My work in rooted in a simple belief: people can grow, heal and find steadier ground — even in the middle of difficult times.

Over the past 30 years, I’ve supported people through anxiety, low self esteem, depression, ADHD/neurodiversity, relationship struggles, parenting challenges, health concerns, grief and life transitions. Again and again, I’ve seen how transformative it is to have a calm, thoughtful space where you can slow down, make sense of your experience and feel genuinely met and supported.

This is what I offer.

​My approach is warm, grounded and relational. I work collaboratively and with compassion — not from a clinical distance, but alongside you. Therapy does not need to feel intimidating or abstract. It can be human, containing and real.

​Alongside my psychotherapy training, my background in mindfulness, breathwork and yoga informs how I work, paying attention, with care, to the whole person — mind, body and nervous system. When we feel more safer and more regulated and present, insight deepens and change becomes sustainable.

​I feel privileged to do this work. I am continually moved by the courage it takes to come to therapy and by the resilience and growth I witness in the people I work with.

​

Training & professional background

Psychotherapy

• MSc Integrative Psychotherapy, Metanoia Institute (2008)

• 5 years of in-depth clinical training including personal therapy

• Additional two-year training in working with children and adolescents

• Specialist training in couples counselling with Dr Alexandra Solomon (Relational Self-Awareness), currently completing further certification

• Ongoing CPD in ADHD and neurodiversity, anxiety, depression, trauma, cancer and health-related issues

I have particular interests in couples and family relationships, parenting, and supporting adults with ADHD and neurodiversity.

I am fully insured and a registered member of the BACP.

​

Mindfulness, Breathwork & Yoga

My therapeutic work is enriched by nearly two decades of embodied practices.

Mindfulness

• Training with Dr Lucy Clarke and Lana Jackson

• Qualified in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)

Breathwork

• Trained with Lucas Rockwood (Yogabody)

• Continued study with Adam Stern, Wim Hof, Rebecca Coales and other leading teachers

Yoga

• Teacher training in Mysore, India (Ashtanga Yoga)

• Further training across multiple styles

• Specialist training in pregnancy, postnatal and family yoga with Uma Dinsmore-Tuli

These practices inform how I work with stress, trauma, emotional regulation and resilience, and can be gently integrated into sessions when helpful.

Please see my listing on the Counselling Directory:

www.counselling-directory.org.uk/counsellors/barbara-mella