Our Founder – ​​Dr Melissa Harte

Dr Melissa Harte (1959-2021), Clinical and Counselling Psychologist, was an extraordinary human with an enormous heart and boundless energy for her work. She dedicated her professional life to improving psychological services in Australia through founding the Australian Institute of Emotion Focused Therapy, research in Emotion Focused Therapy, and her involvement with the Australian Psychological Society. Melissa developed her model, the Extended Focusing Task, for resolving emotional injuries and trauma which is detailed in her book Processing Emotional Pain using Emotion Focused Therapy (published 8th November 2019).

Melissa has left a significant legacy having transformed the lives of many through her therapeutic work, supervision, and training, and having established and inspired a community of Emotion Focused Practitioners in her hometown of Melbourne, Australia. Melissa will also be remembered for her enthusiastic participation in the international arena of Person Centred Therapy.
The Annual Memorial Melissa Harte Lecture was established to honour Dr Melissa Harte’s work and pay tribute to her contribution to the world of Person Centred Experiential and Emotion Focused Therapy.

Former clients of Dr Melissa Harte can direct enquiries to vivienne@creatingripples.com.au.