loader image

About Us

Melisa Esen

Registered Counsellor (ACA level 2)

Master of Counselling

About Relief

Care that meets you exactly where you are.

Relief Mental Health Counselling provides a warm and supportive space for children and adults experiencing a range of emotional, behavioural and life challenges. With experience as a behavioural therapist, primarily supporting children, I bring an understanding of emotional and behavioural needs across different stages of life.

Whether you are feeling overwhelmed, struggling with anxiety, navigating change, managing difficult emotions, or simply feeling that something is not quite right, counselling offers a space to pause, understand yourself and find a way forward.

My specialty is supporting individuals and families affected by chronic illness and disability, including adjusting to a diagnosis, changes in identity, independence, relationships and everyday life. However, you do not need to be living with chronic illness or disability to access support.

Every person’s experience is different, and counselling is tailored to meet you where you are.

MY STORY

Why I chose counselling

My reason for becoming a counsellor is quite personal.

There have been times in my own life where I’ve had to rebuild myself and rediscover who I am after things changed unexpectedly. I’ve experienced grief and loss, changes in my sense of identity, and the emotional impact that can come when the life you pictured for yourself suddenly looks different.

I’ve learnt that grief isn’t always about losing someone. Sometimes it’s grieving who you used to be, a future you imagined, your independence, a relationship, your health, or simply a chapter of your life that has come to an end.

I’ve also learnt that rebuilding yourself doesn’t happen overnight.

Those experiences are a big part of what led me to counselling. They gave me a deeper understanding of how complicated people can feel underneath the surface, even when they appear to be coping perfectly well to everyone around them.

I wanted to become the kind of counsellor who gives people somewhere they don’t have to pretend they’re okay. Somewhere they can talk honestly, make sense of what they’re feeling and slowly begin to find themselves again.

My professional training has given me the skills to support people through those experiences, but I believe my own life experiences have also shaped the counsellor I am today.

Counselling isn’t just the career I chose. It’s something that has genuine meaning to me.

Why Relief

Reasons people feel at home here

The small things add up to care that feels safe, consistent and genuinely yours.

Specialist focus

Dedicated experience supporting people through chronic illness, disability and life change.

Individualised care

Your plan is shaped around your goals and your life — never a template.

Confidential support

A private, protected space where your story always stays yours.

Comes to you

Mobile visits across Sydney or telehealth Australia-wide, with times that fit real life.

Compassionate approach

Warmth, patience and zero judgement underpin every single conversation.

★★★★★

"It felt like being understood for the first time."

— A Relief client

Questions

Good to know

A few things people often ask before their first session. Something else on your mind? Just ask.

How many sessions will I need?

+

It varies from person to person. Some people find a few sessions enough, others prefer ongoing support. We’ll review together regularly and follow your pace.

Is everything confidential?

+

Absolutely. What you share stays private, within the standard ethical and legal limits designed to keep you safe. We’ll explain these clearly at the start.

What happens in the first session?

+

It’s a relaxed conversation. We’ll get to know you, talk through what you’re hoping for, and map out gentle next steps together — no pressure to share more than you’re ready to.

How do sessions work — mobile or online?

+

Both. You can choose mobile counselling, where I come to you across Sydney, or secure telehealth video anywhere in Australia — whatever feels most accessible and comfortable for you.

Do I need a referral to book?

+

Not at all — you’re welcome to book directly, no referral needed. If you’re accessing support through NDIS or another plan, just let us know and we’ll help you work through the details.

Take the first step

You don't have to have it all figured out to begin.

Book a first conversation today. It’s warm, confidential, and entirely at your pace.