Melanie Jane Hickling


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This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
I am a fully qualified person-centred counsellor and I offer a therapeutic relationship in a safe, confidential and supportive therapeutic environment where you are free to explore and express anything that is on your mind.
As a person-centered counselor, I prioritize the unique experiences and perspectives of each individual. My therapeutic approach is built on several core principles:
- Empathy: I strive to deeply understand your feelings and experiences from your perspective. This empathetic connection helps create a safe space where you feel heard and valued.
- Unconditional Positive Regard: I believe in accepting you without judgment or conditions. This fosters an environment where you can explore your thoughts and emotions freely, knowing that you are respected and supported.
- Authenticity: I bring my genuine self into our sessions. By being open and real, I encourage you to express your true self, which can lead to deeper insights and personal growth.
- Active Listening: I practice active listening to fully engage with your narrative. This involves not only hearing your words but also understanding the underlying emotions and meanings, allowing for a richer dialogue.
- Self-Exploration: I guide you in exploring your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This process encourages self-discovery and can help you gain clarity on your values, beliefs, and aspirations.
- Empowerment: My goal is to empower you to take charge of your own healing journey. Together, we will identify your strengths and resources, enabling you to make informed choices and take meaningful steps toward your goals.
- Holistic Perspective: I recognize that each individual is a product of their environment, experiences, and relationships. I consider these factors in our work together, helping you to see how they influence your current situation.
Through this person-centered approach, I aim to support you in building resilience, fostering self-acceptance, and achieving personal growth. My role is to walk alongside you, providing guidance and support as you navigate life's challenges.
Since 2014, I have worked with a variety of presenting issues including clients experiencing depression, anxiety, suicidal feelings and thoughts, self-injury, stress, post-traumatic stress (disorder), childhood abuse (male and female), rape and sexual assault (male and female), grief, loss and bereavement.
I trained at The University of Nottingham and I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). I have a Masters Degree in Trauma Studies (now called Trauma Informed Practice) from the University of Nottingham. My practice is guided by the BACP Ethical Framework.
To find out more about what person-centred counselling involves: http://www.bapca.org.uk/about/what-is-it.html
Training, qualifications & experience
ABC Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Concepts - The Sherwood Institute
ABC Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills - Castle College
Bachelors Degree (Hons) in Humanistic Counselling Practice - The University of Nottingham
BACP Certificate of Proficiency
Masters Degree in Trauma Studies - The University of Nottingham
Current study - PhD - The University of Nottingham
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
I have experience working with a variety of presenting issues including:
- Depression
- Suicidal feelings and thoughts
- Obsessive compulsive disorder
- Survivors of suicide attempts
- Self-injury
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Childhood abuse (male and female)
- Rape and sexual assault
- Grief, loss and bereavement
- Personal development
Therapies offered
Fees
£30.00 - £50.00
Free initial online session
Concessions offered for
Additional information
My fees:
£50 for the first initial assessment (50 minutes)
£50 per 50 minute session after. £30 for students/concessions.
I am currently working remotely online. Applications used for this are WhatsApp video chat, Microsoft Teams and Google Meet.
When I work
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Please make contact for available times as I can offer a little flexibility when needed.
Further information
I work with individual clients over the age of 18.
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