Melisha Lawrence

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she/her
BSc (Hons), MA, MBACP accredited

About me

About me
I've worked in the mental health sector for nearly ten years in different capacities. I currently work in private practice and in partnership with UK-based charities and in higher education. I work on a short-term and long-term basis with clients aged 18+ from a variety of different backgrounds. 

I am passionate about my work with clients and I am committed to providing a professional yet meaningful service. I am an accredited member of the BACP and I am listed in The Black African and Asian Therapy Network (BAATN) therapist directory.

Why have therapy?
Sometimes the struggles we are experiencing in our lives can feel overwhelming and difficult to share. We may feel a sense of unhappiness, loneliness, a lack of fulfilment or anger where we may or may not be able to identify the causes. A wide range of issues can trigger such feelings including: anxiety, depression, bereavement, low self-esteem, relationship issues, or a change in circumstances such as: a breakdown in a relationship, starting a new job, moving house or becoming a parent.

Working together therapeutically we can create a safe, non-judgemental space where you can explore the issues causing you distress. It provides support for anyone who is going through a difficult time or who has emotional problems they feel they perhaps are unable to resolve on their own. Therapy can also involve looking at problems in a different way and recognising the patterns of behaviour that keep us stuck, understanding how and why we developed them and making active changes.  Sometimes it’s easier to talk to someone independent than to relatives or friends.

How I work
I practise an integrated model of counselling which means I use a range of psychological theories to help you find your way forward. Using theories, such as, Person-Centred, Psychodynamic, Existentialism alongside CBT techniques. I believe that although therapy can be challenging, it can also be fun and creative. I also have specialist training in Person-Centred Experiential Counselling for Depression (PCE-CfD) and EMDR. 

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) helps to process traumatic or distressing experiences that may still be impacting you. It's a structured approach that uses bilateral stimulation (like eye movements or tapping) to support you in processing the memories and reducing the emotional intensity. EMDR can be helpful for a range of difficulties, including, traumatic memories, anxiety, depression, phobias etc.

As a person with mixed heritage and having grown up in diverse areas of London, I am able to reflect on issues through an intersectional lens. I am also experienced in working cross-culturally. 

Everyone is unique which is why I aim to get to know you and your lived experience. I tailor the way I work to each client and their needs, ensuring that a safe and trusting therapeutic relationship is at the centre of our work together. 

Starting therapy
The relationship we build is important in therapy, so I offer a free 20-minute telephone consultation- giving us a chance to discuss what you would like from counselling and explore whether we're a good fit to work together.

Training, qualifications & experience

  • Clinical supervision in training
  • EMDR practitioner
  • Licensed PCE-Counselling for Depression Counsellor
  • Certificate in Advanced Cognitive-Behavioural skills
  • MA Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy
  • BSc (Hons) Psychology

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

  • People-pleasing
  • Boundaries
  • Impostor syndrome
  • Racial/Cultural/Identity issues

Photos & videos

Fees

£65.00 - £75.00

Concessions offered for

  • Trainee counsellors

Additional information

The relationship we build is an important part of therapy, so I offer a free 20-minute telephone consultation,  giving you a chance to ask any questions and for us to see whether we're a good fit to work together.

Sessions can be face to face or via video or telephone.

Individual talking therapy and EMDR sessions (50-minutes): £75
Please note: the first EMDR session will need to be 90-minutes

Student counsellors: please enquire about concessionary rates

Clinical supervision (50-minutes): £45

72 hours’ notice is required when cancelling a session and if not the full fee will be charged.

Type of session

In person
Online
Phone

Types of client

Young adults (18-24)
Adults (25-64)
Older Adults (65+)
Organisations
Employee Assistance Programme

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

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Melisha Lawrence
Melisha Lawrence