Meet The Team

Nutritionist Melanie is a registered member with the Association for Nutrition. She is a science and evidence-based Nutritionist and has over 10 years’ experience working with private clients. During this time, she has developed her knowledge and skills in working with people with gut issues, having been diagnosed with both IBS and IBD herself. Although she does not exclusively work with clients with gut issues and sees clients with a variety of other issues like weight loss or weight gain, fussy eating toddlers, health after menopause as well as changes to dietary requirements like low fodmaps, gluten/dairy free or plant-based eating. Melanie works with clients depending on their need for support. Some clients will only require a one-hour appointment which is £80. All follow up appointments of 1 hour are £60. If clients would like continued support to help develop changes or new ways of eating, 6-month packages of monthly face to face appointments as well as weekly email contact is £60 per month. Counsellor Melanie is also a person centred counsellor who trained at The Dorset Practice and is a member of The National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society. In her counselling practice, she specializes in providing support for individuals dealing with various issues such as anxiety, depression and relationship difficulties. She believes in creating a warm and non-judgmental environment where you can freely express yourself and find the strength to overcome obstacles in your life. Melanie is also able to incorporate her nutritionist knowledge, by helping clients with food related issues like eating to deal with stress and emotional difficulties, disordered eating. Melanie charges £45 per session for counselling and also has discounted rates for student counsellors needing their required counselling hours.

Sophia is a friendly and passionate HCPC-registered Clinical Psychologist and EMDR therapist, experienced in helping with a range of difficulties including: anxiety, stress and burnout, trauma and PTSD, depression/low mood, and low self-esteem. She has over 10 years' experience working in various settings including the NHS, charities, and the private sector. She also has a PhD in psychology and has published research in the field of mental health and addiction. Sophia draws on principles from a range of evidence-based psychological therapies including Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT). This means she can be flexible and adapt sessions to suit you. Reaching for help can be hard, so Sophia strives to ensure you feel relaxed and safe. Her approach is warm, non-judgemental and down-to-earth. Sophia works collaboratively with you, to help you understand why difficulties may have arisen, and guide you to develop effective coping strategies so you can live the life you really want. Therapy is a big investment and it is important to find someone you feel comfortable with. Sophia offers a free no-obligation phone consultation so you can learn a bit about each other and help you decide if she is the right therapist for you.

Jane is an experienced psychotherapist and an accredited member of the BACP and specialises in various therapeutic modalities such as Existential Psychology, Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), Attachment Theory, Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples (EFCT), Schema Focused Therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Jane specialises in working with couples and individuals, employing an attachment-focused approach and integrating Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) techniques for couples. With a core emphasis on understanding attachment dynamics, she helps couples explore how early attachment experiences shape their present relationship dynamic. Jane creates a safe therapeutic space where couples can deepen their emotional connection, address conflicts and enhance communication. Beyond couples therapy, Jane also offers individual counselling, applying her attachment lens to assist clients in addressing personal issues and relational patterns. Jane is committed to supporting couples and individuals in building healthier and more fulfilling relationships through the therapeutic process and the therapeutic relationship. Where the damage has taken place within a relationship, the healing can take place in a therapeutic relationship. With her experience in working with survivors of childhood abuse, Jane’s expertise extends to individual and couple therapy, where she employs her knowledge of Attachment Theory, and is qualified to conduct Adult Attachment Interviews (AAI). Her involvement as co-author of the book “Counselling Adult Survivors of Childhood Abuse: From Hurting to Healing” further underscores her dedication to supporting individuals in their healing journey. Additionally, Jane’s role as a clinical supervisor both in private practice and Poole Community Counselling CIC highlights her commitment to ensuring high standards of care within the field of psychotherapy.

Lucy specialises in bereavement, grief and loss counselling including the non-person loss of something important such as a job, relationship or health. She also helps people struggling with stress, depression and anxiety and difficulties with confidence and self-esteem. She has a lot of experience of working in hospices and a cancer charity supporting patients, relatives and carers and in GP surgeries as a Health and Wellbeing Coach. Lucy is an integrative counsellor which means she can incorporate a variety of counselling techniques so that your work together is always tailored to what you feel is right for you. She offers a safe, caring and non-judging space where you can talk about the things you’d like help with, in your own way and time, and she’ll support you in finding a way through them. Lucy is a member of the BACP and holds an Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling and a Level 5 in CBT. She also holds a level 2 certificate in Person Centred Creative Arts, a Mindfulness Practitioner Certificate and a post graduate Diploma in Counselling Children young people aged 8-18years.  Lucy offers in person, telephone and online counselling and charges £55 per 50 minute session.

