Vita Melior, "a better life" in Latin, represents the gradual progression toward a life with meaning and fulfilment.  This name reflects the notion that even in the face of challenges, we can move towards betterment, through making choices aligned with our values. Vita Melior signifies the belief that life can always be enriched, and that there is hope for things getting better and progressing, in tiny increments or in great leaps, towards a life worth living. 

 Bachelor of Psychological Science, Graduate Diploma of Professional Psychology, Master of Psychology (Clinical)  

Monique (she/her) is an empathetic, non-judgmental, and amiable clinician who, through a collaborative and compassionate approach, provides evidence-based, client- centred therapy. She focuses on strengths-based and trauma-informed practices. Monique is passionate about empowering people to understand and better their psychological well-being, celebrating both the big and little steps towards this along the way. 

Monique focuses on establishing a therapeutic relationship grounded in trust, authenticity, supportive curiosity, and respect where clients can feel comfortable exploring their current areas of challenge or difficulty. She focuses on tailoring therapy to each client’s unique goals, with ongoing flexibility to ensure that sessions are attuned to the needs of each client.

Monique has provided therapy to adults from diverse cultural backgrounds, varied socioeconomic statuses, and individuals with neurodivergent neurotypes. She works with presentations including anxiety, depression, emotion regulation difficulties, Autism, ADHD, interpersonal challenges (including within workplace or familial dynamics), stress management, self-esteem, and body-image issues. 

She has also completed Level 1 and 2 training in Gottman Method Relationship Therapy, and is able to work with couples/relationships experiencing inter-relational challenges.

 
Monique draws on evidence-based frameworks, depending on what is most suitable for the client’s needs, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).

Clients have described Monique as supportive, understanding, pragmatic, non-judgemental, humorous, and genuine.