Melissa Carslake

My hours of work are as follows: 

Tuesday 9am - 8pm

Wednesday 9am - 8pm

Thursday 9am - 8pm

Counsellor. 

Adolescents, Young Adults & Adults. 

I have been providing counselling services for several years, working across a range of settings to support the mental health and wellbeing of adolescents, young adults and adults.

My experience includes working for Place2Be and Your Space Therapies, providing counselling to children and young people in schools. I am familiar with both state and independent school environments.

I also work for a Brighton-based charity providing therapeutic support to adults in crisis, alongside my private practice where I work with adolescents, young adults and adults. 

I'm a qualified counsellor and hold three CPCAB counselling qualifications: a Level 6 Diploma in Trauma-Focused Counselling, a Level 5 Diploma in Counselling Children & Young People (CYP) and a Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling.

Before training as a counsellor, I spent twenty years in senior corporate roles. This experience has given me valuable insight into the pressures and challenges people face in both their personal and professional lives.

My approach to counselling is straightforward and uncomplicated. I provide a calm, non-judgemental space where people can talk about whatever they're dealing with, working at their own pace - no rush, no pressure.

As a person-centred integrative counsellor, the relationship I have which each client is at the heart of my work. Building trust and a sense of safety is an important part of this, helping clients feel comfortable enough to talk openly. 

I draw on a range of therapeutic approaches and tools, adapting the way I work to suit the needs, personality and circumstances of each individual. For some clients, particularly adolescents, this may include creative, visual or play-based approaches. 

Sessions are client-led with space to talk, think and reflect. Together we can explore thoughts and feelings, relationships and experiences - past or present - as well as patterns in behaviour and responses. There's no set agenda - clients are free to talk about whatever feels most important to them or is on their mind.

I welcome and work with people of all backgrounds, identities and genders. I also have experience of supporting neurodivergent clients including those with ADHD and autism.

I offer a free introductory session following a brief telephone consultation, giving prospective clients the opportunity to meet me and see whether working together feels like a good fit. 

For adolescents, the initial telephone conversation will be with the referring parent or guardian. The introductory session is with the young person but may also include some time together at the beginning with their parent or guardian. This provides an opportunity to establish expectations, build a shared understanding and agree on how best to move forward.