Meet our team
Melissa Spinks
Registered Psychologist | BSc (Psych), GradDipPsych(Adv) | Founder of Thriving Minds Clinic
Melissa Spinks is a registered psychologist with over eight years of experience in the mental health field. She is the founder of Thriving Minds Clinic and is known for her warm, compassionate approach and strong commitment to helping individuals across the lifespan feel seen, supported, and empowered. She has a special interest in supporting female teens and young adults, helping them navigate life’s challenges and transitions with confidence and self-compassion.
Melissa provides both therapy and psychological assessments for children, adolescents, and adults. Her areas of focus include anxiety, emotional wellbeing, neurodivergent presentations such as Autism, ADHD, and learning differences, as well as trauma, identity development, parenting support, and grief.
She has a particular interest in working with clients who may have been overlooked or misdiagnosed, including women and girls who present with more subtle signs of Autism or ADHD. Her approach is gentle, personalised, and grounded in an understanding of how diverse minds experience the world.
Melissa is trained in a range of evidence-based therapies, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Positive Psychology. She also provides comprehensive psychological assessments and diagnostic reports to support access to school adjustments, university accommodations, NDIS funding, and workplace supports.
Melissa is approachable, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in helping people live fuller, more connected lives. Through her work at Thriving Minds Clinic, she strives to create a space where individuals feel understood, empowered, and supported in achieving their own vision of mental health and wellbeing. Outside of work, Melissa enjoys spending time with her family - including her three kids, husband, and dogs - as well as exercising, travelling, and enjoying delicious food
Frida Tekin
Registered Psychologist | BSc (Psych) | MSc (Health Psych)
Frida is a registered psychologist with over 15 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in schools, private clinics, and social services. Her approach is integrative, incorporating Person-Centred Therapy, EMDR, ACT, CBT, Schema Therapy, Solution-Focused Coaching, Somatic Work, and Mindfulness-based practices.
She works with individuals experiencing trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, grief, and emotional regulation challenges. Frida’s practice is grounded in evidence-based psychology and complemented by holistic and creative methods, allowing her to offer a compassionate, flexible, and person-focused therapeutic experience.
Her interests include art, nature, permaculture, yoga, meditation, qi gong, theatre, singing, and dancing
Daniel O'Brien
Registered Psychologist | Clinical Psychology Registrar
Daniel is a registered psychologist with experience working across a range of clinical settings, including private practice, public health, and university-based clinics. He is currently completing the Clinical Psychology Registrar Program and is passionate about delivering high-quality, evidence-based care tailored to each individual’s needs.
Daniel works with clients across the lifespan - from children and teenagers to adults - and is skilled in supporting those experiencing anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, grief and loss, ADHD, autism, chronic pain, and relationship difficulties. He uses a client-centred, collaborative approach, drawing on modalities such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based strategies.
In addition to therapy, Daniel is trained and experienced in administering a wide range of psychometric assessments, including cognitive and educational assessments, ADHD and autism evaluations, and mental health screenings. He values the role that assessment plays in promoting clarity, direction, and tailored support for his clients.
Daniel provides a thoughtful presence and his is focused on building strong therapeutic relationships. He is committed to helping his clients develop insight, self-compassion, and practical strategies for navigating life’s challenges. His approach is grounded in respect, curiosity, and a belief in each person’s potential to grow and thrive.
When not at work, Daniel enjoys exploring the outdoors, keeping active, and spending time with his family and friends.
Amaryllis Park
Registered Psychologist | BSc (Psych), BPsychSc(Hons), M.A.P.S
Amaryllis is a Registered Psychologist with over a decade of experience supporting individuals across hospital, community, rehabilitation, and private practice settings. Her background also includes prior study in physiotherapy and two years of military service, giving her a unique, grounded perspective when working with clients from all walks of life.
She has a special interest in complex trauma, neurodivergent presentations, and dual diagnosis- supporting those experiencing conditions such as PTSD, anxiety, mood and personality disorders, and substance use. Amaryllis is passionate about working with adults and adolescents who may feel misunderstood or overlooked, including high-functioning individuals with complex needs.
Amaryllis draws on a range of evidence-based therapies, including Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), Schema Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT), and Motivational Interviewing. Her warm, collaborative, and non-judgemental style helps clients feel safe, seen, and supported as they work towards meaningful and lasting change.
She is also highly experienced in administering psychological assessments, including cognitive, memory, educational, and autism assessments for both children and adults.
Outside the therapy room, Amaryllis enjoys running, netball, cycling, and all things outdoors. She’s also a proud foodie and anime fan, and values staying connected to her family overseas.
Amanda Cook
Provisional Psychologist
Amanda is a Provisional Psychologist dedicated to supporting clients of all ages with empathy, insight, and evidence-based care. With a background spanning educational, NDIS, rehabilitation, and correctional settings, she brings a broad and well-rounded perspective to her clinical work.
Amanda provides therapy and assessment for children, adolescents, and adults, and is particularly passionate about helping individuals understand their emotions, navigate life transitions, and develop practical skills for managing anxiety, low mood, and behavioural challenges. She is trained in a range of therapeutic approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Schema Therapy, Play Therapy, and trauma-informed interventions.
Her experience includes supporting neurodivergent clients, including those with Autism and ADHD, and she places a strong emphasis on working collaboratively with families, schools, and multidisciplinary teams to promote holistic wellbeing.
Before moving into psychology, Amanda worked as a primary school teacher. This experience has given her a deep understanding of learning and development, as well as a natural ability to connect with young people and adapt her approach to suit their individual needs.
Amanda brings warm, approachable nature and aims to create a safe, non-judgemental space where clients feel heard, supported, and empowered. She is committed to ongoing professional development and is passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of the individuals and families she works with.
Outside of her clinical work, Amanda is a mother of five and an active member of her local community. She enjoys sewing, gardening, dancing, and volunteering in youth and women’s programs, activities that reflect her creativity, compassion, and commitment to fostering connection and resilience.
