About Us | Fortitude Wellbeing

Personalised Support Built Around You

Fortitude Wellbeing is a psychology and counselling clinic in South Yarra, founded in 2019 by principal psychologist Melissa Bell. With more than 18 years of experience, Melissa provides personalised psychological support for adults aged 18 and over.

At Fortitude Wellbeing, we take time to understand your concerns, needs and goals. Your care is tailored to you, with a warm and supportive approach that helps you feel heard and understood.

Face-to-face appointments are available at the South Yarra clinic, along with telehealth sessions for suitable clients.

Why Fortitude Wellbeing Was Founded

Fortitude Wellbeing Psychology and Counselling Services sign at the South Yarra clinic

Melissa founded Fortitude Wellbeing in 2019 to provide a more personal approach to psychological care. The practice was built around creating a safe, trusted space where clients can feel heard, understood and acknowledged.

At Fortitude Wellbeing, therapy is tailored to each person rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach. Your needs, preferences and goals help shape the support you receive.

Meet Melissa Bell, Principal Psychologist

Melissa Bell, founder and principal psychologist at Fortitude Wellbeing

Melissa Bell is the principal psychologist at Fortitude Wellbeing and has more than 18 years of experience. Her background spans schools, private practice, mental health organisations and government departments.

Melissa is an AHPRA-registered psychologist who takes a warm, collaborative approach to therapy. She also undertakes regular clinical supervision with a board-registered supervisor.

Her work covers concerns such as anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, grief, relationships, workplace issues and life changes. She takes time to understand your background, concerns, preferences and goals before shaping your care.

What You Can Expect from Therapy

Starting therapy can feel easier when you know what to expect. Your first consultation gives you space to discuss your background, concerns, preferences and goals.

Your Initial Consultation

Your psychologist will take time to understand what brings you to therapy. You can share what you are comfortable discussing and ask questions about your care.

Your Tailored Treatment Plan

Your care is shaped around your individual needs and concerns. Your psychologist will work with you to choose suitable approaches and agree on goals for your care.

Ongoing Support and Progress

Therapy is a collaborative process. You can discuss what feels helpful, review your progress and adjust your care as your needs change.

Evidence-Based Care Tailored to Your Needs

Fortitude Wellbeing uses evidence-based approaches selected around your needs and goals. Melissa will discuss suitable options with you and tailor your care to your concerns.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) looks at how thoughts, feelings and behaviours can affect each other. It can help you understand patterns and develop practical ways to manage them.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) helps you work through difficult thoughts and feelings while focusing on your values and what matters to you.

Person-Centred Therapy

Person-centred therapy places your experiences and perspective at the centre of your care. It provides space to explore your concerns in a supportive and non-judgemental setting.

Psychoeducation

Psychoeducation helps you understand your thoughts, feelings and behaviours. It can also provide practical information and strategies to support your work in therapy.

EMDR Therapy

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an approach used in trauma-focused therapy. Melissa is EMDR trained and can discuss whether it may be suitable for your needs.

Support for a Range of Life and Mental Health Concerns

Fortitude Wellbeing supports adults aged 18 and over with a range of concerns. We take time to understand what you are experiencing and tailor your care to your needs.

We support concerns including:

Relationship difficulties
Workplace concerns
Life transitions and coping with change
ADHD assessments
Adult ADHD support

Why Choose Fortitude Wellbeing

18+ Years of Experience

Melissa Bell brings more than 18 years of experience across schools, private practice, mental health organisations and government departments. She draws on this broad experience when supporting each client.

Care Tailored to You

Your concerns, needs and goals shape your care at Fortitude Wellbeing. Therapy is personalised rather than based on a one-size-fits-all approach.

A Warm, Supportive Setting

Fortitude Wellbeing provides a caring and professional space where you can feel heard and understood. Building trust and rapport is an important part of Melissa’s approach.

Flexible Ways to Attend

You can attend face-to-face sessions at the South Yarra practice or use telehealth. Fortitude Wellbeing often has immediate availability and no waitlist, subject to current availability.

Attend In Person or by Telehealth

Fortitude Wellbeing offers face-to-face appointments at the South Yarra practice and telehealth sessions. This gives you the choice to attend in person or speak with Melissa online.

The clinic is located at Suite 5/35 Toorak Road, South Yarra VIC 3141. New clients are welcome, with availability often immediate and no waitlist, subject to current availability.

For appointments or enquiries, call 1300 611 409 or contact Fortitude Wellbeing online.

Workshops and Wellbeing Education

Fortitude Wellbeing also provides workshops and education for organisations and individuals. These sessions share practical tools and insights to support mental health and wellbeing.

Workshops are available for corporate organisations, government agencies and not-for-profits.

Take the Next Step When You Feel Ready

You don’t have to carry difficult concerns alone. If you’re ready to explore personalised psychological support, Fortitude Wellbeing can provide a space to talk through what you’re experiencing.

You can book an appointment or contact the clinic with any questions. Call 1300 611 409 to get in touch.

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About Fortitude Wellbeing