Mattia, a 2020 graduate of the University College of Osteopathy and co-founder of Balanced Motion Clinic, is renowned for his holistic approach to health, blending his expertise in osteopathy with skills in sports massage and acupuncture. His passion for an active lifestyle, including boxing, gym workouts, spearfishing, and practices like sauna and ice baths, deeply informs his practice. In his career, Mattia has developed a keen interest in treating a diverse range of conditions, extending his expertise to areas such as chronic back pain, sports injuries, postural problems, and stress-related conditions. His approach is comprehensive, considering every aspect of a patient’s lifestyle and well-being. Mattia’s time in South America, where he engaged in volunteering and cultural immersion, has greatly enhanced his empathy and patient care. As a senior musculoskeletal practitioner in the NHS, he ensures his treatments are always at the forefront of current research, offering evidence-based and effective care. Mattia is dedicated to guiding his patients on their journey to better health with personalized, holistic care. His commitment to staying updated with the latest advancements in musculoskeletal care ensures that his patients receive the most effective treatments tailored to their unique needs.

Rianne, a masters in osteopathy graduate from the University College of Osteopathy, co-founded Balanced Motion Clinic following a dynamic career as a personal trainer and gym coach in the fitness industry. Her transition into osteopathy was fuelled by her deep understanding of the human body and the vital importance of movement for maintaining health. Her professional focus spans a variety of areas, including the treatment of headaches, sports-related injuries, pain management during pregnancy, care for the elderly, and support for patients with chronic pain. Rianne’s approach in osteopathy is enriched by her extensive background in physical fitness, allowing her to address a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal issues with expertise and empathy. Rianne is dedicated to providing personalized, compassionate care. She leverages her comprehensive knowledge and experience to tailor treatments to each patient’s unique needs. Her holistic approach ensures that every aspect of a patient’s lifestyle is considered, guiding them on their path to recovery and enhanced well-being.

Mel is a psychotherapeutic counsellor and hypnotherapist with a passion for helping individuals navigate their personal journeys toward well-being and self-discovery. Embracing a pluralistic and holistic approach, Mel tailors each session to meet the unique needs of clients. Believing in the power of a pluralistic approach, Mel integrates various therapeutic techniques to best suit each client's needs. By combining the transformative power of counselling and hypnotherapy, Mel provides a comprehensive and personalised treatment plan aimed at fostering deep and lasting change. Mel's journey into counselling and hypnotherapy was inspired by personal experiences. Having personally benefited from both approaches; Mel understands firsthand the profound impact they can have on one's life. This personal insight fuels Mel's empathy and dedication as a therapist, allowing a deeper connection with clients. Before becoming a therapist, Mel worked extensively in childcare settings, as well as caring for older adults and adults with learning disabilities. These experiences have enriched Mel's understanding of the diverse challenges people face and have honed the ability to offer compassionate, individualised care to each client. Client well-being is at the heart of Mel's practice and is here to support clients through life's challenges, offering a safe, non-judgmental space where thoughts and feelings can be explored.

Marisa integrates hypnotherapy with mindfulness techniques (MBCT) helping you to achieve deep relaxation to change habits of mind and behaviour. Hypnotherapy allows you to communicate with the parts that keep you stuck in unhealthy or harmful patterns, such as poor diet, habits and additions, fears and phobias, self-criticism, low confidence, parasomnias, and much more. Enabling you to live in a way that feels more aligned to the truth of your purpose and potential. Mindfulness techniques provide practical methods to maintain healthy habits, reinforcing positive neural pathways, and continue to develop self-awareness to become the best version of your whole self. Marisa also provides low-cost integrative counselling on our sister-site Poole Community Counselling CIC.

Kim Zepler has a Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling from Redlands College here in Dorset. She qualified in 2020. Kim works in a person-centred way which is an approach that focuses very much on the client, and the therapeutic relationship. Kim offers a safe space to explore the self and feelings in a non-judgemental confidential way. Kim works with adults and charges £50 per session (50 minutes).

