Melissa Purnell
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This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
Welcome! I'm Melissa, a psychodynamic counsellor, and I'm glad you have found my page. I offer weekly, face-to-face sessions in my consultation office or online, tailored to your needs. Whether you're seeking short-term support or long-term therapy, I provide a confidential and safe space where we can work through your challenges together.
There may be a specific reason you're considering therapy, but that is not always the case. At different times in life, we can all feel overwhelmed, isolated, or unsure of how to manage daily stresses. Perhaps you're dealing with grief, navigating a difficult relationship, or feeling stuck in unhelpful patterns of behaviour. Or maybe you're experiencing anxiety, depression, or simply feeling lost and in need of a quiet space to reflect.
Whatever brings you here, I'm available to listen. If you have any questions or would like to arrange an initial consultation to explore whether therapy feels right for you, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Training, qualifications & experience
Qualifications and Professional Registration
I have a BSc in Psychology and an MA in Psychodynamic Counselling and Psychotherapy. I am a member of the BACP (British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy) and abide by their strict ethical framework for good practice. I receive regular clinical supervision for my work and have professional indemnity insurance to practice.
LIST OF QUALIFICATIONS
- Master of Psychodynamic Counselling and Psychotherapy - University of Essex
- Post Graduate Diploma in Psychodynamic Counselling and Psychotherapy - University of Essex
- Post Graduate Training in Education - University of Gloucestershire
- Qualified Teacher Status - QTS
- BSc Psychology - University of East London (UEL)
CPD - Continuing Professional Development
- Supervision for School Staff and Community - Tavistock and Portman
- Mentalization-based treatments for Families - Anna Freud National Center for Children and Families
- Eating Disorder and Body Dysmorphia Using Psychodynamic Approach - Tavistock and Portman
- Certificate in Couples Psychotherapy - Tavistock and Portman
- Certificate in Clayfield Therapy - Institute for Sensorimotor Art Therapy
- Video Interaction Guidance - VIGUK
- Nurture Group Practitioner Training - Institute of Education (IOE) at UCL
Work Experience
I have substantial experience (26 years) working in East London within the Education sector as a Trauma, SEMH Practitioner, Primary Teacher, and Psychodynamic Counsellor.
I have previously supported Farleigh Hospice as a child and adolescent (4-18 years) bereavement counsellor and Kids Inspire as an outreach schools counsellor.
I have a private psychodynamic practice in Chelmsford and work with adolescents, children and adults.
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
Fees
£60.00 - £70.00
Free initial telephone session
Concessions offered for
Additional information
Initially, it is advisable to have a 15-minute phone consultation to orient ourselves on how and why we would want to work together and to answer any questions you might have. Phone consultations are free of charge.
If we decide to further our work, I would invite you for an assessment, where we could establish your therapy goals and get to know each other better. This is also an opportunity to organise our meetings for regular counselling sessions and discuss fees and other, concerning details. This session may take up to 90 minutes and is charged at £80.
Individual Counselling is £60 for 50 minutes Monday to Friday.
Weekend Rate is £70 for 50 minutes.
When I work
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Further information
Adult Counselling
Our goal In therapy is to work closely with you to become more aware of your patterns of relating and explore how they may have been established, within a framework designed to foster independence and self-compassion.
Psychodynamic counsellors don’t give direct advice. Instead, therapy is a place of safety where your difficult feelings and emotions can be explored without judgment, and in confidence. The therapeutic relationship will become a vital element of your therapy as it becomes a safe testing ground for finding healthier and more satisfying ways of being and relating to others.
Parent Support Sessions
Sometimes, children choose not to engage in one-to-one counselling themselves, and they feel helpless, and unsure where to turn. It may be that you are looking for help on how to support your child through a turbulent period or for either ongoing support as a parent or just a one-off consultation for advice on a particular difficulty. At Dynamic-Minds we can provide you with a space to reflect on your circumstances and support you to make positive changes in your relationship with your children.
Children’s Services
Childhood can be a difficult time for some. Like adults, children, and young people can experience a great number of common psychological difficulties. These may be attributable to changes in family dynamics such as divorce or separation, the consequences of bullying, or other challenges in education. Each child and their circumstances are unique, which is always considered when working with them.
Play Therapy
Psychodynamic play therapy is a type of therapy that helps children express their feelings and thoughts through play to understand and resolve underlying problems. It's based on the idea that children's feelings and behaviours are more complex than what's obvious, and that play is a symbolic way for them to communicate.
Sand Tray Therapy
Sandplay therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses a sandbox, toys, and sand to help people express themselves, explore their inner world, and work through challenges