Michelle Rae

Michelle is one of our psychologists here at Minds & Hearts who works with young children, older children, adolescents, parents, and older adults. Her areas of focus include Autism, ADHD, emotional and behavioural regulation, problematic sexual behaviours, developmental trauma, anxiety and mood disorders, social difficulties, parenting skill building, self-harm, and suicidal behaviours.

Michelle’s journey into psychology began while volunteering with grade 1 reading groups at her children’s school. Observing how children’s struggles with tasks could lead to disruptive behaviours sparked her curiosity about how to better support them. Inspired by the concept of neuroplasticity in The Brain That Changes Itself by Norman Doidge, she pursued her Bachelor of Psychology (Honours I) at Griffith University. During her studies, she volunteered in perinatal mental health, reinforcing her commitment to helping parents and caregivers foster secure attachments with their children.

Michelle’s clinical experience stems from multidisciplinary private practice, where she has delivered evidence-based interventions through individual and group therapy. She finds great joy in helping families and individuals identify and build upon their strengths and relationships, advocating for improved functioning at home and within the community.

Michelle has completed training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP), and Theraplay® (Level 1, including MIM assessment). She is also a certified facilitator of the Circle of Security – Parenting program.