- Integrative approach
- Grief support
- LGBT issues
About Melissa
Melissa Hepburn is a counsellor with four years' experience who helps people facing stress, anxiety, grief and trauma. She supports those dealing with LGBT issues, gender dysphoria and relationship difficulties. Her background also includes work with post-traumatic stress, panic and obsessive concerns.
She trained as an integrative therapist and is registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). That means she draws on different evidence-based techniques to match each person's needs rather than using a single fixed method. Sessions are calm and non-judgemental, with an emphasis on empathy and practical steps people can use between meetings.
Melissa began her career in a bereavement service, working closely with individuals and families after loss. That experience shaped how she talks about grief and practical coping when life changes suddenly. She also has clinical experience supporting people living with chronic pain, illness and disability.
Her work includes helping people recover from sexual assault and abuse, managing substance and behavioural addictions, and addressing shame, guilt and isolation. She is familiar with the impacts of natural or human-caused disaster and with post-traumatic stress reactions that can follow traumatic events.
Clients can expect a straightforward, warm approach. Melissa aims to make therapy less daunting by listening carefully and finding strategies that fit around everyday life. She will discuss goals and adapt methods as therapy progresses.
How Melissa adapts talking therapy for online work
Melissa draws on integrative, evidence-based techniques that are chosen to suit each person. Integrative work means combining approaches such as trauma-focused methods that help process distressing memories and anxiety management techniques that teach breathing, grounding and step-by-step coping skills. These methods are commonly used for post-traumatic stress, panic and ongoing anxiety.She also uses approaches suited to grief and relationship concerns that emphasise steady listening, emotional validation and practical tasks people can try between sessions. These are aimed at helping people feel steadier and clearer about next steps rather than promising quick fixes. Finding the right mix of methods is part of the process, and the counsellor will work with each person to choose what fits their goals and preferences. This is a collaborative conversation that can change as therapy progresses.
The original biography does not specify which online formats are offered, so confirm current session options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy around daily life, reduce travel time and allow shorter check-ins when needed. It can also make sessions accessible for people managing chronic illness, mobility limits or recovery from trauma by offering more flexible scheduling and less disruption to routines.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Experience
4+ years
Credentials
United Kingdom
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does this counsellor help with?
Areas supported include stress, anxiety, grief, trauma and sexual assault, plus relationship difficulties and LGBT related issues.
What is the therapeutic style and approach?
The counsellor uses an integrative approach, blending evidence-informed techniques to suit each person. Sessions focus on listening, practical strategies and clear goals.
How much experience does the counsellor have?
She has four years of clinical experience, including work in a bereavement service and with people experiencing post-traumatic stress and gender dysphoria.
What professional accreditation is held and where is she based?
Melissa is registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and practices from the United Kingdom.
Which languages are available for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English and international clients are accepted.
What session formats are offered?
The original biography does not list specific session formats; please confirm current session options before booking.
How are fees and payment handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist arrangements; sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I begin therapy with this counsellor?
To start, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire and then schedule according to the counsellor's availability.