Melissa Purchase

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Pronoun: she
Integrative Arts Psychotherapist (MA)

About me

I wonder how life is for you right now, maybe something difficult has happened or perhaps you are struggling with feelings and reactions that make life a challenge?  Whatever is happening it can be hard to find the right words to explain how you're feeling.

I will work with you to discover what may be stuck, troubling or holding you back and how to move forward.  My personal style is to be gentle, patient, warm and creative. I believe change emerges when we are really seen, heard and valued. I believe the therapy journey is created together, where we explore what works best for you in session. I use a trauma informed approach which means we work at a safe and gentle pace.

In addition to traditional talking psychotherapy, I offer the option to use creative materials and expression (art, poetry, sound, drama, sand tray play).  A creative approach can allow the art form to 'hold' the difficult feelings and can often provide a different perspective from which to view ourselves. I can help with issues such as anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, low self-esteem and more. Together we can consider the impact of early life experiences and how well-meaning internal defences may be showing up now.

I have experience of working across all life stages, with a special interest in supporting young adults. I offer a free consultation with your enquiry so that we can discuss what you might be looking for in therapy. Our initial chat is a great way to explore if our working alliance might be a good fit. Whatever you choose I wish you the very best.

Training, qualifications & experience

  • MA Integrative Arts Psychotherapist 
  • Certificate in Counselling
  • Advanced Diploma in the Therapeutic & Application of the Arts
  • FAA Level 2 Award in First Aid for Mental Health (RQF), NUCCO training 2021
  • Experience in working as an Arts Psychotherapist in the NHS and in community mental health charity settings.
  • Full member of the British Association of Art Therapists
  • Registered member of the Health and Care Professionals Council

Member organisations

Registered / Accredited

Registered / Accredited

Being registered/accredited with a professional body means an individual must have achieved a substantial level of training and experience approved by their member organisation.

HCPC
Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)

The HCPC are an independent, UK-wide health regulator. They set standards of professional training, performance and conduct for 16 professions.

They keep a register of health professionals who meet their standards, and they take action if registered health professionals fall below those standards. They were created by a piece of legislation called the Health Professions Order 2001.

Registration means that a health professional meets national standards for their professional training, performance and conduct.

Areas of counselling I deal with

Therapies offered

Photos & videos

Fees

£70.00 per session

Additional information

I offer a free 30 minute telephone consultation in which we can discuss your key reasons for seeking therapy, what your needs might be around number of sessions, and what your hopes or goals are. From this initial conversation you will get a chance to ask questions and form a sense of whether I am the right therapist for you and I can begin to assess whether I can provide any specialist help you may need.

My fees are as indicated, I also offer concession rates on a case by case basis

When I work

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Early morning
Morning
Early afternoon
Late afternoon
Evening

Unit 5, City Gate, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 8DU

Type of session

In person
Online

Types of client

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

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

Additional languages

French