You’ve come the right place if you and your family want to thrive.

I support Babies, Children and Mothers to connect, build community, rest, nourish and be fully themselves.

Mama Circles, Retreats, Creative Therapies, Coaching.

I have 25 years’ experience working therapeutically to support individuals, families, mothers and babies

About My Practice

 

I work with a person-centred approach and draw on my lived experiences, including the many methods and tools I have to gathered over many years.

I aim to create the environment and conditions for my clients to fully relax and build trust.

 
 

My experience is wide ranging. I’ve worked with children both internationally and in the UK. I’ve worked within education, charity, NGO and private sectors.

Diversity and equality is important to me.

I also draw on my first hand experience of birthing and parenting my now teen daughter.

I have specialist experience, knowledge and training in pre and post natal mothering, early developmental trauma, attachment, adoption, special guardianship, racial diversity and those living in extreme poverty.

 
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I integrate psychotherapy and counselling modalities and intuitively draw on what I feel will be of benefit to the family, child or individual. These include Psychodynamic, Integrative, Attachment-focus, Person-centred, Directive and Non-directive approaches and coaching.

I am self-employed and have a private practice in Bristol.

I am registered with BACP, insured with Towergate insurance, have an up-to-date DBS certificate, am a member of ICO (Information Commissioner’s Office) and have data protection procedures in place.

BA (Hons) Communication Studies.

PGCE (Early Education and Primary Phase Teaching).

Diploma with Distinction in Play Therapy.

Level 1 and 2 Developmental Movement by Veronica Sherbourne.

I keep up-to-date on the latest research in the field and attend regular CPD courses and conferences. I have a spiritual and meditation practice. This includes shamanic healing, movement, dance and bodywork. I also work with ritual, plant medicines, dream time and natures natural cycles. I have a passion for the healing and empowerment of women and girls and am

part of and co-facilitate several woman’s groups and circles.

Testimonials

  • The Right Therapist Changed Everything

    “After 10 years of struggling with anxiety, I didn’t believe it could ever improve—until I worked with Melanie.

    I’d been in therapy before, but nothing really changed—my anxiety felt too deeply rooted. I started seeing Melanie to process a personal loss, not expecting anything more. But over the past year and a half, everything shifted.

    She helped me challenge long-held beliefs, care for the anxious part of myself, and make real progress with both social anxiety and people-pleasing.

    Melanie’s support was compassionate, insightful, and truly life-changing. I finally feel like myself again'“.

    Counselling Client Melissa Crisp, September 2024

  • A Turning Point in My Journey as a Mum

    “When I began sessions with Mel, I didn’t know what to expect or what goals to set. As a busy mum, I hadn’t had time to think about myself for a long time. Mel’s sessions allowed me to see the wood for the trees and explore areas I wanted to in a gentle, safe space.

    The clarity I gained helped me change my mindset, marking a huge turning point in how I treat myself. Mums deserve this—whatever their circumstances.

    Mel’s deep knowledge, skill, and intuition made me feel safe and supported throughout. Her ability to create a ‘village-like’ environment is invaluable, helping me unlock thoughts and bring the subconscious to light.

    The sessions have had a profound impact on my life and mindset. I feel calmer, more compassionate, and at peace. After a healing session with Mel, I felt a sense of clarity, like my spirit had been lifted.

    I would wholeheartedly recommend her work to any mum. Time with Mel is a real gift, and I am deeply grateful for the difference it has made in my life.”

    Fiona Meek, Mother of Two; Aria age 6 and Arlo age 2, April 2024

  • Strength, Resilience, and Real Understanding

    “The therapy sessions I’ve had with Mel over the last 18 months have been eye-opening. I’ve gained a better understanding of myself and learnt really useful techniques to work on the areas I struggle with.

    Mel is incredibly understanding and has an amazing ability to empathise with how I’m feeling. Her sessions have given me a real sense of strength and resilience”.

    Anonymous Client January 2023

  • A Therapist Who Truly Cares

    “Melanie has been working with my 11-year-old daughter for some months now. She is always welcoming, compassionate, and warm, creating a space that feels safe and accepting.

