About me
Hi there, my name is Melanie and for over 28 years now I have worked as a professionally qualified, Trauma Informed Counsellor & Psychotherapist. I am a qualified Emdr Therapist and also trained in REWIND therapy. I am a Clinical Supervisor of therapists and other professionals and facilitate various trainings. I am a qualified; couples and relationship therapist and end-of-life and grief companion. As an accredited Mindfulness and Meditation teacher I also deliver 8 week courses and facilitate Mindfulness Sessions. Please see qualifications listed below.
I am a Senior Accredited Registrant of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS) and Registered Member of the British Association for Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP).
I hold an enhanced DBS certificate. I work with individuals, couples, young people and elders and those needing end of life and grief support.
I've written many courses over the years and facilitate training and support groups including the 'Bereaved Parents Together' Support group which I founded in 2009 and have facilitated for over 17 years.
I provide supervision for professional individuals, therapists and other workers, groups and organisations.
I am have worked extensively with the following areas; Trauma - single or multiple, historic and recent; sexual, physical and emotional abuse, rape or assault, self injury, post traumatic stress (PTS) and C/PTSD. I offer Inner Child work, IFS work (Internal Family Systems) Creative techniques, Emdr and REWIND therapy to support this work. Some of these techniques can also be useful for treating fears, phobias and anxiety. These are all underpinned by my relational approach. Building strong workingvrelationships with ky clients so that there is safety and trust between us. I've worked extensively with parents following the death of a baby, child, children or adult child and more generally with bereavement and grief. I provide my services to the Homicide Division of Victim Support providing therapy for family members following a homicide. I work with illness and disability and caring for family members, mental health issues, terminal illness, low self esteem/confidence, personal development and growth work. I work with individuals or couples on relationship difficulties, sexuality and spirituality and am LGBTIA+ affirming. I have also supported many other issues that arise from the wide range of life's challenges that any of us can be faced with. More areas of work are listed below but feel free to contact me and ask if you have something specific that's not listed to see if I am able to help.
I have lectured in counselling and written and delivered a wide range of training days and workshops.
I bring all my personal and professional experience and learning, using compassionate inquiry, to find ways of working that best suit you, the client, and the material you bring to talk about. Finding the right counsellor for you is essential so I offer a free initial telephone chat. We can then arrange a full assessment session so that you can decide if I am someone you want to work with. I'll tell you about the way I work and answer any questions or concerns you may have. I provide a warm, compassionate, safe, confidential and professional space within which to work. I can offer testimonials, if required, from my work with individuals.
I am trained in Emdr therapy (Eye Movement Desensitisaion and Reprocessing) and Emdr 2.0, an evidence based treatment to alleviate the distress of traumatic and other memories. This is the recommended treatment for trauma within the NHS by NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) and the World Health Organisation.
I am also trained in Rewind Trauma Therapy by Dr David Muss and obtained the International Association for Rewind Trauma Therapy (IARTT) Certificate to deliver this effective Internationally recognised technique.
ECOTHERAPY/ECOPSYCHOLOGY: Using outdoor spaces allows us to re-connect and engage with the natural world and this can really support the counselling work and bring new perspectives to the therapeutic experience. I sometimes incororate this into my online or face to face work where appropriate. I am a member of Ecopsychology UK.
Me... I not only bring 26+ years work experience with me but I have faced and learnt to manage many difficulties and traumas within my own life. I also live with a chronic condition which informs my understanding of managing pain, health and well being every day. Being authentic and genuine I bring my learnt wisdom from those challenging times into my work. It's from personal experience as well as my extensive professional work that I know and value the support and help that counselling, psychotherapy and EMDR can bring. I offer a range of services but they are all deeply connected by my aspiration to support others who are struggling as best I can using my years of training and experience. I am more than happy to discuss just 'how' I think I may be able to help you when we first chat and if I'm not the right person for you then I can point you in another direction. As a therapist I have been described by my peers as having warmth, wisdom and integrity with strong boundaries. I can also be challenging where appropriate and am keen to work actively 'with' you by engaging fully in the therapeutic relationship and directing the process at times if that's what you need. I think I also bring kindness, compassion, honesty, care, creativity and some laughter to my work. I offer therapy in a dedicated therapy room and also work online.
Over the years I've developed an integrative and creative way of working meaning that I can combine theoretical approaches with creative techniques and sometimes incorporate ecotherapy where appropriate. I work in a way that best suits my client and their needs. I find I am able to work successfully online using this approach too and I can offer a range of resources to help you explore and express yourself including the use of; art, writing, collage, ceremony, ritual, Sand Tray, music, breath work, Mindfulness and Meditation or simply, but most importantly, my skills in listening, reflecting, challenging and witnessing.
