Melanie Holland Tucker

How I can help you and how we can work together...

Hello, finding a therapist can feel daunting with so many profiles to look at so thank you for reading mine. I hope it gives you some idea of my approach and how I work with my clients in my practise.

As an experienced trauma informed therapist I am able to work with my clients either face to face from a comfortable room in North Swindon, by telephone or online via Zoom.

The move to incorporate online working was taken with additional training made during the pandemic and for many clients is still a preference which I am pleased to support.

Online sessions mean I can work with individual adults (18+) from all over the UK and add a flexibility that clients enjoy including saving time due to not travelling to their sessions.

All that is required is a secure, reliable internet connection, a private space to engage in therapy within and the time weekly or fortnightly to commit to sessions.

For many it’s more convenient than face to face counselling because there’s no travel, no parking and feels less time consuming and they can feel more able to access sessions. Counselling in the comfort of your own home or alternative private spaces.

Please note I work with those who are 18+ and do not offer couples counselling.

Now..about you...

If you are having a tough time at the moment and could do with some extra support please contact me to see how together we can find some resolutions to the issues that are currently troubling you. 

It can feel daunting to know where to start or how to cope if we feel overwhelmed by difficult past or present experiences, thoughts and feelings but by exploring this in a supportive space we are able to understand more about what is at the root of these.

If you are struggling with an issue, experiencing distress or trying to make sense of how you feel at the moment talking to someone who will listen in an open, empathic and non-judgemental way can help.

Whilst fostering clarity and understanding, I bring a warm, calm and compassionate approach to my work in which my client feels supported and empowered. Supporting you in our work together is key.

I have a passionate belief in the human capacity for change, and I am committed to using my skills, training, knowledge and experience to support those who seek therapy in assisting them to do so. I believe we are all individual and therefore have our own unique needs and wants. Exploring these in a safe and compassionate space can lead to an increase in self-awareness and this nurtures authenticity which supports healthy growth into who you really are and were always meant to be.

I am a very experienced qualified professional Integrative therapist working in my own practise for the past few years since qualifying using a trauma informed approach working with a wide range of client issues that include:

• Anxiety and Depression 
• Abandonment and Rejection
• Addiction
• Alcohol dependency
• Substance misuse
• Relationship issues: including poor boundaries and how to develop these in order to foster healthier relationships with ourselves and others
• Low self-esteem and confidence
• Trauma - developmental and relational
• Domestic abuse - psychological, emotional, physical
• Childhood/adult: emotional, psychological, physical and sexual abuse
• Grief and loss including bereavement
• Life stages and transitions
• Co-dependency
• How to become your authentic self
• Compassion focused - how to develop this as a useful approach to self
• Dysregulation of the nervous system - tools and applications to learn affect regulation skills and healing the nervous system which can hold chronic stress post trauma

I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and I adhere to their code of professional standards and ethical framework. I have public indemnity insurance and undertake continuous professional development to ensure my learning is regularly updated.

How can counselling help you?

It can feel difficult to know where to start or how to cope when we are experiencing distressing events, thoughts and feelings. Being heard, accepted, validated and shown compassion can make a real difference to how we feel about ourselves and others. 

Counselling offers the time and space to reflect on and process our thoughts and feelings and the painful times we can all go through as human beings. Counselling is not about giving advice or me telling you what to do. It is about exploring the issues or concerns you have in your life and discovering how to move forward in the best possible way for you.

Appointments are generally arranged on a weekly or fortnightly basis usually on the same day and time but this can be discussed in our initial telephone consultation. The important part is that we can meet regularly to provide the stable support that is required to underpin the therapy.

The length of time you work with me can either be for a short period of 6-12 sessions, medium 13-24 sessions, long around 24 weeks or open ended.

We will review the work regularly reflecting on how counselling is being experienced and what changes are occurring for you. It is usual that when coming to the end of the work we have done together to have an ending session so that the work can be completed safely and securely.

I offer a safe, confidential, empathic and non-judgemental space in which together we can look at the issues you wish to which can nurture self-awareness and personal growth.

How do I work with clients?

As a relational therapist at the heart of my work the relationship we create together is valued and explored, as is the relationship you have with yourself and others. I believe that you, the client is the expert on yourself and our work is led by your needs and aims.

I practise Integratively which means I draw from a number of theoretical approaches, skills and interventions allowing me the flexibility to assist my clients as unique individuals. Every client is different and my approach is tailored to the individual.

Sometimes we can experience difficulties or distress in our adult life and relationships as we bring old patterns or behaviours from our childhood which are still influencing and affecting us today. By helping clients explore and understand how this impacts in the here and now can help them to grow and have healthier relationships as adults - both with themselves and others. 

Self beliefs formed in childhood and relational patterns we have witnessed or experienced greatly influence our adult lives. Understanding these and gently challenging some unhelpful self beliefs and childhood messages can be transforming.

All emotions are allowed and can be explored in session, none are judged but safety is paramount so you must ensure you do not cause any damage to property, yourself or myself.

I also introduce clients to understanding how our nervous system impacts and influences us and holds any trauma. This can be particularly useful when trying to understand how the past affects our lives in the here and now. It can also help us understand our current reactions, emotions held in the body and chronic stress linked to physical symptoms.

There are regular breaks in the practise throughout the year and advanced notice of these are given to all clients. 

How do I know if you are the right therapist?

There are many different therapists to choose from and many different approaches so it is important you find one that works best for you. I would always meet with possible new clients for an initial telephone consultation so we can talk about what is bringing you to therapy, so you can experience how I work and you can decide if it feels like a good fit.

This is a good time for you to also ask any questions and to explore what therapy may look like for you. There is no obligation to continue with therapy after this call.

If you would like to see if you feel we could work together please contact me on 07494 143923 for an initial consultation.

Alternatively please click here to send me an email.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Therapy room:

I work from a comfortable, professional room in North Swindon which is easily accessed by car and public transport.

Please note access to the therapy room is via a flight of stairs. 

Free parking is available on site and the premises has well equipped bathroom facilities.

I also offer telephone and online sessions via Zoom.

I offer an initial free 30 minute telephone consultation to see if we would be a suitable match and both feel able to move forwards into working together.

The initial discussion invites you to share with me a brief outline of your needs and focus in therapy, ask any questions you may have and to discuss mutual availability for sessions. I also can offer a brief verbal outline of my approach and outline how we might work together with you at the centre of sessions.

Sessions are 50 minutes in duration and my current fee is £65.00.

I work online in person from a comfortable therapy room in North Swindon or via Zoom or telephone. Please enquire as to my current availability.

Some limited concessionary spaces may be available - please ask about my current capacity.

• Registered as a 'Data Controller' with the 'Information Commissioners Office' (ICO), to comply with The Data Protection Act (2018).

Privacy Statement:

Data collected via this website, is used for the sole purpose of establishing contact. Your personal details and/or information will not be retained for any other purpose, and is not shared with third party individuals or organisations.