Mel Tibbitts

Pediatric & Family Mental Health – Endorsed Mental Health Practitioner

"Behaviour is communication,
especially when children don’t yet have the words."

Mel is a qualified Occupational Therapist and accredited Mental Health Therapist. Combining her expertise in occupational therapy with her mental health training, she is well-positioned to support children, adolescents, parents, and families facing challenges related to behaviour, emotional regulation, relationships, trauma, school engagement, and overall mental well-being.

How I can help

Understanding and supporting children’s behaviour and emotional regulation
Parenting guidance and support in the parental role
Relationship support and family therapy
Anxiety and depression in children and adolescents

Specialising In

Sensory processing difficulties and neurodiversity
Trauma-informed therapy
Pre- and post-natal support
Advocacy for children in educational or daycare settings

Family-focused

Neurodivergent Trained

Parent support

Medicare Rebates

Mel provides services under Medicare-supported Care Plans and Mental Health Plans (via GP referral),
as well as through private health insurance and the NDIS (plan-managed or self-managed).

Working with Children in the Family Context

Children do not experience difficulties in isolation. Their emotions, behaviour, and coping strategies are shaped within relationships, routines, and the wider family system.

Mel works with children in the context of their family, recognising that meaningful change happens when parents and caregivers are supported alongside the child. Therapy focuses on strengthening connections, understanding developmental needs, and helping families respond to challenges with greater clarity and consistency.

This approach supports families to:

Understand what a child’s behaviour and emotional responses are communicating
Strengthen parent–child relationships and emotional safety
Develop shared language and strategies that can be used at home and school
Reduce stress within the family system and support sustainable change

Mel's Approach

Mel’s work brings together occupational therapy and mental health practice to support children and families in a way that is practical, relational, and developmentally informed.

Her approach begins with understanding how a child’s behaviour, emotions, sensory needs, and daily functioning are shaped by their relationships, environments, and nervous system.

Rather than focusing on symptoms in isolation, Mel works with the whole family to identify what a child is communicating and what support is needed to restore balance and safety.

Sessions are collaborative and paced, supporting parents alongside children to build understanding, practical strategies, and confidence in responding to challenges at home, school, and across daily life.

A Little About Mel

My favourite thing about working as a Mental Health OT

What I love most about my work is supporting the whole family, understanding the challenges children and parents face and guiding them toward stronger relationships, greater understanding, and improved well-being.

What is unique about me as an OT

What sets me apart as an OT is my dual training as a Medicare-endorsed Mental Health practitioner, allowing me to integrate both occupational therapy and mental health approaches. I work closely with children and families to understand functional challenges with empathy, while also incorporating my passion for holistic health and a functional medicine perspective.

What are my goals

I look to always better understand what children communicate through their behaviour and emotions, and to equip parents with the tools and language to support them effectively. I aim to strengthen family systems within today’s complex and changing social environment, while continuing to develop my practice through training in family and somatic therapies and ongoing study in functional medicine.

Most impressive achievements

I always consider relocating internationally with a young family and returning to university at 35 to complete a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy as personal achievements. Professionally, I have led child advocacy initiatives and developed mental health programs for children living with chronic illness.

One quirky fact about me

A personal interest of mine is ballet, and I regularly attend adult classes at the WA Ballet. I value the positive impact that movement and dance can have on mental health and overall well-being

book

Book with Mel Tibbitts

Family & Mental Health Toolbox

Understanding the Overlap Between Urinary Incontinence and ADHD in Girls

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Feb 34 min read

Vitamin B12 - The Unsung Hero of Brain Health

Have you ever had one of those weeks where everyone at home just feels off , low energy, foggy heads, or a bit more emotional than usual? It’s easy to blame lack of sleep or stress (and, yes, those play a role), but there’s another quiet factor that often gets overlooked: vitamin B12 . This little nutrient does big things, especially for our brains. Think of it as the behind-the-scenes organiser keeping all the neurons talking to each other smoothly, helping your mood, focus,

Nov 9, 20253 min read