Counselling and Wellbeing

Counselling for ADHD and perimenopause
For women experiencing ADHD symptoms, overwhelm, and cognitive changes during perimenopause and midlife transition.
If you're feeling stuck, experiencing burnout, or questioning your life choices, you're not alone.
I'm Melissa, registered counsellor, researcher, mother, and life-long learner, based in Adelaide. I work with midlife women navigating ADHD symptoms and hormonal changes who want to regain their confidence and find a clear path towards the life they want to live now.
Together, we explore your current challenges and connect with your capacity to trust yourself so you can make decisions that feel genuinely right for you.
At the heart of our work together is understanding your strengths, values, and what is meaningful to you, with the help of practical tools - to help you move towards a more calm, confident, and
content way of being.

Who I Work With
My counselling clients have often spent years doubting themselves and resorting to people pleasing, perfectionism, or procrastination.
Many feel that their career and life choices were based on who they thought they should be, losing sight of who they really are.
At the same time, some are also facing the challenge of parenting a neurodivergent child who is struggling, compounding their own struggles.
Many clients who are neurodivergent, sensitive, or creative want to understand themselves better, live in alignment with their values, and feel like they are 'enough' - that they matter.
If any of this sounds familiar, I'm here to help you regain a sense of clarity and confidence in life, parenting, and work. Together we'll explore what really matters to you - and what's truly possible.
Counselling for ADHD and Perimenopause
If you're noticing changes in:
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focus and concentration
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memory and mental clarity
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emotional regulation
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stress tolerance
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ability to manage daily life
You may be experiencing the intersection of ADHD traits and perimenopausal hormonal change.
This is not about labelling you. It's about understanding your current experience and working with it effectively.
Working with me might be right for you if...
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You feel overwhelmed or 'stuck'
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You're experiencing brain fog, forgetfulness, or reduced focus
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You're exploring possible ADHD or navigating a late diagnosis
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You're experiencing increased anxiety or emotional dysregulation
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You're experiencing burnout or reduced stress tolerance
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You have a sense that you're "not coping like you used to"
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You're questioning your current roles and identity
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You want to feel confident to pursue your own career and interests
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You want to let go of what others think and focus on what matters to you
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You're supporting a neurodivergent child who is struggling
About
Melissa

A am an accredited counsellor, with a Master of Counselling and registered with the Australian Counselling Association (ACA - Level 2), based in Unley, Adelaide South Australia.
I specialise in supporting neurodivergent individuals through life challenges and times of transition; whether that's worsening ADHD symptoms during perimenopause and menopause, questioning career or life choices, or entering a new chapter at home, work, or school.
Hormonal Changes and ADHD traits
Many women notice changes in how their brain and nervous system function in midlife. Hormonal changes during perimenopause can affect:
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attention and focus
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emotional regulation
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working memory
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stress tolerance
If ADHD traits were already present (diagnosed or undiagnosed), these changes can make them more noticeable.
This can feel confusing and sometimes frightening, but it is a recognised pattern, and support is available.
If any of this sounds familiar, the next step is simply a conversation.


How Counselling can Help
Counselling sessions are designed to help you:
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Reduce overwhelm and gain greater clarity
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Deepen your understanding of yourself and your needs
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Reduce anxiety and feel more grounded
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Move away from self doubt and rebuild confidence
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Understand what is contributing to your experience
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Develop self-compassion
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Set healthy boundaries
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Develop practical coping strategies
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Feel more connected in your relationships
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Navigate ADHD and perimenopause in a mindful way without self-blame
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Appreciate your individual strengths
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Find greater meaning and purpose in your life
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Feel more confident in your parenting approach
What to Expect in Your First Session
In your first counselling session we will focus on:
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what has changed for you recently
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current challenges you are experiencing
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what support would feel most helpful
You don't need to prepare anything in advance. Many clients describe the process as: "What I've been going through finally makes sense".
Booking and Availability
Limited availability is currently open for new clients in this area of support Tuesday - Thursday in Unley, Adelaide. Telehealth is available upon request.
You do not need a diagnosis or to have everything figured out before reaching out.
You can book a session here:

or by calling 0403 757 199.
If you have any questions, please submit the Enquiry Form below.
Counselling and Wellbeing Services
Important
Thinkreate is not a crisis service. In a life-threatening emergency please call 000 or visit your nearest hospital.
If you have severe mental health symptoms or symptoms of depression and have thoughts of suicide, help is available.
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Lifeline – Phone 13 11 14
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Beyond Blue – Phone 1300 22 4636
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Australian Psychological Society – Find a psychologist service – Phone 1800 333 497
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