Melanie O'Brien, BACP

Melanie O'Brien is a qualified integrative counsellor who creates a warm, respectful and grounded space for people to explore what matters most to them. With five years of professional experience, she supports clients facing anxiety, low mood, grief, trauma, relationship difficulties, addiction-related concerns and a broad range of life changes, offering practical understanding alongside emotional attunement.

Her practice is rooted in person-centred counselling, which prioritises a trusting, nonjudgmental therapeutic relationship where clients can feel heard and accepted. Melanie also draws on targeted methods such as counselling for depression and elements of cognitive behavioural therapy when these approaches suit a client’s goals and needs. She works at each person’s pace and focuses on what feels most helpful in the moment.

Known for a gentle yet honest style, Melanie combines professional skills with a deep respect for the courage it takes to face painful experiences. Based in the United Kingdom and holding BACP accreditation - the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy membership - she offers compassionate support to help people make sense of their experiences and move toward clearer ways of coping and relating to themselves and others.

Client-Centred Support Delivered Online

Client-Centred Therapy places the relationship at the heart of the work, offering an accepting, nonjudgmental space where the client’s experiences and perspectives guide the direction of therapy. This approach helps with issues like anxiety, low self-esteem, grief and relationship difficulties by focusing on empathy, active listening and the client’s own resources.

Melanie also integrates elements of cognitive behavioural approaches when helpful, using practical strategies to identify and gently challenge thinking patterns that contribute to distress. These techniques can be useful for managing anxiety, low mood and unhelpful coping habits while still keeping the client’s values and pace central to the work.

Finding the right therapeutic approach is part of the journey; Melanie works collaboratively with each person and will help determine which methods best match their needs, goals and preferences. Together with a registered professional, clients can explore options and adjust the plan as work progresses.

Online therapy with Melanie is offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text-based messaging, giving flexibility to fit therapy into busy lives. These options make it easier to access consistent support from home or elsewhere, accommodating different communication preferences and practical circumstances.