, supporting caregivers in enhancing their emotional and physical well-being through tailored interventions.
Through a holistic approach, Sharon guides her clients to improve their overall quality of life with evidence-based strategies, positive lifestyle changes in sleep, exercise, nutrition, and mental health practices that promote meaningful and lasting growth.
Sharon is registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
Natalie is our reception coordinator, dedicated to creating a warm and welcoming environment for every client from the moment they arrive. With a friendly and approachable presence, she is always happy to assist with any queries you may have.
With a background in copywriting, law, and holistic health, Natalie brings a thoughtful and professional approach to our clinic. She is an essential support to our practitioners, ensuring a seamless and nurturing environment that reflects our shared commitment to wellbeing.
Beyond reception, Natalie is a Neuro-Linguistic Kinesiology Practitioner, specialising in the mind-body connection. She takes a holistic approach to wellbeing, offering a safe and nurturing space for clients to explore their challenges, gain clarity, and reconnect with their intentions—guiding them toward a more aligned, integrated, and intentional path.
Natalie also holds qualifications in holistic health counselling and yoga teaching, and has deepened her practice through studies in eastern medicine, menstrual cycle awareness, and somatic practices. Her ever-expanding knowledge provides insightful and adaptable guidance that is tailored to each individual’s unique circumstances.
Natalie is a registered member with the International Institute for Complementary Therapists (IICT) and holds a Working with Children Blue Card.
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