Mel James MBACP

How I work

I am a Humanistic Integrative counsellor/psychotherapist. This means that I believe we all have the ability and resources to be the best that we can be, provided we have the right support. The main models I integrate are Person Centred, Transactional Analysis and Gestalt therapies.

Charges:

I work face to face and online via Zoom. ● Sessions are weekly and last 50 minutes ● I work within short term, long term or open ended. ● I charge £55 for an Initial consultation and £65 per session

I often see people who are seeking help for:

Anxiety or depression ● ADHD ● Trauma ● Feelings of isolation or despair ● Bereavement ● Loss of a relationship or job ● Identity issues ● Struggling to cope with a diagnosis ● Miscarriage ● Anger issues ● Feeling overwhelmed or lonely ● Struggling to care for a loved one ● Stress ● Low confidence/self esteem

I am warm, approachable, and authentic. Research shows that successful outcomes in therapy are more determined by the strength of the therapeutic relationship, than the model used by the therapist, my experience supports this. A successful, therapeutic relationship, built on trust, and respect, can promote positive change and be immensely healing.

My style is collaborative: working together at a pace determined by you, we can explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours in a safe, accepting, and confidential space. My aim is to support and empower you to find solutions to any areas you may feel stuck, facilitating growth and change.

Aside from listening to you in a way that rarely happens in day-to-day life, my job is to work hard to understand you, what is important to you, and to notice. We can all have blind spots, which can obscure the answers we need. Listening and noticing enable me to spot patterns that may unconsciously be blocking your progress. Bringing this into your awareness can deepen your understanding of yourself and provide you with coping strategies and new choices.

I am a registered member of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists. I work in strict accordance with the BACP ethical framework. Your safety and well- being are of paramount importance to me. I am fully insured. I very much enjoy my work. It is a privilege to support people to make life enhancing change. I am constantly evolving as a therapist, expanding knowledge, attending regular supervision, and keeping abreast of research and developments in psychotherapy.

I am enriched by diversity and welcome people of all backgrounds to my practice.