Melanie Phelps

COVID19: Due to the current situation I am working with clients and supervisees via telephone, Skype or Zoom. I have limited spaces available so please call if you would like to discuss arranging an assessment session.

Hi there, my name is Melanie and for over 20 years I have worked as a qualified Integrative Counsellor, Psychotherapist, Supervisor and Trainer (see qualifications below). I am a Registered Member of the British Association for Counsellors and Psychotherapists.  I bring all that experience and learning into the counselling room 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. I offer a free initial telephone chat and then we can 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. My work has involved supporting children, adolescents, adults and elders, individually, as couples and in groups.

I have worked extensively with the following areas: the death of a child, grief and bereavement, historic and recent sexual, physical and emotional abuse/rape/assault,  self injury/harm,  post traumatic stress, inner child work, disability, caring for family members with disability, mental health issues,  terminal disease, low self esteem/confidence, personal development/growth work, anxiety, depression, negative thought patterns, relationship difficulties, sexuality and spirituality. 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 thats not listed. I have lectured in counselling, written and delivered a wide range of training days and workshops and facilitated support groups.

ECOTHERAPY/ECOPSYCHOLOGY: As well as working in the traditional counselling room setting I am lucky enough to be able to offer clients a unique opportunity to take the counselling outdoors and into the natural world. 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 live very close to the beach with woodland and a headland close by making this work easily accessible. I am a member of Ecopsychology UK.  This may not always be appropriate but if it is offered the decision to work outside on occasions always lies with the client.

I not only bring 22 years work experience with me but I have faced and learnt to manage many difficulties and traumas within my own life. By being authentic and genuine I bring my learnt wisdom from those challenging times. It's from personal experience as well as my professional work  that I know and value the support and help that counselling and psychotherapy can give us. I am more than happy to discuss just 'how' I think I may be able to help you when we first chat. As a therapist I have been described by my peers as having warmth, wisdom, integrity and strong boundaries. I like to think I also bring kindness, honesty, care, creativity and some laughter to my work. I offer counselling in my dedicated therapy room which is on the ground floor and has wheelchair access.

Over the years  I've developed an integrative and creative way of working meaning that I can combine theoretical approaches to best suit the client and their needs.  I enjoy working creatively where appropriate but again the decision lies with each client. I can offer a range of resources to help you explore and express including the use of; art, writing, collage, ceremony, ritual, Sand Tray, music, breath work, mindfulness 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 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, teams and volunteers. I have worked privately and within numerous organisations. I am happy to provide face to face or internet supervision. Please see supervisors profile.