- gentle honest support
- focus on relationships
- practical reflections
About Melanie
Melanie O'Brien is a counsellor who works from a client-centred approach. She offers a calm, respectful space for people to talk about what’s difficult. Her manner is gentle and honest, and she aims to help people feel understood rather than judged.
Melanie understands how hard it can be to reach out when life feels overwhelming or stuck. She supports people experiencing stress, anxiety, low mood, grief and trauma, as well as relationship and intimacy issues. She also helps with concerns such as addictions, eating difficulties, parenting strain, self-esteem and major life changes.
Her practice emphasises the therapeutic relationship. That means she focuses on building trust and listening closely so each person can explore their experience at their own pace. She offers reflections and practical conversation rather than pushing a fixed agenda.
Melanie has five years of counselling experience and holds BACP registration, which is recorded as BACP. She blends a person-centred stance with elements from other approaches when it feels helpful, always tailoring the work to the individual’s needs.
People come to her for a careful, grounded conversation about issues such as family problems, attachment or abandonment worries, chronic illness and caregiver stress, and difficulties with communication or control. She aims to help people make small, manageable changes and to feel less alone in the process.
Client-centred work and online counselling
Melanie draws on client-centred therapy, which puts the relationship at the heart of the work. That means she listens closely, reflects what comes up and offers a non-judgemental space where people can make sense of their feelings and choices. This approach is often helpful for issues like anxiety, low mood, grief and relationship difficulties.She also uses elements from other approaches when they suit a person’s needs, adapting conversations to focus on what feels most useful. This collaborative way of working means decisions about techniques and priorities are made together, based on the person’s goals and preferences.
If you are considering online sessions, please check the available formats before booking, as the profile does not list specific session types. Online therapy can make it easier to fit counselling into a busy life, reduce travel time and allow for shorter check-ins when needed. It can also help people maintain continuity of care during life transitions. Registered or accredited professionals can work with you to find an approach and rhythm that match your needs and practical circumstances.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
5+ years
Listed in
United Kingdom
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does this counsellor help with?
Melanie works with issues such as stress, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma and relationship problems, plus concerns like addictions, eating issues and self-esteem.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
Her practice is client-centred, focusing on a trusting relationship and listening closely so people can explore at their own pace.
What experience does the counsellor have?
She has five years of counselling experience working with a range of difficulties and life changes.
What credentials and region are listed?
The profile lists BACP as the credential and shows the counsellor is based in the United Kingdom.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the UK work with this counsellor?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are fees and payments handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
What do I need to do to begin therapy?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to the counsellor’s availability.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the crisis numbers.