Psychological Services
About half of my clients have met with a Psychologist before and may know what they are looking for in their sessions and therapy. The other half are people who have not tried therapy before, and they may be unsure of what to expect. I can help clients new to this work explore their situation and what therapy goals make sense for them in a collaborative way. With a few assessment or discussion sessions, we could decide on a treatment plan together, given your strengths and difficulties, as well as your experience of prior therapy or attempts to get help, if relevant. You could begin with our talking therapy, or try other approaches I might advise.
Finding “what works?” in psychology is a strong motivator for me, and I regularly attend professional trainings to keep my knowledge and skill levels high. You could consider me a “nerd of the mind”; I do believe knowledge is power and will aim to empower you with relevant and interesting psychological info to help you improve things. I work in a transparent way, explaining what we do and why, as this can increase your insight and engagement. We can work over the long-term with in-depth therapy, or short-term with a here and now focus. I value imparting strategies, coping skills, and new outlooks that you can use now and through life if and when other stressors come up.
Therapy models
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapies (CBT)
- Trauma-Focussed CBT (TF-CBT) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
- Schema Therapy
- Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT)
- Meta-Cognitive Therapy (MCT)
- Motivational Interviewing (MI)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Unified Protocol (UP) approach for emotional disorders
- Marital / relationship therapy
- Positive Psychology
- Solution-Focussed Therapy
- Integrative treatment plan
Evidence-based psychological therapies exist for clinical problems, and I would advise we usually treat anxiety, depression, and some other issues with focussed Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT); recovery from PTSD with Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT); or use Schema Therapy for unresolved childhood issues, low sense of self-worth, and relationship problems. REBT helps us see ourselves, the world, and others in more rational ways; and better feelings and responses usually follow. I find MCT a liberating cognitive therapy that helps us “think about our thinking” and address unhelpful beliefs so as to reduce worry, rumination, attention-fixation, and excessive distress. ACT offers us a way to acknowledge and “make room for” the hard things in life that will not change, and still live in line with our values. UP is a transdiagnostic approach we can use to address underlying factors that lead to and maintain emotional disorders. It is also evidence-based and may be more efficient than, or offer you an alternative to, the traditional disorder-specific therapies you may have tried before.
I also offer marital / relationship therapy, helping individuals, couples, or partners through a range of difficulties. This could be resolving conflict or differences, improving communication skills, and managing change or commitment. Relationship issues often follow infidelity (from a range of betrayals) and we could work on either relationship repair, moving on, or figuring that out. This could be in couples counselling or working with you individually on a relationship you had, the relationship you’re in, or the relationship you want. I also support people in alternative relationship formats, with awareness and respect for your choices.
Therapy goals
Clinical psychologists are experts in human behaviour, able to assess psychological problems and mental wellbeing, as well as your strengths and values. We also have expertise in providing psychological treatments effective at helping people make desired or needed changes:
- reducing distress or psychological symptoms
- learning to replace problems with healthy and adaptive ways of behaving
- learning more about self and self-growth
- building resilience
- improving relationships with others
- improving other parts of life (work, physical, wellbeing, self-care)
- finding motivation and reasons to do things that would be good
Melanie as a Psychologist
Finding a psychologist can be difficult and we believe that a good “fit” between client and therapist is key. I aim to create a good rapport, and you can expect to feel heard, validated, safe, and supported in your sessions. I am a good listener, and work hard to understand you and your experiences, so that you can benefit from exploring and working on things. Naturally warm and empathic, I am responsive and encouraging, but also patient and we will go at your pace. You can expect a confidential and professional service, and would find me to be open-minded, non-judgemental, and sensitive to a range of personal factors like your background and individuality. I am an LGBTQ+ friendly clinician and rainbow community ally.