I am here to provide a safe and trusting space to support you with anything that may be getting in the way of you getting the best out of your everyday life. My aim is to help you understand yourself better and address areas that you are struggling or suffering with or want to enhance so that you feel happier within yourself and your life.
Supervision
As a qualified clinical supervisor I have provided one to one and group supervision for trainee counsellors, qualified counsellors, social workers, healthcare professionals, treatment centre therapists, mental health workers, non counselling support professionals and volunteers. I have worked privately within numerous organisations. I am happy to provide face to face or online supervision. Please see supervisors profile.
Training, qualifications & experience
Years of Experience as Therapist: 28yrs.
Post Graduate Certificate in Supervision (Distinction) MA Level (2010)
Higher National Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy (2001)
Emdr Level 1,2 and 3 (EMDR EUROPE Accredited Training)
Emdr 2.0 Training with A. de Jongh & S. Matthijsson
AF - Emdr Attachment Focussed Emdr Training
Internal Family Systems (IFS) Model Across Clinical Applications
Mindfulness and Meditation Teacher Accreditatiom & Certification- UK College of Mindfulness Meditation (British Psychological Society BPS Approved)
Advanced Certificate in Couples Therapy - College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists (COSRT Approved)
REWIND Trauma Therapy (International Association for Rewind Trauma Therapy)
Independent Funeral Celebrant Certification. (AMC)
Soul Midwifery /End of Life Companion Training
BSc (Hons) Midwifery Degree
Acceptance And Commitment Therapy (ACT) (2) - APT Accreditation.
Diploma in Psychology & Health Science
City & Guilds Further & Adult Education Teachers Certificate
Hypnobirthing Practitioner Training (2014)
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Programme (MBSR) (2009)
Work Life Roles:
Counsellor/Psychotherapist (Individuals/Couples /Groups): 1998 - Ongoing, Private & Organisations
Supervisor (Individuals/Groups): 2003 - Ongoing: Private and Organisational: Gamcare, Adaction, Social Services, Mind, University Counselling Students, PhD Psychology Students, Recovery & Treatment Centres, Hospice Work, Qualified Counsellors etc.
Mindfulness and Meditation Teacher: 2009 - On-going. 8 week group courses, one to one, half day & day workshops etc.
Group Trainer / Facilitator: 2003 - Ongoing: Writing and Delivering training covering; Understanding Self Injury, Importance of Boundaries, Working Creatively with Clients, Leaning in with Loss, Grief and Bereavement, Working with Adolescents, Young Carers Issues, Carers Champions Training (Primary Care Trust), Basic Child Protection, Listening Skills. Self Care in the Helping Professions, The Importance of Supervision, Team Building etc.
Bereavement Services Coordinator & Supervisor: 2016 -2018 St Margarets Hospices
Midwife: 2012 - 2016 University of the West of England (In Training and Post Qualification)
Counselling Service Manager, Developer & Supervisor: 2007 - 2012 North Somerset Crossroads / Carers Trust
Founder/Group Facilitator: 'Bereaved Parents Together' Support Group 2009 - Ongoing
Young Carers Service Manager and Developer: 2002 - 2007 North Somerset Crossroads/Carers Trust
Young Carers Case Worker: 2001 - 2002 North Somerset Crossroads/Carers Trust
Lecturer In Counselling: 2003 - 2006 Weston College
Trainer and Facilitator:2001 – 2003 Bristol Crisis Service for Women
Sessional Counsellor: 2001 – 2002 The Women’s Project – Domestic Abuse
Samaritans Volunteer: 1996 – 1998
Senior Support Worker: 1986–1988 Mental Health Team, Lewisham, London.
Family Support Worker: 1985 – 1986 Southwark Social Services, London.
Continuing Professional and Personal Development Training.
I am committed to ongoing learning and development and attend regular workshops and courses to update my work and enhance my personal and professional development. I also attend many solely personal development activities/retreats (not listed here) which enhance my professional life too. These include:
- Zen and the Art of Saving the Planet - Plum Village Course
- The Art of Zen - Plum Village
- Attachment Focussed EMDR - healing trauma, anxiety, grief and loss. Dr Laurel Parnell
- Internal Family Sustems (IFS)
- Dream Completion Technique Dr Justin Havers
- The practical integration of the Flash technique with EMDR Therapy - Dr Justin Havers.
- Independent Funeral Celebrancy Certification - AMC
- Bluestar Pre-Trial Therapy Training
- Dying for a cuppa - Masterclass: Death Education
- The Souls Journey Home - Journeying with Death: Course
- Compassionate Inquiry Circle: 10 week Series
- Compassionate Inquiry (Dr Gabor Mate & Sat Dharam Kaur, Online Short Course)
- Soul Midwifery: Companioning and Support for the Dying
- Introduction to Gender Diversity.
