Hello and welcome, I am so glad you are here. My name is Melissa, I am a BACP Accredited Counsellor and Psychotherapist with more than 10 years experience providing both short and long term therapy to children, young people and adults.
My journey into counselling began from a deeply personal place. I witnessed first-hand the struggles my family faced and the significant gaps in support available to us during challenging times. This experience opened my eyes to the vital importance of mental health resources and compassionate support.
It sparked a passion within me to create a safe and supportive space for others who may find themselves in similar situations. I am committed to providing the understanding and support that I wish had been accessible to my family. Through my work, I hope to empower individuals to navigate their challenges and find the support they deserve.
Why Magnolia Shores? The name is inspired by the beauty and tranquillity of magnolias, which symbolise growth, resilience and hope. If you can imagine stepping onto a peaceful shore, surrounded by the soothing sounds of the waves and warmth of the sun. This is what I aim to create for you - a calm and supportive space where you can feel comfortable sharing your inner world. I am committed to helping you find your own path to healing and growth.
Foundation Degree in Integrative Counselling
Bsc (Hons) Young lives, Parenting and Families
Level 6 Certificate in Clinical Supervision including online and telephone working
CPCAB Level 5 Diploma in counselling children and young people
CPCAB Level 5 Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Level 1 Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS Institute)
NLP Practitioner
Safeguarding vulnerable adults and children
Designated child protection officer
Certificate in Online and telephone counselling
Certificate in working with Psychological Trauma
Certificate in Approaches to Mental Health
Counselling Academy – Certificate in Couples Counselling
Certificate in Schema Therapy
Certificate in Sand Play Therapy
Certificate in working with Eating Disorders
Mental Health First Aid Training
ASSIST (suicide intervention skills training)
Certificate in Dialectical Behavioural Therapy
Certificate in Counselling Couples with sexual difficulties
Certificate in Domestic Violence and abuse awareness
Certificate in Emotional Focused Therapy
Certificate in Working with Substance Misuse
Certificate in working with Loss, Grief and Bereavement
Certificate in working with Gender and Sexual Diversity
Certificate in working with Mental Health Issues
Certificate in working with Attachment Issues
Certificate in introduction to Systemic Theory for Relationship Therapy
Certificate in Working with Infidelity
Counselling supervision is a vital component of professional development for counsellors, providing a supportive environment where they can reflect on their practice, enhance their skills and ensure the best outcomes for their clients. I take a holistic approach to supervision by Integrating the Hawkins and Shohet’s 7 Eyed Model of supervision and Stoltenberg and McNeills Integrative Developmental Model. This dual framework allows supervision to be tailored to your unique needs and developmental stage as a practitioner. I can offer structured guidance, helping fellow counsellors to critically analyse their work through multiple lenses, including client concerns, the therapeutic relationship and the broader context of their practice.
I believe in creating a safe, non-judgemental space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings. My approach is pluralistic which acknowledges the unique individuality of each client and recognises that no one approach or theory is superior to others. Its a collaborative and flexible method that integrates different therapeutic approaches to cater to the clients specific needs and preferences.
From time to time we can all experience difficulty and distress with upsetting thoughts and feelings. It's possible and okay to not know the reasons for this, and what makes us all human. I appreciate that it can be difficult to making that first step to reach out, I hope to make that easier for you.
My training and experience allow me to address various issues, providing tailored care to individuals navigating their unique challenges. I believe in creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels heard and understood, regardless of their specific mental health needs.
I have a special interest in neurodiversity and am passionate about creating a safe, accepting and empowering space for individuals who are neurodiverse.
For over 10 years now I have provided counselling in Schools which has had a positive impact on children's emotional, social and academic development. It has helped children manage anxiety and stress and has encouraged positive peer relationships and conflict resolution skills. I have supported children who struggle with bullying, isolation or self-esteem issues and so much more.
The ripple effect in counselling describes how the benefits of therapy can spread beyond just the individual receiving help. When one person improves their mental health, it can create waves of positive change in their relationships with others. Some people say they’ve had great results from counselling, others have said they would never go to a counsellor and be labelled as mentally ill. Counselling can be a very different experience for everyone but one thing is certain, it is always good to talk.
I don’t know you or your family so you can talk openly without judgement. Counselling can give you the time and space to breathe, think and to work through thoughts and feelings with no pressure or expectations. Working together, I can help you to gain greater insight into the difficulties you are facing and how to make better, healthier choices moving forward.
My therapy room is located at Castle Gardens, Kilwaughter, just outside of Larne. Easily accessible from anywhere in Co. Antrim.
Counselling
Sessions are 50 minutes and are usually weekly
Fees: £60 per session - payable 48 hours prior to session
I also provide a limited number of spaces for those on low-income or for students
Cancellation policy - 48 hours notice required
Supervision
Fees: 90 minutes - £60
Concession available for students
Cancellation policy - 48 hours notice required
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about how counselling works, or to arrange an initial assessment appointment. This enables us to discuss the reasons you are thinking of coming to counselling, whether it could be helpful for you and whether I am the right therapist to help.
You can also call me on 07728762920 if you would prefer to leave a message or speak to me first. I am happy to discuss any queries or questions you may have prior to arranging an initial appointment. Please complete the form below to get started.
All enquires are usually answered within 48 hours.
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