Melissa is an Associate Counsellor at BDSIP working with Secondary school settings in Essex. A registered member of the BACP with a Level 4 Advanced Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling, she works with an integrative approach drawing on Psychodynamic, Person-Centred and CBT concepts, striving to support each unique client in an empathic, calm, curious, and non-judgemental way. Sessions are tailored to the current needs of the young person, incorporating creative activities or mindfulness.
Melissa has 10 years’ experience of working with young people in education and Museum settings, most recently as a SEMH Mentor aiming to improve school experience, relationships and facilitate positive change, and harvesting strong, honest, effective relationships with them and their caregivers.
Melissa is Experienced in advocating for and empowering individuals with learning disabilities, additional needs and behaviours that challenge through removing obstacles to learning or thriving independently. She is an experienced Place to Be Mental Health Champion, Emotional Literacy Support Assistant with Suicide First Aid, Emotionally Based School Avoidance and Trauma Informed Practice training.