Carol is a fully qualified counsellor, and a registered member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP). She has trained as a Humanistic Integrative Counsellor which means she can offer a tailored approach to meet your individual needs, drawing on her knowledge of several counselling approaches including; Person-Centred, Gestalt, Transactional Analysis and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. Carol also uses tools and techniques from Mindfulness and creative approaches. There are times for everyone when our normal ways of coping don’t seem enough. Carol offers a confidential, warm, and non-judgemental space where you will feel heard, valued, and accepted for who you are. You don’t have to feel alone when life feels challenging or overwhelming. It takes courage to seek support, and Carol works collaboratively at your pace, to help you develop positive changes in your life. She is passionate about working with people to empower them to reach their personal goals, express their individuality and enjoy life. Carol can help you work toward healing growth if you are struggling with; anxiety, depression, low mood, grief and loss, relationship difficulties, guilt and shame, life transitions, self-esteem, meaning and purpose, pain/illness, neuro-diversity, isolation / loneliness, baby-loss, fertility issues, feeling stuck due to past events, not flourishing. Before training as a therapist, Carol worked within the voluntary sector, social services and education with vulnerable adults and children.

I trained in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy and Counselling, and in DIT-Dynamic Interpersonal Therapy, a short-term psychodynamic approach (16 sessions). I am a MBACP accredited member and registered with AXA PPP, Aviva and Bupa. I offer a safe and containing space where you can explore current and past relationships, experiences and feelings. By allowing memories and feelings to come up, we can make sense of them and see them in a different light. So that you can find different coping strategies to deal with them and make different choices in the future. I qualified in 2015 and I have further trainings and experience working with PTSD, Trauma and Dissociative disorders. I work with individuals over the age of 16, in both short or long term. I also run different monthly groups focusing on emotional regulation, relationships and dreams. Appointments are offered on a weekly basis and they last for 50 minutes. Current availabilities are on Monday and Thursdays afternoon and early evenings. An initial free phone call of up to 15 minutes is offered.

As an accredited CBT hypnotherapist, Nathelie not only uses a range of cognitive and behavioural tools but also works with a range integrative, experiential and techniques including the Gottman method. She further helps clients heal by strengthening their transformational shifts through hypno-journeying and storytelling, harnessing the boundless power of the imagination. The Mind Full path helps clients shift into alignment with self, bringing a profound sense of worth and inner peace. Nathelie primarily works with individual clients struggling with relationship issues and has been working with relationship conflict since 2016 . Many clients are recovering from a difficult relationship or divorce and need support finding joy second time around. Anxieties often revolve around communication, trusting again, fear of commitment, dating with ageing anxiety and healing from narcissistic abuse. Nathelie also helps clients navigate and manage on-going divorce complexities such coercive control and child contact anxieties. In addition, Nathelie supports clients dealing with the distress of panic disorders and related anxiety issues. She continues to work as a panic help-liner for a national panic and anxiety charity and is also one of the charity’s trustees. In 2014, she founded a charity that proposed changing law and process relating to high-coercive control. Nathelie has a practiced mindfulness for 30 years and has a non-dual philosophy.

Seeking counselling can be intimidating, especially during difficult times when you may feel stuck, lost, or isolated. As a qualified Integrative Counsellor, I draw on various therapeutic methods to offer support tailored to your unique needs. As a registered BACP member, I adhere to professional standards to ensure you receive the highest quality care. I understand that finding the right therapist can be overwhelming, whether you're dealing with depression, anxiety, stress, grief, loss, or simply feeling stuck. My goal is to provide a warm, supportive space where your story is heard, with a focus on safety and confidentiality. Our past experiences shape our worldview, affecting our relationships and daily lives. I recognize that these experiences are deeply personal, and I am here to help you make sense of them in a way that resonates with you. My primary aim is to create a safe, calm, and non-judgmental environment where you can fully express yourself and explore your thoughts and feelings. This space is designed to foster trust and acceptance, allowing you to delve into your inner world without fear of criticism or judgment. Through counselling, you can achieve positive changes—gaining deeper self-awareness, increasing compassion and open-mindedness, building emotional resilience, and learning to navigate life's challenges with greater ease.

