Why Counselling and Psychotherapy?
If you are wondering what might bring you to therapy, you are already asking an important question. Whether you are facing a specific challenge or simply feeling that something is not quite right, counselling and psychotherapy can offer a space to explore, reflect, and grow. London can be a demanding and at times overwhelming city to live in. If you are feeling the weight of that, or carrying something that has been with you for a while, I would be glad to hear from you.
A Safe, Non-Judgmental Space to Talk
At the heart of my practice is a commitment to creating a warm, empathic, and non-judgmental environment. All experiences and feelings are welcome here — nothing is off the table. I work to connect you with your own potential, whether that means working through something specific or simply having a space to be heard. I draw on a range of therapeutic skills and approaches, and have completed further training in Integrative Therapy, bringing greater depth and breadth to my practice.
Areas of Experience
I have worked with clients on a broad range of topics, including:
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Anxiety and depression
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Trauma and PTSD
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Grief and bereavement
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Sexuality and gender identity
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Neurodiversity
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And much more — please do reach out to talk about what you are bringing
Therapy for Creatives and Beyond
Having come from an arts background, I have a particular affinity for working with creatives — artists, writers, performers, and others who think and feel in non-linear ways. That said, I welcome enquiries from everyone and have experience working with a wide and diverse range of individuals.
Ready to Take the First Step?
All are welcome. Please get in touch to discuss what you are looking for — I am happy to have an short call before you commit to anything followed by a full initial consultation to see if you would like to work with me.
A bit about me...
Prior to becoming a therapist I worked in the arts for almost twenty years and learned to interact with a wide and diverse range of people, both one to one and in groups. I managed teams of staff, worked with directors and senior staff in large scale arts venues, was a trainer and worked to improve accessibility to events for those with differing abilities. I now use my training and experience to work with people in a compassionate and understanding way having developed my people skills over a twenty year career. Intuition and experience, alongside six years of training, help me to work with the uniqueness of each person I meet as a therapist and I leave judgment for the outside world thus creating a safe space for you to explore your feelings safely, feeling well held at all times. I have been humbled and privileged by the trust clients have placed in the therapy space, and I look forward to supporting many more people on their journey.
Testimonial from Jackee Holder:
"Having worked and trained with Mel I would highly recommend her as a therapist. Mel is insighftul, with a clear commitment to intersectionality in how she works and who she works with. Mel works from a feminist perspective that is both refreshing and is of value for all genders. Mel's assertive and compassionate approach provides a safe and confidential holding space to work therapeutically with individuals to create change and shifts."
Jackee Holder (Coach & Facilitator www.jackeeholder.com)
Qualifications and Professional Membership:
I hold a Post Graduate Diploma in Advanced Clinical Practise in Integrative Psychotherapy and Counselling from The Minster Centre. I also have a Postgraduate Diploma in Psychosynthesis Counselling which is accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP). The Diploma was awarded by Middlesex University. I am a UCKP accredited member, I also have a BA Hons Degree in English with Drama, and have studied Psychology for a year with the Open University.
GDPR and Data Protection Information:
I am registered with the ICO for current Data Protection and GDPR legislation. I take the handling of client data very seriously and will always endeavour to keep all written and computerised notes locked safely away in my home with no identifiable details attached. All data is anonymised. I will always do my utmost to maintain complete confidentiality through anonymity and safe keeping of client data in line with UK GDPR. I do hold some information on clients including GP details which will be discussed when we meet. All files are kept safely on an encrypted computer with no access to these by anyone else. All information about previous clients will be deleted after a period of seven years and I use journalling as a form of self supervision for sessions. I use gmail for work and my phone is password protected. If ever there was an issue about how I hold data or manage my practise in the first instance please do contact me directly to try to resolve any issues, but all clients have the right to make a complaint about data handling to the ICO or about my professional standards to my governing body. Please ask for any further information around data handling and GDPR when we meet.
