Melissa Kirwan
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This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
I am a fully qualified, BACP registered psychodynamic therapist working near Hassocks, West Sussex and Hove. I strive to create an open and accepting atmosphere for clients to work through their difficulties and gain a better understanding of themselves and their past experiences, in order to create meaningful and lasting change in their lives.
The aim of psychodynamic therapy is to understand our current thoughts, feelings and behaviours in the context of our past experiences and unconscious conflicts. My approach in sessions incorporates psychodynamic theory with a motivation towards creating empowerment and a bespoke approach to you and your individual concerns. Sessions are always tailored to your needs and at a pace you feel comfortable with. I believe in building a trusting, supportive therapeutic relationship through acceptance, openness and transparency, all of which you can expect from me at all times during our work together. It is my aim to help you explore and understand your current and past experiences, how these are impacting your wellbeing and reduce any self-blame you may be feeling for the difficulties you are having. This approach can lead to changes in repeating patterns that are causing distress, healthier relationships with yourself and others, and help you build confidence to move forward as your authentic self.
I use this approach to work with individuals aged 17 and upwards who are struggling with a variety of issues including anxiety, experiences of trauma, abuse, depression, OCD, phobias, addiction issues and relationship difficulties. I offer both short- and long-term approaches - we can discuss the best approach for you during our first session and/or as our work progresses.
I practise in calm, quiet therapy rooms in the heart of the West Sussex countryside and in Hove. Near Hassocks, our renovated farmhouse building offers beautiful views of the South Downs and there is ample free parking available. At 198 Church Road, Hove, there is nearby parking and we’re a 10 minute walk from Hove station and are on the major bus routes from everywhere in the city. Both venues have a waiting room and access to unisex toilets.
Choosing to begin therapy is a big step and I understand finding the right therapist for you is extremely important - I'm happy to answer any questions you may have about my practice via e-mail, the contact form on my website or text message/WhatsApp. I aim to get back to you within 2 working days.
Training, qualifications & experience
Qualifications
- BA(Hons) in Psychology and Criminology from the University of Brighton
- MSc in Clinical Psychology and Mental Health from the University of Sussex
- PGDip in Psychodynamic Counselling and Psychotherapy from the University of Brighton
- Registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)
Experience
I have several years' experience working with young people and adults in the areas of substance use and general mental health within services offered by charities, therapeutic agencies (inpatient and outpatient) and West Sussex County Council. My work has involved supporting people from varied backgrounds, including emergency services personnel, young people aged 11-18 and adults presenting with complex mental health needs.
I am a qualified Youth Mental Health First Aid trainer and have completed additional professional development training in areas such as attachment and developmental trauma, self-harm, suicidal ideation, Autism, safeguarding and addiction.
I also work as a therapist with Lifecentre, a West Sussex-based charity offering specialised support.
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
Photos & videos
Fees
£45.00 - £65.00
Additional information
Initial assessment sessions are charged at a reduced rated of £45
Further sessions are charged at £65 per session
When I work
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Session times and location can be flexible and we can discuss a slot that works for you.
