Melanie Hudson- Durham Counsellor & Therapist
Hi, I’m Melanie, a private counsellor & therapist based in Central Durham. With a master’s degree in counselling & psychotherapy and accreditation from the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP), I offer extensive experience and compassionate support on your journey toward emotional well-being.
My approach centres on creating a warm, non-judgemental space where you can feel safe to openly explore your challenges. I believe in the transformative potential of counselling and strive to build a collaborative, empowering therapeutic relationship that helps you feel supported and understood.
Whether you looking for help to navigate life's challenges, improve your well-being, or focus on personal growth, therapy might be an important next step. I'm here to guide you from first contact and throughout your therapeutic journey.
The types of issues I work with
There are many different reasons people seek a therapist, some of these include:
Anxiety & depression.
Academic challenges.
Stress, burnout & work-related issues.
Life transitions.
Facing a difficult decision or uncertainty.
Trauma, life-changing events and abuse.
Bereavement & Loss - including pet, pregnancy and baby loss.
Support for neurodivergent experiences.
Low self-esteem.
Personal development.
Other personal issues.
If you are considering therapy but unsure if it’s right for you please don’t hesitate to get in contact with me for more information.
Why I do what I do
Having experienced the profound benefits of therapy myself, I'm passionate about its potential to transform lives. Despite my initial reservations, therapy helped me cultivate greater self-compassion, confidence and a clearer sense of direction. These changes inspired me to work as a counsellor, so I could help others through their own well-being journey.
I now have over ten years of experience working as a counsellor. It’s a privilege to accompany and guide clients through difficult emotions, feelings of stuckness, and to celebrate their achievements.
I appreciate the courage it takes to begin therapy, and I'm here to support you in this.
Qualifications, Training & Experience
Qualifications
Master's Degree in Counselling & Psychotherapy (York St John University)
Online & Telephone Counselling Training (Counselling Tutor)
CRUSE Level 2 in Awareness in Bereavement Care & Bereavement Counselling;
IML endorsed Training in Coaching & Mentoring;
Continuous Professional Development in topics such as, trauma, suicide prevention, coping skills, pet loss and inequality.
Experience
Counselling & Psychotherapy:
Private Therapist: Over 8 years of experience in private practice.
GP Surgeries: - Worked as a counsellor in GP practices for 4 years.
Place2Be: Volunteered as a primary school counsellor for 1 year.
Durham University:
Worked as a Student mentor at University College and St Mary's College (5 years).
Provided student support at St Mary's College (2 terms).
Victim Support Volunteer: Supported victims of crime for 2 years.
Citizens Advice: Generalist advisor for 2+ years.
Accreditation
Accredited by the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP).
Further Information
If you have any questions about counselling, concerns about starting therapy, or you want to book an appointment please don’t hesitate to contact me.
