- Grief support
- Trauma help
- Guilt and shame
About Melissa
Melissa Hepburn is a BACP counsellor with four years' experience based in the United Kingdom. She works with stress, anxiety, LGBT issues, relationships, trauma and abuse, and grief. Melissa also lists guilt and shame among the concerns she addresses.
She began her work in a bereavement service, supporting people after loss. That role involved talking with individuals and families about grief and practical next steps. Those early years shaped how she listens and holds difficult material in sessions.
Melissa has since worked with people who have post-traumatic stress and anxiety. She has experience supporting those exploring gender dysphoria and related concerns. Her practice includes helping clients who carry guilt, shame, or isolation, and those coping with long-term health conditions or chronic pain.
Her approach is integrative, which means she draws on more than one evidence-based technique to match what a person needs. Sessions are described simply and directly, with an emphasis on open-minded, non-judgemental listening and clear, practical steps when appropriate. She aims for straightforward conversations rather than jargon.
Melissa notes experience with issues linked to addiction, obsessive thoughts, panic, sexual trauma, and relationship strain. She offers support to people exploring identity and to those finding it hard to reconnect with themselves after crisis. To start, people complete a short matching questionnaire and then schedule a first session.
How integrative methods can work online
Melissa describes her practice as integrative and draws on evidence-based therapeutic techniques to suit different problems. One common approach uses gradual exposure and skills to manage anxiety and panic; this involves small, manageable steps and technique practice between sessions to reduce overwhelm. Another approach focuses on trauma-informed care for post-traumatic stress, which attends to pacing, safety in conversation, and grounding skills to help a person stay present during difficult memories.Finding the right approach is part of the work. Melissa will explore a client's needs, goals and preferences and then agree on methods together. This is a collaborative process that can change as progress is made or new issues arise.
The biography does not specify which online formats she offers, so please confirm current session options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into everyday life - for example they can remove travel time, allow shorter check-ins during a busy day, or avoid needing to be on camera if that helps. Registered or accredited professionals and therapists often use these practical benefits to help people maintain consistency with appointments.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Experience
4+ years
Listed in
United Kingdom
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she help with?
She works with stress, anxiety, LGBT issues, relationships, trauma and abuse, and grief. Guilt and shame are included among her focus areas.
How would she approach feelings of shame or guilt?
She uses an integrative approach, drawing on evidence-based techniques to talk through guilt and shame and to identify practical ways forward. Sessions focus on clear, direct conversation and small steps.
What experience does she have?
She has four years' professional experience and started her career working in a bereavement service supporting people after loss. She has also worked with people experiencing PTSD and anxiety.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She is registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and works from the United Kingdom.
Does she work in other languages or with international clients?
Sessions are offered in English, and she accepts international clients.
What session formats are offered?
The original biography does not specify session formats; please confirm current session options before booking.
How does payment and cost work?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger or thinking about harming yourself, use the crisis numbers.