Melanie Jane Hickling

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Person Centred Counsellor BA. MA. MBACP

About me

If you are feeling overwhelmed, stuck in past difficult experiences, or struggling to make sense of your emotions, you do not have to carry it alone. Life can feel heavy, and finding a space where you feel truly safe and heard is the first step toward relief. I work with adults and young people aged 11+ who are navigating anxiety, trauma, and life's biggest challenges.

I am currently welcoming new clients for online sessions via Microsoft Teams and WhatsApp Video. I am also currently preparing a dedicated, private therapy room within my home in Beeston, Nottingham for face-to-face appointments in the near future. 

Please note that this dedicated counselling space is located on the first floor and requires navigating a flight of stairs. 

At the heart of our work:

A Real Relationship: I walk alongside you without judgment. You lead the way.

A Safe, Private Space: A calm environment where you can speak openly and be genuinely heard.

Your Own Creative Space: If words feel too difficult or aren't enough, you are welcome to use your own creative tools, like drawing, stones, or objects during our sessions.

No Pressure: There is no pressure to "just talk." The way we use our time is completely up to you.

My Approach & Trauma Expertise

As a person-centred therapist, I work with what you choose to present rather than focusing on medical labels or diagnoses. You are the expert on your own life.

With an MA in Trauma Studies, I also offer a deeply trauma-informed perspective. This means I understand how deeply past painful events or childhood experiences can disrupt your present life, body, and relationships. Together, we will gently process what presents itself, always ensuring you feel safe and in control.

Getting in Touch

I invite you to contact me by email or phone to arrange an initial session. This is a low-pressure opportunity to see if this space feels like the right fit for you. If I am unable to answer the phone, please leave a voicemail. I aim to respond to all emails and voice messages within 24–48 hours.

Availability & Fees:

Fees: £55 per 50-minute session. Concessions are available for those on lower incomes or benefits and students, subject to space. Please get in touch to check my current availability.

Hours: Daytime and early evening appointments are available during the week.

To find out more about what person-centred counselling involves: http://www.bapca.org.uk/about/what-is-it.html

Training, qualifications & experience

Experience

I began working with clients on placement in 2012 during training, and I graduated with a BA in Humanistic Counselling Practice from the University of Nottingham in 2014. I later completed a Master’s degree in Trauma Studies (now known as Trauma-Informed Practice at the same university graduating in 2019, deepening my understanding of how trauma affects the mind, body and relationships - and how to work with it safely and compassionately. 

Since qualifying, I’ve supported people through a wide range of issues, including trauma, anxiety, low mood, relationship difficulties, and identity-related concerns. My experience spans both charity and private practice settings, where I’ve worked with individuals from diverse backgrounds and life experiences. Since 2020, following some in house training with an organisation that works with people who have experienced sexual violence I also work with children and young people aged 11-17 years.

A significant part of my work has focused on trauma, grief and loss - including childhood neglect, emotional abuse, physical and sexual abuse, bereavement, and sudden life changes. I understand that trauma can be complex and deeply personal, and that grief doesn’t follow a linear path. I’ve supported clients navigating experiences that are difficult to articulate, and those who carry pain that feels invisible to others.

My approach is grounded in empathy, patience and respect - offering a safe space where you can explore what’s happened, and begin to reconnect with your own strength and sense of self.

Training

ABC Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Concepts - The Sherwood Institute (2008)

ABC Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills - Castle College (2008-2009)

Bachelors Degree (Hons) in Humanistic Counselling Practice - The University of Nottingham (2010-2014)

BACP Certificate of Proficiency

Masters Degree in Trauma Studies - The University of Nottingham (2016-2019)

Certificate in Counselling Young People: A Humanistic and Integrative Approach to Working with Young People (11-18) - The Sherwood Psychotherapy Training Institute (2024)

Current study - PhD - The University of Nottingham

Member organisations

BACP
British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP)

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

British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy
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.

British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy

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

£55.00 per session

Concessions offered for

  • Low income
  • OAPs
  • Students
  • Trainee counsellors
  • Unemployed

Additional information

My fees:

£55 per 1 hour session. Concessions are available for those on lower incomes or benefits and students, subject to space. Please get in touch to check my current availability.

When I work

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Early morning
Morning
Early afternoon
Late afternoon
Evening

Further information

Privacy Statement: In line with General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), any personal information you send via this website, will only be used in order for me to contact you. Your personal details will not be retained for any other purpose, nor will they be shared with any other organisation. By contacting me you are agreeing to me holding your information for the purpose of contacting you only.

Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG9

Type of session

Online

Types of client

Young people (13-17)
Young adults (18-24)
Adults (25-64)
Older Adults (65+)

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

Whatsapp
Microsoft Teams
Melanie Jane Hickling
Melanie Jane Hickling