I have had extensive training and as an accredited Psychodynamic Psychotherapist, I am registered with the U.K. Council for Psychotherapy, and uphold their high standards in ethics. I work with a diverse range of people from different cultures, faiths, nationalities, ethnicities and backgrounds. Like all UKCP registered psychotherapists and psychotherapeutic counsellors, I have experience in a wide range of emotional and psychological issues including: depression, anxiety, separation, bereavement, loss, trauma, relationship conflict, confusion about one’s identity and illness. I offer open-ended psychotherapy both in person or online. As an accredited Psychodynamic Psychotherapist I offer a contained, confidential and non-judgemental space in which to explore your thoughts and feelings. We will work in collaboration to explore the patterns and hidden meanings that may shed light on current behaviours or pain you may be experiencing in your life. Our aim will be for you to gain a better understanding and encouraging the acceptance of your authentic self. I offer a free 15-minute telephone consultation to get to know each other and help you decide if this is the right therapy for you.

Tammie is a qualified children's and young persons' counsellor. She has supported clients since 2018 as an Integrative Therapist and more recently has specialised in trauma work. She holds a Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling and Post-Qualifying Diploma in Counselling Young People, which qualifies her to work with children from the age of 8. She has worked as a trauma counsellor, supporting both children and adults who have suffered sexual abuse, as well as in other in counselling agencies and colleges. She is an accredited member of the BACP (British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy). Tammie works creatively with children and young people, prioritising active listening and building rapport through creative interventions tailored to their interests and experiences. She believes in understanding their world to facilitate effective therapeutic outcomes. Tammie’s primary training is Person-Centred, however she adopts a humanistic integrative approach that prioritises her clients’ needs. Drawing from various theories and interventions, she tailors her work to best support her clients. She has specialised expertise in addressing trauma through a three-phase model approach. Additionally, she is enthusiastic about Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which is a behavioural therapy that helps clients embrace the inevitable challenges of life.

Julie Barrett is a person-centred integrative NLP & Hypnotherapy Practitioner. Julie believes that everyone has the right to be happy and follow their dreams with confidence and with a healthy mindset. Sometimes it feels like we are stuck (with feelings of stress, anxiety, procrastination, overwhelmed, expectations, social media, unwanted habits) and don’t know which way to turn. Hypnotherapy with NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming) are only two of the integrated approaches used to make rapid, real, and lasting changes to lives of people like you. The aim is for you to become the author of your own story and gain back control of your life. During a session, clients are helped to resolve issues, limitations and unwanted habits which ultimately leaves you feeling free and able to achieve your dreams.

Emma is a fully qualified counsellor and a registered member of the BACP. It may feel daunting to come to therapy and finding the right therapist for you might feel overwhelming. It's okay to ask questions when searching for a therapist. You may feel confused, perhaps you’re overthinking things, you may be experiencing highs and lows or you might not even know what you’re feeling and that's okay. Counselling is a confidential and safe space in which to explore what this means to you and together try to understand things better.

Katherine is a qualified Therapeutic Counsellor and a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). Katherine has a background working in schools for 7 years supporting children and young people with social, emotional and behavioural needs and their families. She has furthered her experience with 2 years of specialising in bereavement for adults and children. Whether you are struggling with stress, anxiety, trauma, relationships, or just finding it difficult to just get through the day, especially with increasing pressures in our modern world, Katherine offers a person-centred approach to help you explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours in a safe, confidential, and non-judgemental space. She believes that everyone is unique and deserves to be heard. You can make positive changes to your life when you are listened to and feel valued.

Nicole Uprichard is an experienced integrative therapist offering counselling and coaching. She has worked as a one-to-one therapist in a wide range of settings including hospitals, the charity sector and private practice. Nicole’s integrative approach draws on a wide range of therapeutic models to tailor her compassionate, empathic and non-judgemental approach to the unique needs and goals of each individual. These include Person-centred Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, coaching, Somatic Trauma Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy and Gestalt Therapy. Nicole offers both counselling and coaching, either separately or blended together holistically. She supports each person in exploring past and present experiences and emotions, empowering them to make changes, improve emotional regulation, and work towards personal growth. She specialises in working with the many manifestations of stress and psychological trauma. Nicole has trained to support parents who have experienced the profoundly difficult challenges of baby loss and birth trauma, providing them with a safe and confidential therapeutic space. The focus of Nicole’s coaching is forward-looking and action-oriented. She works with individuals to identify and work towards specific personal or professional goals whilst they enhance their skills and overcome obstacles. As well as working in person, on the telephone or online, Nicole offers walk and talk therapy, where sessions take place outdoors. Nicole is a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). She abides by their code of conduct and ethical practice.

