Melissa Purchase, UKCP Accredited Psychotherapist

Melissa Purchase

PO19
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Melissa Purchase, UKCP Accredited Psychotherapist

Melissa Purchase

PO19
Shortlist Share

My Approach

I integrate a range of psychological models according to your needs and presenting issues. Trained in Gestalt, Transactional Analysis, Person-Centred, Attachment theory, Psychodynamic approaches and the use of Expressive Arts in Therapy. I base my integrative work in a strong trauma focused approach in which we will consider the importance of pace and safety in the therapeutic work.

About Me

I wonder how life is for you right now, maybe something difficult has happened or perhaps you are struggling with feelings and reactions that make life a challenge? Whatever's going on for you, it can be hard to find the right words to explain how you're feeling. I will work with you to discover what may be stuck, troubling or holding you back and how to move forward. My personal style is to be gentle, patient, warm and creative. I believe change emerges when we are really seen, heard and valued; the therapy journey is created together in which we explore what works best for you in session. I use a trauma informed approach.
In addition to traditional talking psychotherapy I offer the option to use creative materials and expression (art, poetry, sound, drama). I help with issues such as anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, abandonment, low self esteem and more. Together we consider the impact of early life experiences and how well-meaning internal defences maybe showing up now.
I have a special interest in working with young adults, plus experience of working across all life stages. I offer a free consultation with your enquiry so that we can discuss what you might be looking for in therapy. Our initial chat is a great way to explore if our working alliance might be a good fit. Whatever you choose I wish you the very best.

I work with

  • Individuals

Special Interests

Like all UKCP registered psychotherapists and psychotherapeutic counsellors I can work with a wide range of issues, but here are some areas in which I have a special interest or additional experience.

Working with clients who experience anxiety we use creative approaches (art, body work, writing, sandplay, drama) to explore both what might enable experiences of being in the present moment, allowing the 'alarm system' of the brain to be interrupted from its 'what if' and danger signals. We also, when a safe working relationship has been established, consider experiences that may have contributed to anxiety.
I work with bereavement in its widest sense - both loss from death and other forms of bereavement such as unresolved separations, changes in life stages or illness etc. We would work enabled by creativity (art, body work, writing, sandplay, drama) to consider stages of grief and loss, acknowledging that the process is not linear and takes time.
Closely linked with loss and grief I work with issues around separation, including separation in marriage and relationships, separation from parents or children via divorce or other circumstances including adoption. Enabled by creative methods (art, bodywork, sandplay, writing, drama) we will consider the impact of separation, links to early attachments and consider building a new path to identity without the other person.

Types of Therapies Offered

  • Integrative Arts Psychotherapist

Types of sessions

  • Face to Face - Long Term
  • Face to Face - Short Term
  • Online Therapy

Office

Unit 5
City Gate
PO19 8DU
United Kingdom (UK)

  Wheelchair accessible View Map

UKCP College

  • Humanistic and Integrative Psychotherapy College (HIPC)
Melissa Purchase

Melissa Purchase

PO19

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