Melanie Bambridge

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she/her
Counsellor, Hypnotherapist and Reiki Practitioner
Available for new clients
Available for new clients

This professional is available for new clients.

Norwich, Norfolk, NR9
Available for new clients
Available for new clients

This professional is available for new clients.

About me

Hi

The thought of speaking with somebody about how we are feeling can be very daunting and initially raise anxiety levels but it is all part of the journey to us feeling better. The biggest step is accepting we need someone professional to talk to. Once we've made that step, the sense of relief can be immense, as often we can carry our problems on our shoulders for years, literally weighing us down.

I am an accredited Psychotherapeutic Counsellor, Qualified Hypnotherapist and Reiki practitioner. I run a private practice in comfortable surroundings from home. My therapy is client led, going at your pace, tailoring to your needs.

Just speaking to somebody who is neutral, non related and unbiased can be a huge weight off the shoulders in itself.

Friends and family, with best intentions, often have their opinions about what we 'should' do and what 'they' would do if they were us. Counselling isn't about that. I am trained to listen to you and guide you to find your own solutions, in your own time.

I initially use a Client-Centred/Psychodynamic approach and Integrative, Multi-Modality Counselling using the type of therapy that suits you, whether that be Counselling alone, Mindfulness Meditation styled techniques, Tapping, CBT style worksheets, Creative Therapy or Reiki, to name but a few. As I say, I work 'with' you and find the best technique to match the way of working that you are comfortable with.

Although not actually a part of the community, I regularly work with LGBTQ people and would like to state in my profile that I am accepting of, and will work with, all humans without prejudice.

A large percentage of my work is with the inner child, or the ‘young’ place within. We learn certain behaviours in childhood to protect us, which can lead to false beliefs that we take into adulthood. Learning to nurture the child within can bring peace after so many years of feeling emotionally crippled.

The thought of Hypnotherapy can make some people panic. Hypnotherapy isn't about making you pretend to walk about clucking like a chicken. All Hypnosis is self Hypnosis and the client is always in control. I guide you through relaxation techniques and once you've achieved a wonderful, deep relaxed state, I then help you to find the root cause of your problem as the critical conscious mind will be too relaxed to block anything. I use positive suggestions to help you to replace old negative thought patterns with a more positive, rational and realistic outlook.

While I don't generally offer Hypnotherapy programmes as a stand alone anymore, because my Counselling practice fills my availibility, I use my experience to provide guided Mindfulness styled meditations, as an addition to Counselling if the client would find it beneficial. 

Reiki, literally translates to Rei (healing) Ki (energy).  It is non religious and I usually, after talking you through a relaxation visualisation, personally tailored to you, place my hands on or near to your body. The warmth that people often feel, can have a very comforting effect. My clients often say they feel like they've been wrapped in a warm, protective blanket after Reiki.

Both Hypnotherapy and Reiki can be really beneficial if used for pain management in conditions such as Fybromyalgia

Sometimes when we've experienced deep trauma in our lives, our emotions can become blocked as a form of protection, this can make the ability to find the words to enable us to get in touch with our feelings nearly impossible. Using creative methods can be a great medium for us to find those feelings through reflection. I use Sandplay, picture cards, objects, figurines, soft toys etc all as a means to reflect upon and get in touch with various parts of ourselves that we can feel disconnected to. Both adults and children alike have found these means incredibly 'freeing' and enlightening. Feelings are emotions in motion after all.

I believe that we are made up of many parts and the wounded/traumatised parts are not all of us but part of us. And those parts make us the wonderful human beings that we are. We can work together to accept those parts of you that you may have split off or detached from, enabling you to live a more peaceful life where you can accept yourself for who you are.

As mentioned above, the therapy is tailored to whatever suits you, so I only offer additional techniques other than Counselling if we 'both' feel you would benefit from it.

I regularly partake in courses to continue in my professional development. I also facilitate A National Counselling Society Norfolk peer group meet.

I use Counselling, Hypnotherapy and Reiki with Cancer patients and their loved ones which helps to reduce anxiety levels and ease pain and discomfort. It can help to take away the controlling factors of Cancer for a while and help to enable an element of control. I volunteered at ‘Star Throwers’ in Wymondham, Norfolk for 2 years. Star Throwers is a wonderful place where clients are treated with a warm welcome and like human beings, not a statistic. Professionals are on hand to give succinct medical advice and facts and all the volunteers and therapists work as a team to make you feel comfortable.

I look forward to meeting you.

Thank you for reading

Best Wishes

Melanie

Training, qualifications & experience

  • Certificates in Reiki


Diploma in an introduction to counselling skills,


Diploma in psychotherapeutic counselling


Advanced Professional Diploma in psychotherapeutic counselling,


Diploma in Hypnotherapy,


Various Continuous Professional Development Certificates in subjects such as:

Working with Insomnia, IBS, Psychodrama workshops, Anxiety D.I.D and Mindfulness.


