Psychotherapy
with
Melissa
Low Cost Therapy in Central Cardiff
About Me
Hello and welcome. I'm Melissa and I'm a UKCP trainee psychotherapist in my 3rd year with the Welsh Psychotherapy Institute (WPI). I offer a warm, respectful and collaborative space where we can explore what matters to you.
Prior to psychotherapy training, I completed my degree in Social Studies and Counselling at the University of South Wales. I then spent over a decade supporting adults living with disability across professional and community settings. My clinical experience includes providing psychotherapy within a mental health charity and a local low-cost counselling service.
I work with a diverse range of people from many backgrounds encompassing a wide range of experiences, including trauma, neurodivergence, anxiety, illness, bereavement and identity exploration. I have particular interest in working with relational trauma, as well as LGBTQIA+ experiences and how our overlapping identities shape us and our relationships. I adhere to the UKCP and WPI ethical codes of professional practice, and I’m committed to providing an affirming and anti-oppressive space where every part of your identity is welcomed and respected.
Why Psychotherapy?
You don't need to have all the words ready, you might not have any words to explain your experience. You might only have a sense that you'd like something to feel different.
Many people consider therapy when they’re finding that old coping mechanisms no longer feel helpful. You may be noticing how past relationships and experiences, including trauma, are affecting you now. You may also be navigating change, exploring your identity, or living with bereavement, illness or loss.
I offer space to explore what matters to you, at your pace. Therapy can help to process painful experiences, foster self-awareness, create new meaning and offer new perspectives.
My Approach
My approach is Integrative, Relational and Humanistic. This means I draw upon a range of therapeutic approaches to support you as an individual, grounded in respect and compassion. Honoring the uniqueness of each person, I adapt the way we work together to support you. Your identity, beliefs, body, emotions, thoughts, and life experiences all matter and have meaning.
My practice is informed by trauma, neuroscience and attachment-based research, which tells us how our early experiences shape our patterns and well-being in the present. Whilst going at your pace, I prioritise safety, trust and consent as the foundation of our work together. At the heart of my approach is the therapeutic relationship between us, which offers the potential for new relational experiences and insight to better understand the relationship with yourself and others.
We can also include creativity in the way that we work together, if you'd like to. I have found that working therapeutically with art and writing can offer helpful ways of exploring feelings and experiences.
Fees and Availability
I'm available for short and long term in-person therapy session with adults aged 18+
Sessions last for 50 minutes on a weekly basis at the same time and day each week
My fee is £35 per 50 minute session, however I do also offer concessions for individuals who would struggle to meet this regular financial commitment.
If any of what you've read connects with you, please get in touch via the contact form or my email address below to arrange a free 20 minute video or telephone consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What level of training do you have?
- I'm in my third year of a Post Graduate Advanced Diploma (level 7) qualification in Integrative Psychotherapy with the Welsh Psychotherapy Institute (WPI) leading towards UKCP accreditation. Working with a trainee Psychotherapist doesn't mean a lower standard of care. I have met the required standard of training set by my training institute to work with clients. I receive regular clinical supervision to support the quality and safety of my work.
- Here's a link to the Welsh Psychotherapy Institute website: www.welshpsychotherapy.org.uk
Q: What is the UK Council of Psychotherapy (UKCP)?
- The UKCP is one of the main professional bodies for Psychotherapists in the United Kingdom. I'm a trainee member of the UKCP and adhere to their code of ethics for professional practice.
- Here's a link to the UK Council for Psychotherapy website: www.psychotherapy.org.uk
Q: Why do you charge low fees?
- I currently offer therapy under the Welsh Psychotherapy Institute's 'Affordable Therapy Service’. My fees are lower than average therapy prices in the UK because I am currently still in training. Offering low cost therapy is also one way I can contribute towards making therapy more accessible.
Q: Do you offer a free session?
- I offer a free 20 minute video or telephone consultation so that we can get a sense of what it might be like to work together and for you to ask any questions you might have. If working together feels like a good fit, we can then book in our first therapy session, which is charged at my usual rate of £35 for 50 minutes.
Q: I don’t live in the United Kingdom, can I see you for online therapy?
- Sorry, I’m unable to offer therapy online if you aren’t in the United Kingdom. This is because my insurance only covers me to practice with clients who are living in the United Kingdom and who are present in the United Kingdom during our session.
Q: What is your practice room like?
- My practice room (pictured above) is situated in Central Cardiff near Sophia Gardens, and is close to public parking and transport links. My room is on the first floor in a shared office building. The room itself is quiet with adjustable lighting. The width of the chairs in the practice room are approximately 79cm wide, with soft cushions and blankets. I welcome any questions regarding accessibility. I will give address details of the practice room during our initial consultation.
Q: Do you have a DBS certificate and insurance?
- Yes, I hold a current and clear enhanced DBS certificate, and I have professional liability insurance to practice.
Contact me below:
You can either use the contact form below or email me at: melissa.psychotherapy@protonmail.com