    My daughter feels seen and heard without judgement, and really values her sessions.

    I would wholeheartedly recommend Melanie if you're looking for a therapist who is genuinely passionate about her work and deeply cares for her clients”.

    Parent of child client March 2023

  • Counselling That Truly Changed My Life

    “I’ve had counselling with Melanie for 18 months now. Taking that first step was hard, but Melanie understood that completely. She put me at ease and let me go at a pace I was comfortable with.

    We shaped the sessions around what worked best for me, and I’m so glad I took the step to start counselling—and that I found Melanie.

    My life has truly changed because of it. I’ll always be grateful for her patience, understanding, experience, and most of all, her kindness”.

    Anonymous client February 2023

  • A Compassionate, Creative Guide

    “Being with Mel is like being given a huge colour palette and a wide canvas. She brings a sense of permission to play, take risks, and explore deeply—with lightness and humour.

    Mel is a compassionate guide with a warm, inviting heart”.

    Alison Fairlove, Artistic Director Playback Theatre South West

  • A Truly Unique Support for Children

    “Mel makes a difference. Her training, wide experience with children from diverse backgrounds, and natural compassion make her a truly unique support.

    Children thrive in therapy with Mel—they feel safe, look forward to their sessions, and are given the space to express themselves and overcome challenges. Their wellbeing and behaviour improve, and the impact often extends to their families too.

    Even staff at school would say, “I feel better after speaking to Mel.” A professional, dedicated therapist committed to changing lives”.

    Fiona Meek, Deputy Head and Safeguarding Lead at St Nicholas of Tolentine Primary School, Bristol

  • A Therapist Who Truly Shows Quality

    “As a therapist and a person, Mel has shown that she is quality. She was one of the first people I hired while working for Catchpoint and constantly demonstrated professionalism in all areas of work.”

    Alun John, Clinical Director for Catchpoint

  • A Passionate and Reflective Practitioner

    “I have known and worked with Mel for over ten years as her supervisor and fellow practitioner in therapy and Developmental Movement. In Play Therapy, she has a real passion for her work, backed by strong professional and personal development.

    Her experience in early education and therapy gives her a deep understanding of the importance of play in a child’s development, health, and well-being. As a good listener with a non-judgemental approach, she builds trusting relationships and creates a safe space for children to explore and express their emotions.

    This approach extends to her work as a Sherborne Developmental Movement (SDM) practitioner. Her love of dance, respect for the individual, and intuitive approach aligns perfectly with the philosophy of SDM.

    As a reflective practitioner, Mel works tirelessly to support children and families, helping to build self-worth, confidence, and healing from trauma to enable healthier functioning in their unique worlds.”

    Dr Janice Filer, Trauma Psychotherapist, Mental Health Education Consultant, Supervisor, Author, Researcher and Dance Movement Therapist.

    Also an International Course Leader (ICL) and practitioner of Sherborne Developmental Movement 

  • An Intuitive and Compassionate Practitioner

    “I have worked alongside Mel in shamanic practice and highly recommend her as an intuitive, knowledgeable, and compassionate practitioner. Mel goes deep and creates a safe, solid container for those she works with. Working with her is an opportunity for deep healing.”

    Marina Sala, Shamanic Practitioner

  • A Skilled, Intuitive Therapist

    “I consider myself very fortunate to have worked with Mel as a co-therapist for two years, working with children, young people, and families. Mel is a highly skilled and intuitive therapist, working creatively and sensitively to meet the needs of each client.

    She is warm, inclusive, and adept at creating a safe, accepting space. With a strong background in attachment theory and child development, Mel works skillfully with both individuals and whole families. Her approach allows clients to bring their full selves to the therapy space in an environment of acceptance.”

    Lucy Loubser, Art Therapist

“People are just as wonderful as sunsets. When I look at a sunset, I don’t find myself saying, ‘Soften the orange a bit on the right hand corner’. I don’t try and soften the sunset. I watch with awe as it unfolds.”

Carl Rodgers

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