Melanie Lucas, BACP

Melanie uses client-centred therapy, which means sessions focus on listening and understanding each person’s story. The counsellor follows the client’s pace and helps identify strengths and goals to build on, which is useful for stress, grief and life changes.

She also uses mindfulness therapy to teach simple attention and breathing techniques. These practices help people notice thoughts and feelings without reacting to them, and can reduce the intensity of panic, worry and overwhelming emotions.

Finding the right approach is part of the work and it’s a collaborative process. Melanie will discuss what feels most helpful and adapt techniques to fit the client’s needs, goals and preferences rather than imposing a single method.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation when visual contact matters. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited or for a shorter check-in. Live chat and text messaging work well for quick check-ins, shorter exchanges or when writing feels more comfortable. These options make it easier to fit therapy into busy lives and to access registered or accredited professionals from different locations.