Bree McLelland

Breanna McLelland, psychologist at Cova Psychology in Melbourne
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Bree McLelland

(she/her)
“I believe there are two main foundations needed for our therapy sessions: a safe, non-judgemental space where you feel heard and understood; and the formation of a strong therapeutic relationship, where we feel connected and aligned. With these, we will work towards your individual goals by collaboratively identifying your behavioural, cognitive and emotional patterns, as well as your unique strengths.”

AREAS OF EXPERIENCE

I work with adults experiencing a wide range of mental health concerns. I commonly support people with:

  • Anxiety and panic: Worry, racing thoughts, panic symptoms, avoidance, or feeling constantly on edge.
  • Depression and mood difficulties: Low mood, reduced motivation, feeling flat, withdrawn, or emotionally drained.
  • Stress and burnout: Ongoing pressure, exhaustion, irritability, and difficulty switching off.
  • Trauma and PTSD: Hypervigilance, intrusive memories, nightmares, avoidance, or feeling unsafe in the present.
  • Complex trauma (cPTSD): Longer-term trauma impacts like shame, emotional flashbacks, and difficulty feeling safe in yourself or relationships.
  • Relationship issues: Conflict patterns, disconnection, trust strain, attachment stress, boundaries, or people-pleasing.
  • Low self-esteem: Self-doubt, harsh self-criticism, feeling not good enough, and difficulty asserting needs.
  • Perfectionism: Fear of mistakes, overthinking, procrastination, and pressure to get it “right.”
  • Emotional dysregulation: Intense emotions, overwhelm, shutdown, irritability, or difficulty calming down.
  • Perinatal mental health: Anxiety, mood changes, identity shifts, and adjustment difficulties during pregnancy and the postnatal period.
  • Adjustment difficulties and life transitions: Feeling stuck or unsettled during changes such as work, study, health, or relationship shifts.
  • Phobias: Specific fears (e.g., flying, needles, driving) that lead to avoidance and rising anxiety.

ABOUT BREE 

I have extensive experience working with adults in private and public mental health, both in outpatient and inpatient environments. This includes specialist work focusing on the impacts of traumatic life events. I have worked with and supported individuals with post-trauma symptoms (such as first responders and women who have experienced birth trauma), where we collaboratively process, integrate and make sense of these events. Alongside Cova Psychology, I currently work in a program treating women with PTSD and substance use concerns.

In my down time, you can find me in the kitchen, seeking out the best Melbourne coffee or spending time outside with my family and energetic Golden Retriever.

THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES

During our sessions, I tailor my therapeutic approach to best match your needs, abilities, and goals. Sometimes that means using straightforward, active strategies so you can feel calmer and more empowered. At other times, it means creating an open, reflective space where we explore patterns, build insight, and support you to feel more connected to yourself and others. I believe authenticity, honesty, and connection are at the heart of effective therapy. Some of the approaches I may draw on include:

  • Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT): Practical strategies to change unhelpful thought and behaviour patterns and improve coping day to day.
  • Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR): A structured therapy that helps the brain process distressing or traumatic experiences so they feel less overwhelming and disruptive in the present.
  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) informed: Skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and strengthening relationships.
  • Schema Therapy: Works with longstanding patterns and core beliefs that can shape self-esteem, emotions, and relationships.
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Builds psychological flexibility—making space for difficult experiences while moving toward what matters to you.
  • Motivational Interviewing (MI): Support to clarify goals, work through ambivalence, and build readiness for change.
  • Mindfulness-based strategies: Grounding and regulation skills to reduce overwhelm and improve steadiness and clarity.
  • Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (TF-CBT): A structured, trauma-informed approach to reduce trauma-related symptoms and support recovery.
  • Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT): Trauma therapy that helps shift “stuck points” and unhelpful trauma-related beliefs (e.g., guilt, shame, self-blame).
  • Prolonged Exposure (PE): Gradual, supported exposure to trauma memories and triggers to reduce avoidance and fear over time.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Master of Psychology (Clinical) | Swinburne University of Technology
  • Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) | Victoria University
  • Bachelor of Arts/Science | Australian National University

 

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP

  • Registered Psychologist with Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)