Connecting Healing Being
Connecting Healing Being
Some words from some people who I have worked with…
Testimonials
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"Over the past eight years, I have undergone long-term therapy with a couple of other therapists, primarily focusing on social anxiety. While I gained some useful tools from them, my anxiety remained largely unchanged. I had given up hope that therapy could truly help; I thought my anxiety was simply too ingrained. I began therapy with Melanie to process something very sad and difficult, without any expectation of addressing my anxiety. However, after working with her for the past year and a half, I almost feel like a different person. Now, I understand the importance of finding the right therapist—someone who can help even with the most stubborn mental health challenges. For me, that person was Melanie. She helped me confront and reshape beliefs I had held since childhood that were actually not true. Melanie taught me how to care for the younger, worried part of myself that would take over in situations I found threatening. Not only did she support me with compassion through a difficult time of grief, but she also guided me in making real progress in lessening my anxiety and extreme people-pleasing tendencies—issues that affected both my social life and my professional career. After 10 years of struggling with anxiety, I didn’t believe it could ever improve. I am eternally grateful to Melanie for helping me make that change."
Counselling Client Melissa Crisp, September 2024
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“When I began the sessions with Mel I had little to no expectation of what I might gain or even what goals I was looking to set, let alone achieve. Not because I didn’t have any, but because I didn’t have the space to think of them. Being a busy mum I had thought about myself very little for a long time and I know this is so common. My sessions with Mel allowed me to see the wood for the trees again. Held in that very safe space, which Mel expertly creates, I was able to explore areas I wanted to, but in a gentle way. Clarity started to come and I could change my mindset. Beginning motherhood is a beautifully busy time. Being able to reconnect and breathe marked a huge turning point in how I treated myself. Mums need and deserve this, whatever their circumstances. What is amazing is that somehow Mel was able to hold the space for me in such a way that I felt it beyond the session. Some how I walked away feeling held. Mel’s extensive level of knowledge and skill means you are completely safe, expertly advised and supported. People often talk of ‘the village’ when raising children. But we know in the lives we have that isn’t a reality for the majority. Mel is able to provide this feeling in her sessions that we are lacking. Her wealth of experience is so great that I had no concern about bringing anything to the table. A font of all knowledge. Mel is also deeply intuitive, often able to unlock or understand thoughts as they came up or bring the subconscious to the forefront. The sessions have made such a difference to my mindset and my life. I wish all mums could experience this. Understanding and healing is possible. Mel showed me ways to find inner compassion. After receiving a healing session with Mel I really felt a sense of clarity and like my spirit had been lifted! I was truly able to relax and let go. She is very gifted in this area and I would wholeheartedly recommend this to anyone, especially mums. I hope to join Mel’s women’s circles moving forwards. Time with Mel is a real gift and I would like to give her my heartfelt thanks for the impact she has had on me.
Fiona Meek, Mother of Two; Aria age 6 and Arlo age 2, April 2024
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“The therapy sessions I’ve had with Mel over the last 18 months have been eye opening in terms of better understanding myself and I’ve learnt loads of really useful techniques to work on certain areas that I struggle with. Mel is a really understanding therapist who has an amazing ability to empathise with and understand how I’m feeling and her sessions have given me a lot of strength and resilience.”
Anonymous Client January 2023
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“Melanie has been working with my 11 year old daughter for some months now. Melanie is always welcoming and conveys a real sese of compassion and empathy with warmth and regard, offering a place of safety and acceptance. My daughter has become very fond of her sessions where she reports feeling both seen and heard without judgement. I would wholeheartedly recommend Melanie if you are looking for a therapist who is truly passionate about her work and care for her clients.”
Parent of child client March 2023
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I have had counselling with Melanie for 18 months now. The first step to counselling is always hard and Melanie understands that. She puts you at ease and follows your lead at a pace you are comfortable with. Together we decided how we will be conducting our sessions that was best suited to my needs. I'm so glad I decided to do counselling and found Melanie. My life has changed because of it. I will always be grateful for her patience, understanding, experience and most of all her kindness.
Anonymous client February 2023
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“Being with Mel is like being given a huge colour palette and a wide canvas. She exudes a sense of permission to play, take risks and go to depths with a sense of lightness and humour. Mel is a compassionate guide with a warm inviting heart.”
Alison Fairlove, Artistic Director Playback Theatre South West
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“Mel makes a difference. Her training, wealth of experience of children from different backgrounds and cultures alongside her natural compassion and understanding of others, proves Mel to be a unique support to those in her care. Children thrive from their time in therapy with Mel and actively look forward to their sessions. They feel safe and are given the time and space to express and explore themselves, overcoming barriers in their lives, improving their personal wellbeing and behaviours. Mel is dedicated to improving the lives of children and their families. Even the staff at the school would often say ‘I feel better after speaking to Mel...’ A professional and dedicated therapist.”
Fiona Meek, Deputy Head and Safeguarding Lead at St Nicholas of Tolentine Primary School, Bristol
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“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
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“I have known and worked with Mel for over ten years as her supervisor and fellow practitioner in the field of therapy and Developmental Movement. In Play Therapy, she has real passion for her work that is underpinned by good professional and personal development. Her experience in early education and therapy has enabled her to have a deep understanding of the importance of play to a child’s holistic development, health, and well-being. Being a good listener with a non-judgemental approach, Mel can build the necessary trusting relationships and create the safe environment in which children can explore and express some of their innermost emotions. This same approach is reflected in her work as Sherborne Developmental Movement (SDM) practitioner. Her love of dance, respect for the individual, acceptance of difference and intuitive approach is in keeping with the practice, philosophy and theory that underpins SDM. As a reflective grounded practitioner in both fields, Mel works relentlessly to support children and their families to build the self-worth, confidence and healing from trauma that enables them to function more healthily in their own 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
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“I have worked alongside Mel in shamanic practice and highly recommend her as a very intuitive, knowledgeable and compassionate practitioner. Mel goes deep and holds a safe and solid container for those she works with. Working with her is an opportunity for deep healing.”
Marina Sala, Shamanic Practitioner
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“I consider myself very fortunate to have worked with Mel as a co therapist over a two year period. During this time we worked with children, young people and families. Mel is a highly skilled and intuitive therapist who works sensitively and creatively to meet the needs of each client. Mel is warm and inclusive and she is adept at providing a safe and accepting space for her clients. She has a strong background in attachment theory and child development and works skillfully with whole families and groups. Mel’s approach facilitates her clients to bring their full selves to the therapy space in an environment of acceptance.”
Lucy Loubser, Art Therapist
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