Gestalt Psychotherapist and Supervisor, Trainer. UKCP Registered.
Senior Practitioner Coach. EMCC Registered.
Continuing Professional Development for Counsellors, Psychotherapists, Supervisors, Coaches and other helping professionals
Hi, I’m Mel
I didn't do well at school. Traditional learning was genuinely difficult for me, and in the 1980s I was diagnosed with a range of neurodivergent traits. I learned how to learn and went on to get a science degree - but it wasn't until I found process-orientated, experiential learning that I discovered a truly elegant way to absorb theory and put this into practice. I have had a career for over 40 years and I have kept learning and growing.
Gestalt therapy training was where this really clicked. I learned from experience first, and the theory made sense because it connected directly to the purpose of therapy: how to sit in a room with a distressed client. I learned to study, to practise, and to reflect on my learning - and that combination has shaped everything I've taught since.
My career now spans over 40 years, and training has run alongside my therapy practice for most of it. I have continued to do education and I have level 7 Diplomas in Social Work, Gestalt Psychotherapy, Meta-Therapy Supervision and Coaching. My school girl self would be shocked!
I have ‘retired’ from full-time training of psychotherapists and supervisors to build a programme of Continuing Professional Development. I am passionate about training within the Mental Health field using psychological and gestalt theory applied to developing therapy, businesses and coaching.
I've written and developed training programmes to meet the specific needs of a range of organisations across the third sector, social services and health providers - most recently for a Sexual Violence Counselling Service and for staff working in prisons.
The cornerstone of my CPD programme is Group Work Facilitation Course - introduced online and moving into in-person work, grounded in process and experiential learning. To support your practice is optional group supervision and a process group. The next cohort will be starting in January.
I have a range of CPD events on Creative Projection work including Dreamwork. CPD for developing Supervision Skills is needed. Another mainstay is How to Set Up a Private Practice, taught for 18 years, which helps therapists become business people too — yes, that means marketing, SEO, and even saving for a pension.
If you want a Programme for the next year, please email me.
How this training can support you
Grow Your Practice
Therapy skills alone don't build a business. This training brings in what's often missing - the confidence to think and act as an entrepreneur too.
Deepen Your Learning
Theory only really lands once it's lived through. Learning by doing, then reflecting, means it stays with you long after the training ends.
Build Confidence
Working experientially, in a process based group supports you to find your own authority as a practitioner.
Support to Hold the Other
Psychological holding of the other is hard, so you get a network of support people.
Prevent Burnout
By learning new skills and exploring alternative ideas we can keep each other away from burnout.
Frequently asked questions
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I am honest, lively and practical. My approach is interactive so you will not be expected to just sit quietly while I read slides at you. I combine clear teaching, small-group exploration, case material, skills practice and experiential exercises.
I want the training to be useable and thought-provoking. You are encouraged to connect ideas to YOUR real work and learn through discussion, reflection and experience. I aim to create enough safety for you to think honestly, not a space where everyone has to appear confident or get everything right. We can include uncertainty and mistakes, remain curious about their impact, and discuss ethical practice.
I offer enough structure to feel held, with enough flexibility for the group to think and respond. We pay attention to the topic and to what is happening in the learning group, including how this might mirror professional practice. Power, equity, diversity and inclusion are woven through the work. As a neurodivergent trainer, I am mindful of different ways of processing and participating.
I am a contemporary relational dialogic Gestalt therapist. We will work together as a team on your agenda. My interventions will be intended to be in the service of your growth. I am a trauma-informed therapist who integrates attachment, shame, personality development and some basic neuroscience.
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In every CPD event, I aim to include an activity for most learning styles. I send academic papers for the theorists, have practical experiences for the activists and have practical problem solving for the pragmatists. I insist on reflective practice as a key tool for everyone. I know we all can learn in many ways and what is key to me is NOT to privilege one way over another.
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I completed the Training the Trainer Course in 1990! I have continued to learn and explore training theory.
I co-founded The Welsh Psychotherapy Training Institute and have taught many people and over 100 people are now on the UKCP register in Therapeutic Counselling, and HIPC Integrative and Gestalt Psychotherapy. I have also taught Level 7 supervision training in Cardiff and Singapore.
I have written and delivered bespoke training programmes for Statutory Agencies, Housing Associations and Charities.
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I offer continuing professional development for:
Counsellors
Psychotherapists
Supervisors
Coaches
Other helping professionals
I also work with managers, leaders and teams whose roles bring them into contact with stress, trauma or emotional demand.
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My current areas of training and CPD include:
· Therapeutic group facilitation
· Trauma-informed practice and trauma prevention
· Setting up in private practice for new and early career therapists
· Inner-child and shame work
· Creative Projection and Dreams
I regularly add new courses, so please follow my LinkedIn and Eventbrite pages to be notified of upcoming courses. (Can we add links/buttons here please?)
I also provide supporting resources and CPD certificates where applicable.
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Therapy sessions are 50 minutes long.
Invoices are available on request.
I have insurance which requires me to keep short notes with no third-party information.
I comply with ICO 2018 Data Protection Regulations.
I am subject to the UKCP Code of Ethics and Central Complaints Procedure.
Let's explore how this training can support you to grow with confidence.
