Therapy in the heart of Worcester

Melanie Daw – Therapist in Worcester

Hello and welcome to my website. My name is Melanie and I’m an integrative counsellor working in Worcester city centre.

I have a level four diploma in Therapeutic Counselling and an MSc Counselling where my research examined the psychologically effects of menopause in women.

Working in an integrative way allows the opportunity to work with each client in an individual way and tailor sessions to their own presenting issues.

Examples might be working in a person-centred way where I create an empathic, non-judgemental, and genuine approach to the sessions, creating space for the client to speak freely and openly. Working in this way will always be at the heart of my work, but I may bring in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) if clients are struggling with unhelpful thinking leading to negative behaviours or life consequences.

I also use Acceptance and Commitment therapy (ACT) which works slightly differently to CBT and works to allow clients to notice and accept their thoughts rather than move away from the difficult thoughts.

I also have training in the psychodynamic approach which can be helpful with clients looking to explore family difficulties or problems that stem from childhood.

I can also use Transactional Analysis which works to examine communication within client relationships. This approach can help understand any anxieties a client may have that have been formed in childhood and are affecting their adult life.

In addition, a Gestalt approach to therapy can allow for a more spontaneous therapy session where the client is encouraged to feel in the here and now.

Counselling

When a client has decided they would like support in making changes in their life or moving forward from a place of feeling stuck, they can get in contact. I offer therapy via zoom or at my office in Worcester city centre.

I will ask for a little information from the client after their initial email, which describes why a client is looking for therapy. This is important to ensure any sessions fall within my areas of competence. I will be honest if I cannot help and if asked for, I can suggest other therapeutic approaches which may help or other agencies that may be more appropriate.

If we can go ahead with sessions, I will send clients a client record sheet which gives me important information I need as part of the sessions. I will also send out a contract. It is vital clients read through this to ensure we are both fully aware how we will work together.
It includes items such as when and how we will together and details around confidentiality.

A first session will allow clients to get a feel for how we can work together. Does it feel right? Can we work together effectively to allow for change? Clients also have the opportunity to ask any questions around my work or parts of the contract.

If we are a good match for therapy the sessions will continue weekly until we feel the goals have been achieved or the client is in a better place emotionally.

Session costs

Starting from £55

I offer counselling over Zoom or face to face counselling in Worcester city centre. My room for face to face sessions is in Worcester city centre, near to Foregate Street station for clients coming into the city. It is warm, comfortable and private providing a safe space to open up and explore your presenting problems.

What can be expected in my first session?
Before our first session, I will have sent you a form to collect information that makes up a client profile. This is kept securely and separate from any session notes. The first session will run at your pace; a chance to get a sense of whether we are a good fit and if we can form a good therapeutic relationship.

Pricing and cancellations
Each session runs for 50 minutes and costs £55. This payment is made before each session using the bank details on the contract. Cancellations are 24 hours for zoom sessions and 48 hours for face-to-face sessions. If cancellations fall outside of these windows, the fee is still payable.