Barbara Mella

​​​​​​​​​I was drawn to these practices at different times in my life noticing that they are all paths of self discovery towards awareness, acceptance and contentment.

 

They all share a fundamental belief that we need to pay attention to the present moment: to our emotions, thoughts, body, breath, habits, the world around us,...  The simple act of paying attention make us fully present thus fully alive, which in turn, initiates a transformative process towards a more aware, fulfilling life.

 

My experience has given me a positive belief that we all have the potential to change, to grow and to find balance and joy in our lives.

 

I approach life with a sense of wonder, openness, and enthusiasm and I bring humour and passion to whatever I do.​I am very enthusiastic about my job as this is my life’s work. I feel privileged to be allowed into my clients' worlds while accompanying them on their journeys.

 

I never fail to be touched and changed by these encounters.​

 

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My trainings:

 

Psychotherapy:

I completed an MSc in Integrative Psychotherapy from the Metanoia Institute in London in 2008. There, I spent 5 years undergoing rigorous training from amazing teachers and colleagues and receiving counselling myself.

In 2021, I completed a two year training to work with Children and Adolescents. I have worked with adopted children and parents through a post adoption service in Dorset and with teenagers locally.

I have also trained to be a couple counsellor with Dr. Alexandra Solomon within her framework for Relational Self-Awareness.

I continue learning through various CPD courses about different subjects like ADHD and neurodiversity, depression, anxiety, cancer, etc .I have a particular interest in family relationships especially parenting; and in adults who are somewhere on the ADHD and neurodiversity spectrum.

​I am fully insured, and a member of the BACP.​​​

 

Breathwork:

I trained with Lucas Rockwood at Yogabody.com, and I continue to be fascinated by the power of the breath learning more about this natural practice with freedivers and breathing coaches alike.

I have studied with Adam Stern, Australian record holder in freediving; with Wim Hof, known as the Iceman, an extreme athlete who uses a type of hyperventilation to withstand freezing temperatures and activate his immune system; with Rebecca Coales, who is now a Yoga teacher and Breath Coach and who previously set 5 UK records swimming underwater on one breath, including 145m breaststroke and 189m with a monofin. ​​​

 

Mindfulness:

I first trained in Mindfulness with the amazing Dr. Lucy Clarke and Lana Jackson at the Special Yoga Centre in 2006, and I continue to learn and practice at every opportunity.

I hold a specialist training in MBSR (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction), which is an eight week programme to assist people suffering from stress, anxiety, depression and pain.

 

Yoga:

I trained as a yoga teacher in 2004 in Mysore, India, with the most influential teachers of Ashtanga. Since then, I have integrated other styles of yoga into my practice while learning with inspiring teachers in England, India, America and Italy.I also trained in Pregnancy, Postnatal and Early Years/ Family Yoga with the one and only Uma Dinsmore- Tuli at Sitaram through The Life Centre and The British Wheel of Yoga.​​