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're 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 Type 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.
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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 to 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 that include 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.
