I'm Dr Mel – clinical psychologist, educator, and late-diagnosed neurodivergent
26+ years helping people understand their minds and navigate mental health challenges.
I specialize in ADHD, autism, eating disorders, DBT, ACT, and evidence-based approaches that actually work in real life – not just in textbooks.
At 50, I was diagnosed with AuDHD. Turns out I'd spent decades as a mental health professional while completely missing my own neurodivergence.
The irony taught me something crucial: we all have blind spots. Sometimes the expert needs help seeing their own patterns.
Now I create courses and resources for anyone tired of generic advice that doesn't fit their actual brain or life circumstances.
I'm a clinical psychologist registered in South Africa with specialized training in areas most therapists don't touch:
Eating Disorders: One of fewer than 5 Maudsley/FBT-certified therapists in South Africa. I work with the medical realities of eating disorders, not just the psychology.
Neurodivergence: ADHD, autism, AuDHD – in adults who've spent decades masking and wondering why life feels harder than it should.
Evidence-Based Therapies: DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), BWRT (BrainWorking Recursive Therapy) – tools that actually create change, not just insight.
Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria: The emotional pain nobody warns you about with ADHD.
Productivity for Neurodivergent Minds: Strategies that work WITH executive dysfunction, not against it.
I've trained mental health professionals globally and taught 8,000+ students through online courses. I write, teach, and create resources for people who need real help – not inspiration quotes and toxic positivity.
Author of The Jigsaw Mind series. First book: Puzzle Pieces – Why Smart Women Miss Their ADHD for Decades.
I don't do toxic positivity. I don't tell you to "embrace your superpower" or "turn your struggles into strengths."
ADHD isn't a superpower when you're sitting in your car for 20 minutes trying to make yourself go into the grocery store.
Autism isn't a gift when social interactions leave you completely depleted for days.
Eating disorders aren't solved with affirmations.
Here's what I do instead:
I give you clinical accuracy combined with lived experience. I explain what's actually happening in your brain, nervous system, and body. Then I teach evidence-based strategies that work in real life – not just in research studies.
I acknowledge that some days your brain won't cooperate, some strategies won't work for you, and some things genuinely suck about being neurodivergent or dealing with mental health challenges.
And I help you build a toolkit anyway. Because understanding your patterns and having real strategies beats suffering in confused silence.
No inspiration quotes. No "just try harder" nonsense. Just honest help from someone who gets it – both clinically and personally.