Melisha Lawrence
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This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
About me
I have worked in the mental health sector for nearly ten years in different capacities. I am a qualified Counsellor and Psychotherapist working in private practice and in partnership with UK-based charities and the NHS.
I work on a short-term and long-term basis with clients aged 18+ from a variety of different backgrounds. I offer sessions both face-to-face in Clapham via video platform and telephone.
I am passionate about my work with clients and I am committed to providing a professional yet meaningful service. I am registered with the BACP and I am listed in The Black African and Asian Therapy Network (BAATN) therapist directory and the Counselling 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 and CBT, I believe that although therapy can be challenging, it can also be fun and creative.
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.
What happens next
The relationship we build together is integral to the therapeutic process therefore I offer a free 20-minute telephone consultation- giving us a chance to meet, to discuss what you would like from counselling and explore whether we are right to work together. The following counselling session will last for 50-minutes where we can explore in more detail your presenting issues, goals for therapy and other assessment areas.
Training, qualifications & experience
- Licensed PCE-Counselling for Depression Counsellor
- Certificate in Advanced Cognitive-Behavioural skills
- MA Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy
- Certificate in Counselling Skills
- BSc (Hons) Psychology
Additional training:
- Attachment and Disordered Eating
- Online and Telephone counselling
- Multilingualism
- Cultural Competency
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
Other areas of counselling I deal with
People-pleasing
Boundaries
Impostor syndrome
Race/Culture/Identity issues
Therapies offered
Fees
£65.00 - £75.00
Free initial telephone session
Concessions offered for
Additional information
The relationship we build together is integral to the therapeutic process therefore I offer a free 20-minute telephone consultation- allowing you to explore whether counselling feels right to you and whether we are right to work together.
Sessions can be face to face or via video platform and telephone.
50-minute sessions for individuals is:
-£65 before 5pm
-£75 5pm onwards
48 hours’ notice is required when cancelling a session and if not the full fee will be charged.
Fees will be reviewed on an annual basis.
When I work
Weekdays, evenings and Saturdays available - please enquire.