On-going CPD's and research.

My CPD requirements for accreditation with the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society is 30 hours per year which I achieve and exceed. I am passionate about continuing to learn and keeping a fresh perspective.

Additional training since qualifying includes:


6 week Mindfulness based stress management and relaxation techniques course


Regularly offer taster sessions of hypnotherapy and reiki at well-being events


Regular attendee on 'understanding behaviour', self-development sessions


CPD in Creative Therapy

CPD in Psychodrama

CPD in PTSD

CPD on working with gender identity

CPD in Anger Management

CPD in Pregnancy Loss

CPD in Working with Dreams.

CPD in D.I.D The Fundamentals with Carolyn Spring and PODS.

CPD in working with shame

CPD From Codependent to Independent

CPD in Borderline Personality Awareness

CPD Life Coaching Diploma

CPD Carolyn Spring's Working with Shame

CPD Carolyn Spring's Childhood Sexual Abuse, Hope For Healing.

CPD Carolyn Spring's Dealing with distress, working with suicide and self harm.

CPD Carolyn Spring's Working With Trauma That Has Become Stuck

CPD Shadow Work Practitioner Course

CPD Understanding and Working with Codependent Clients

CPD Internal Family Systems Master Class with Richard Shwartz

CPD Diploma in Mindfulness 

CPD Child Attachment Diploma 

CPD Walk and Talk Therapy (trained)

CPD An Introduction To Existential Therapy with Mick Cooper and Onlinevents 

CPD Revolutionising Trauma Therapy with Babette Rothschild

ADHD Awareness Diploma

Reclaim stolen body: Physical touch and Psychotherapy in embodied Trauma work with Ed Novak and Sylvie Monin (Onlinevents) 

Embracing The Shadow (workshop with Malcolm Stern and Onlinevents)

Some testimonials to show how Counselling can truly benefit you:


‘I feel so lucky that I found Mel when I was looking for a counsellor and I will always be so grateful for her support and encouragement during a very difficult time in my life. Not only did I get through the difficult times, I also embarked on a fascinating journey of self-discovery which has changed my life. Mel is a brilliant counsellor and her unwavering positive energy is truly uplifting. I would always recommend Mel to anyone wanting counselling or hypnotherapy.’

" Id never had counselling before and wasn't really sure what to expect and was quite nervous. Id been suffering from depression and a few personal problems and I found Melanie to be very welcoming and friendly and I felt very relaxed in a quiet environment. Melanie really listens and was empathetic and I found her suggestions of using various techniques very helpful. I always came away feeling much better and more positive and I would highly recommend Melanie"

“On realising that I needed some counselling (probably the hardest bit) I asked friends if they could recommend anyone, they recommended Mel and Im so glad they did. Talking to a stranger about your personal issues and problems can be very daunting however Mel, who explained the importance of the relationship between patient and counsellor and feeling at ease from the offset, instantly made me feel comfortable and that I could open up. Mel used a variety of counselling techniques, offered continuous support through recommendations of self help material to try at home. Mel was very honest and advised me as soon as I was ready to go off on my own. I would not hesitate to contact Mel should I need any further support in the future.”

Member organisations

Registered / Accredited

Registered / Accredited

Being registered/accredited with a professional body means an individual must have achieved a substantial level of training and experience approved by their member organisation.

NCPS
National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (NCPS)

The National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society

This Not For Profit association of counsellors and psychotherapists aim to support the counselling profession, members and training organisations.

In 2013 the NCS register was accredited by the Professional Standards Authority under the Accredited Voluntary Register Scheme. Accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.

Accredited register membership

National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society
Accredited Register Scheme

The Accredited Register Scheme was set up in 2013 by the Department of Health (DoH) as a way to recognise organisations that hold voluntary registers which meet certain standards. These standards are set by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).

This therapist has indicated that they belong to an Accredited Register.

National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society

Areas of counselling I deal with

Photos & videos

Fees

£50.00 per session
Free initial telephone session

Additional information

Initial, 15 minute consultation (given over the phone) for free. Then 50 pounds per 50-60 minute session.

£75 for couples which is a 75 minute session.

I don't offer concessions. Instead I will offer fortnightly sessions and set "homework" for the client to do on the week they don't see me. This way, the therapeutic process continues.

I ask that clients please give a 48 hour notice period of cancellation. The full fee is required if not.

When I work

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Night

appointments negotiable Tues-Fri, last appointment 6pm

Norwich, Norfolk, NR9

Type of session

In person
Online
Phone

Types of client

Children
Young people
Adults
Older adults
Couples
Employee Assistance Programme

Key details

DBS check

In England and Wales, the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS, formerly known as CRB) carry out criminal records checks for individuals working with vulnerable groups, such as children. To find out more, visit gov.uk , or contact this professional directly

Online platforms

Skype
Whatsapp
Zoom

Social

Melanie Bambridge
Melanie Bambridge