Melissa Purnell

• I currently have availability for one-to-one counselling on Mondays and Tuesdays. 
• I can provide short-term or long-term sessions depending on your needs. 
• I offer weekly or fortnightly sessions. 
• I can offer online or face-to-face, Educational Reflective Supervision to school staff.

I hold an MA in Psychodynamic Counselling and work with Adults, Adolescents and Children.

I am registered with the BACP and in the process of applying for accreditation. I also have the relevant insurance and am registered with the ICO.

Work Experience

• I have substantial experience (25 years) working in the Education sector as a Teacher and Counsellor. 
  
• I am currently employed (part-time) as a School Counsellor in East London supporting staff and pupils. 
  
• I offer Educational Supervision to school staff such as DSL leads, SEMH and Autism Practitioners and EYFS staff. 
  
• I currently have a private psychodynamic practice in Chelmsford supporting adolescents and adults. 
• I have previously supported a local Hospice as a Child and Adolescent (4-18 years) Bereavement Counsellor.

Benefits of Counselling

Life is not always straightforward, our lives can become challenging at times, causing us to feel overwhelmed with an array of complex emotions which can have an impact on our daily lives.

Very often we don’t have someone that we can completely share our innermost thoughts and emotions with so having someone who is a trained professional, not connected with their life allows the opportunity to open up and confide in.

Dedicating time to yourself to explore issues that affect your life is beneficial, as it will give you the time and space you need to work things out.

I trust that I can provide a safe, non-judgmental space to work collaboratively with you to explore ways to help you move forward.

What is Psychodynamic Counselling? Psychodynamic counselling is a non-directive therapy that aims to assist people in exploring the more unconscious aspects of their behaviour, thoughts and feelings. By exploring these issues we can come to understand them more and make the necessary changes, which can improve psychological well-being and aid a journey of personal growth.

I offer individual counselling with each session lasting 50 minutes. I provide a safe and confidential space for those looking for either long or short-term counselling.

I offer reflective supervision for staff working in schools, enabling them to explore the complexity of their workload. 

My consultation room is located in town, with good road links and easy access to pay and display parking nearby

Initially, it is advisable to have a 15-minute phone consultation to orient ourselves on how and why we would want to work together and to answer any questions you might have. Phone consultations are free of charge.

If we decide to further our work, I would invite you for an assessment, where we could establish your therapy goals and get to know each other better. This is also an opportunity to organise our meetings for regular counselling sessions and discuss fees and other, concerning details. This session may take up to 90 minutes and is charged at £80.