- Counselling Online Primer (OU)
- Way of Council - Personal Vision Quest (4 Days)
- Healing the Maiden
- Exploring Sex and Sexuality with Clients 2020
- Helping Clients Tell their Story
- Ecotherapy with Martin Jordan
- Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults and Children Level 3
- Adult and Neonatal Life Support (2015)
- When a baby dies
- Compassionate Mind Training and Breath Work
- Assessments: Friend or Foe?
- Attachment and Its Legacy
- Working with Abuse
- Working with Ethical Dilemmas
- Safeguarding Children and Young People Stage 2
- Understanding and Working with Addiction
- Sand Tray therapy
- Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Course (8 week course)
- Children and the Impact of Domestic Violence
- Supervision & Appraisal Training
- Psychodrama: Various Weekends/Retreats and day courses
- Acpc Safeguarding Neglect Workshop
- Working with Children of Parents with Mental Health Issues
- Vulnerable Adults Awareness Training
- Management Skills
- Facilitation Skills
- Mental Health awareness
- Respecting Resistance in the Process of Change
- Spirituality and the self
- Stress, burn-out and handling anxiety
- Understanding Eating disorders
- Sexuality and Disability
- Seeing with the Heart– The Psychosynthesis and Education Trust
Published Material / Local Articles:
Why Counselling? - Melanie Phelps In ‘Carers Link’ Autumn 2010 Crossroads Care North Somerset
Coping with Caring and Christmas - Melanie Phelps In ‘Carers Link’ Winter 2010 Crossroads Care North Somerset
For Jacques - The Death of a Child - Melanie Phelps In ‘Carers Link’ Spring 2011 Crossroads Care North Somerset
Dealing with Isolation - Melanie Phelps In ‘Carers Link’ Winter 2011 Crossroads Care North Somerset
Member organisations
BACP is one of the UK’s leading professional bodies for counselling and psychotherapy with around 60,000 members. The Association has several different categories of membership, including Student Member, Individual Member, Registered Member MBACP, Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Accred) and Senior Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Snr Acccred). Registered and accredited members are listed on the BACP Register, which shows that they have demonstrated BACP’s recommended standards for training, proficiency and ethical practice. The BACP Register was the first register of psychological therapists to be accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA). Accredited and senior accredited membership are voluntary categories for members who choose to undertake a rigorous application and assessment process to demonstrate additional standards around practice, training and supervision. Individual members will have completed an appropriate counselling or psychotherapy course and started to practise, but they won’t appear on the BACP Register until they've demonstrated that they meet the standards for registration. Student members are still in the process of completing their training. All members are bound by the BACP Ethical Framework and a Professional Conduct Procedure.
Accredited register membership
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.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Other areas of counselling I deal with
With over 28 years experience I have worked with a wide range of issues and it's simply not possible to list them all. Also our difficulties never happen in isolation. Any problems we face often impact on other areas of our life, like the domino effect, which can make everything feel overwhelming and difficult to untangle or make sense of. So if you are not sure if counselling is right for you or not sure what it entails or if you have questions please feel free to make contact. We can chat through whether or not I may be the best person to work with you or I may be able to offer suggestions or point you in another direction.
Therapies offered
Photos & videos
Fees
£65.00 per session
Concessions offered for
Additional information
Free 15-minute telephone chat / part-assessment to give us the opportunity to chat
Fees:
Individual Therapy: Face to face or Online 50 min sessions £65
EMDR Face to Face / Online £65 per 50 minute session. £90 for 1.5hrs
REWIND Face to face /Online £65 per 50 min session.
Couples Therapy: Online Assessment and weekly 1hr session £80 or 1.5 hour £110
End of Life / Death and Grief Support: Contact to discuss options.
Supervision Fees
Individual Supervision (Face to Face or Zoom) 60 minutes - £70/ 90 minutes - £100.00
Group Supervision
Please contact to discuss terms
A few low cost places are available with negotiation for those on certain benefits or experiencing difficulties and for counselling students where appropriate.
Further information
I am currently working Face to face in Weston S Mare and online via Zoom.
When I do offer Ecotherapy sessions I am lucky enough to live within easy access of the Mendip hills, an area of outstanding natural beauty with woodlands, hills and a Gorge. This means any outdoor therapy undertaken is easily arranged. Appropriate clothing and footwear will be necessary if you decide to work in this way.
I am a registered member of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP) and NSCP and work within their Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions. I am committed to safeguarding and have a keen awareness of equality and diversity issues. I have regularly held an enhanced DBS check.
