Melanie Pickles
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This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
In our therapeutic space, I honour your unique journey—a narrative that unfolds through your experiences, fears, and aspirations. As we embark on this existential exploration, here’s what you can anticipate:
Deep Inquiry: Existential therapy delves into the heart of existence. We engage in candid conversations about life’s fundamental questions: What gives your life meaning? How do you grapple with freedom and responsibility? What fears or anxieties shape your choices? Expect thought-provoking discussions that invite self-reflection.
Embracing Uncertainty: Existential therapy acknowledges that life is inherently uncertain. We explore the anxiety that arises from facing the unknown. Rather than avoiding discomfort, we lean into it. Together, we navigate existential givens—the realities of mortality, isolation, and the search for meaning. Expect to confront these universal themes.
Authenticity: Your authenticity matters. We peel away layers of social masks and expectations, revealing your true self. Authenticity involves aligning your actions with your inner values. Expect to explore what it means to live authentically and how to express your genuine self.
Freedom and Choice: Existential therapy celebrates human agency. You are not a passive observer; you are an active participant in your life. We examine the choices you make—both conscious and unconscious. Expect to discover the power of choice and how it shapes your existence.
Narrative Reframing: Our stories define us. In therapy, we examine the narratives you’ve constructed—the tales of triumph, loss, love, and struggle. We challenge limiting beliefs and rewrite narratives that hinder growth. Expect to reshape your life story, emphasizing resilience and hope.
Meaning-Making: We seek meaning amidst chaos. Whether through creative expression, relationships, or purposeful work, we explore avenues for meaning. Expect to engage in a quest for significance—a journey that transcends mere survival.
Healing Through Connection: Our therapeutic relationship is pivotal. Trust, empathy, and genuine connection foster healing. Expect a safe space where vulnerability is honored, tears are welcomed, and insights emerge.
Existential Techniques: From journaling to guided imagery, we employ various techniques. Expect experiential exercises that deepen self-awareness and facilitate growth.
Remember, existential therapy is not about quick fixes; it’s about profound transformation. As we navigate your inner landscape, know that you are not alone. Together, we’ll uncover insights, embrace uncertainties, and forge a path toward authenticity and meaning.
Training, qualifications & experience
I am a fully qualified, registered and experienced therapist. I hold a Degree in Psychology (BAHons) and a Masters in Counselling (MA). I originally trained at Regents School of Existential Psychotherapy. I have been working, studying, researching and training others in the field of mental health since 1998.
I see individual clients in my private practice, and work as an affiliate therapist and executive coach to organisations; delivering training programmes, workshops, mediation, supervision and organisational support.
I also offer specialist mental health mentoring to students in higher education and have taught Counselling, Coaching & Mentoring at both undergraduate and diploma level.
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
Therapies offered
Fees
£60.00 per session
Free initial online session
Concessions offered for
Additional information
Existential Psychotherapy:
£60ph
Therapeutic Coaching:
6 x 90min sessions - £80 per session
Private Tuition:
£25ph
Mentoring and Corporate Training packages prices available on request.
I offer a reduced fee for trainee counsellors looking to do self-development work.
When I work
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- Online: Mon -Thurs
- In-person: Friday
Further information
What can you expect?
Once you have made your initial enquiry, I will reply to you with some potential dates and times for us to meet online for a free introductory session. This gives us an opportunity to meet and decide how we can work together.
I would usually suggest we work together for a minimum of 12 sessions, weekly at the same time. This allows for a rhythm and regularity for the therapy to take place. However, a lot can be done in 6 sessions - we will discuss how to make therapy work for you in our introductory session.
I work online Mon - Thurs and see clients in person on Fridays. There is a waiting list for in person appointments.
Payment is made by bank transfer on the day of the session.
