Who Are We?
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Administrative Assistant 

Blossomtree Psychology has a wonderful offsite administrative assistant, Kristie.  Kristie works on a Tuesday and Wednesday only

Please note that office phone is unattended on a Mondays and Friday. 

If you are unable to reach us via phone we suggest emailing us at [email protected] as Chelle monitors this regularly, when Kristie isn't working. 

Michelle Houghton - Clinical Psychologist

 Michelle (Chelle) Houghton MPsych MAPS
Clinical Psychologist | Infant Mental Health & Trauma Specialist | Reflective Supervisor & Mentor

Michelle Houghton (she/her), known to most as Chelle, is a highly respected Clinical Psychologist with over 28 years of experience dedicated to the mental health and wellbeing of infants, young children, and their families.

As the Director of Blossomtree Psychology in Ballarat, Victoria, Chelle is recognised nationally and internationally for her expertise in infant mental health, developmental trauma, attachment, and brain-based approaches to healing.
Chelle’s work is deeply grounded in neurodevelopment, culturally responsive practice, and the science of relationships.

She is a certified Mentor in the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT) and a graduate of the University of California Davis Napa Infant-Parent Mental Health Fellowship, where she now contributes as a Capstone presenter and reflective mentor.

Known for her warmth, authenticity, and relational approach, Chelle is a passionate advocate for trauma-responsive systems and reflective practice. Her work spans clinical service delivery, supervision, interdisciplinary consultation, and leadership in professional development. She is a sought-after keynote speaker and facilitator, appreciated for her ability to translate complex science into relationally grounded, compassionate practice.

Chelle has published widely and presented across Australia, New Zealand, and North America on topics including the impact of early trauma, the role of regulation and relationships in healing, reflective supervision, and animal-assisted interventions. Her signature presentation, “Not in Isolation,” explores the healing power of connection in the lives of traumatised children and families.

A proud lifelong learner, Chelle continues to explore the edges of her own practice— embracing vulnerability, imperfection, and deep reflection as central to her evolution as a clinician, supervisor, and human being.

Chelle is committed to providing family inclusive, client centred services to her clients.  Working with the child in the context of their family or care relationships is an essential approach for Chelle in her work with children. Child clients and their families have often commended Chelle on her ability to put clients at ease, establish safe therapeutic space for children to address difficult issues and to support and manage these competently.

Chelle specialises in the treatment of expectant parents and infants up to 4 years of age.  She also sees children up to the age of 10 and their families. 
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Chelle is a member of the Australian Psychological Society, and a registered provider with Medicare.
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Denver and Cally's Healthcare is proudly sponsored by the Ballarat Veterinary Practice

Denver, Cally & Maple - Therapy Dogs

Denver is a 10-year-old chocolate Labrador.  Denver is trained to an Advanced Level of Animal Assisted Therapy and Canine Interventions with Lead the Way Psychology and Animal Assisted Therapy and Alpha Canine Professionals.  
 
Denver loves people, (children especially!) and can be very excitable and he can sometimes forget that he's at work.  You can tell when Denver is excited because he wags his whole body!  Denver has his favourite spot on the couch and is likely to curl up alongside you and go to sleep while you pat him, sometimes even with his head in your lap. 

Cally is an 9-year-old black Labrador. She didn't have the best start to life, and people didn't treat her very nicely. In fact, like lots of the kids Chelle sees, Cally was in Foster Care, but in 2017 Chelle adopted her and brought love back into her life. Chelle and Cally have worked really hard on learning to trust each other and work together. Cally's favourite things are; pats, playing with her brother Denver, pats, toys and pats. Did we mention she loves pats? Cally became a Certified Therapy Dog in September 2019 after 2 long years of training.  

Maple joined the pack in 2024 and is a bit over a year old.  She's a rambunctious little maple coloured lab who loves to play ball, have tummy rubs and hop in your lap.  Maple is still mischievous so watch your shoelaces and toes... she's still learning not to nibble. 

Denver, Cally & Maple don't work every day because their health and welfare is really important to us at Blossomtree Psychology.  They come into the office one dog at a time and only for a day a week.  Sometimes they will come into reception to say hello on their way outside for a break or coming back inside from a break.  Denver, Cally & Maple have corner in Chelle's office so they have somewhere to go and have a rest but also somewhere safe to be.  This is their space and we don't let anyone bother them while they are there.  The dogs get to choose if they want to work with you in session.  Again we want to make sure they enjoy their time at the office and working, so we let them choose to participate or not.  

If you don't want Denver, Cally or Maple to be a part of your sessions with Chelle, be sure to let her know, or get your Mum and Dad to tell them, and they will make sure they aren't part of your sessions. 
 
You can keep track of Denver, Cally and Maple's adventures on their social media pages below!