About

Neurokindred Affiliates

Neurokindred is dedicated to supporting our late-identified Autistic neurokin. We provide accessible, affordable and quality services that are aimed to nurture well-being and foster connection to community. To do this, we rely on Autistic professionals and volunteer group facilitators who have hearts aligned with this value and willingly donate their valuable time, energy and expertise to support our community members. They demonstrate in both word and deed that they are neuro-affirming and dedicated to lives that nurture and support not only their own Autistic selves but those of their neurokin as well. It is an honour to know and work alongside them.

 

All Neurokindred affiliates are qualified mental health professionals who have:

  • Lived Experience of being Autistic
  • A Dedication to Neuro-affirming Practice
  • A Commitment to Learning from Lived Experience Educators
  • Continued Education and Development
  • Registration with the Appropriate Governing Bodies
  • Appropriate Insurance

Melody Edwardson

Melody is a late-identified Autistic Mental Health Specialist with a background in community work, positive psychology & counselling. In her private practice, Wellbeing Wise, she is passionate about supporting her clients in discovering ways to thrive and to create a life worth living. Wellbeing Wise is located in Sunnybank, Brisbane, and Melody sees clients aged 16+ both face-to-face and via Zoom.

 

Melody says…

“When you work with me, we have a clear purpose for what we will achieve together and develop an agreed plan for how to get there. This is very practical. Unlike a chat with a friend, I am totally focussed on you. This allows you dedicated time and space to think through what you want and need to do to have a more meaningful, purpose filled life right now and into the future.”

 

“Unlike a chat with a psychologist, I am not here to diagnose you or see you through a medical lens or put you through a one size fits all treatment. I ask you curious questions to help draw out your wisdom, so you don’t need my advice.”

 

“Between sessions you experiment with some strategies and we can tweak them when you come back. Together, we decide together how many sessions you need.”

At Neurokindred, Melody volunteers as Peer Group Coordinator & Group Facilitator Trainer for the ‘Embracing the Crone’ Autistic Women & Non-Binary (45+) Peer Support Groups.

 

She has over 30 years of experience in community services working with people with disability or mental health issues to live their best lives.

 

Melody’s ‘Things that make my brain dance’: Being in nature, learning, dogs and art.

Contact Melody

Qualifications:

    • Master’s degree in Mental Health Practice
    • Graduate Certificate in Positive Psychology
    • Diploma of Counselling
    • Diploma of Management
Melody is registered with:
    • Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA)
    • Australian Counselling Association (ACA)

Neurokindred Affiliates Qualifications

At Neurokindred we are committed to providing quality support that prioritises Autistic well-being. Our affiliates come from different disciplines and fields but all share this burning passion. We are also committed to expanding services available through connection with like-minded souls. Different approaches and levels of support work for different people at different stages of their journey. Just as all Autistics are unique, so are our preferences for the intensity and style of wellbeing support we need. We hope, in time, to be able to provide a smorgasbord of delightful guides for you to select from.

 

We screen all our affiliates and they meet the following criteria:

  • Lived Experience of being Autistic
  • A Dedication to Neuro-affirming Practice
  • A Commitment to Learning from Lived Experience Educators
  • Continued Education and Development
  • Registration with the Appropriate Governing Bodies
  • Appropriate Insurance
  • Have invested their time and skills to support the Neurokindred Autistic Adult Community