Anthony is an experienced counsellor and psychotherapist and an accredited member of the BACP. He provides a safe, confidential and non-judgemental space for you to explore anything you wish, comfortable in the knowledge that what you share will be treated in the greatest confidence. Anthony believes we all have the power to heal and grow, but so often our experiences, circumstances, or just modern life mean we get stuck. Counselling could help you find a way past this, to unravel the complicated thought patterns and bring balance to the things that threaten to overwhelm you.

Camilla is a qualified integrative psychotherapeutic counsellor drawing on a number of different modalities in her work to suit the needs of each individual client. She is predominantly trained in Person Centred, Gestalt and Psychodynamic theories, but also uses elements of Transactional Analysis, CBT and Transpersonal Psychology. Camilla is also a trauma-informed therapist, meaning she has had specific training in the assessment and processing of trauma related issues. Camilla provides a warm and reflective space in which individuals can choose to explore their issues in a non-judgemental environment. Whether you wish to look at the impact of your early years on your life now, address current issues of feeling ‘stuck’ in a more solution-focused way, or anything else; Camilla will help guide you to a greater level of self-awareness and understanding, helping you to uncover answers to the “Why do I…?” questions that can seem so confusing. Camilla is a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and abides by their ethical framework (details of which can be found at www.bacp.co.uk).

Nikila is a person-centred counsellor who wholeheartedly believes in the restorative and transformative power of counselling. Nikila has experienced this first hand and this led her to train as a counsellor herself. Nikila offers a place of safety, where shame, pain, confusion, overwhelm, anxiety, and all kinds of emotional distress can be shared and explored without judgement. Nikila works with adults and charges £45 per 50-minute session. She offers face-to-face counselling at The Dorset Practice, or online via Zoom. “We think we listen, but very rarely do we listen with real understanding, true empathy. Yet listening of this kind is one of the most potent forces of change that I know” Carl Rogers.

Julie has experience in working with relationship difficulties, personal development which include working to enhance self-esteem, self-care, motivation, and boundaries. She has also worked with addiction, including sexual addiction as well as drug and alcohol problems. She is an experienced Samaritan, and this role has enabled Julie to help people who are suicidal. However, her reason for counselling is to be more than a sticking plaster for immediate problems, but to see people grow and flourish. Julie has experience working in a residential rehab where the focus is on helping people with addiction to develop the tools to maintain sobriety and work through their complex past experiences and feelings. Julie has run various workshops there, including The Drama Triangle, Co-Dependency, and therapeutic art. Julie provides a safe and confidential space for and starts working using a Person-Centred approach. But adapts and uses the best style depending on your needs. She can incorporate gestalt techniques, cognitive behaviour therapy, all of these can include therapeutic use of art and music. Julie works in the Wareham office, and charges £45 per session (50 mins)

Hello! My name is Sandy, and I'm here to help you work towards feeling better and improving your life. I genuinely enjoy connecting with people and understanding their needs, and I feel that helping others is what I'm meant to do. I understand that everyone’s experience is different, so I offer a caring and personalised approach to meet your unique and personal needs. As a qualified hypnotherapist, I use relaxation techniques to help you reach a calm and focused state where positive changes can take place. This can help you shift away from negative thoughts and habits that may be holding you back. Whether you're feeling anxious, want to develop better self-control, or are facing difficult relationship issues, my goal is to provide kind and understanding support. I am also furthering my knowledge by studying to become a counsellor, which will allow me to offer even more guidance and support. Your well-being is important to me, and I am here with genuine care and unwavering support every step of the way. Let's take this journey towards a happier and more positive life together.

Sarah is a qualified person-centred therapeutic counsellor. She creates a supportive and non-judgmental space where clients can feel comfortable exploring their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. This allows clients to gain a greater understanding of their struggles, notice behaviours and reflect on their ways of thinking. As clients feel heard and understood, they gain more clarity about their situation, which can lead to increased self-acceptance, personal empowerment, and a better ability to handle life’s challenges. Sarah has experience working with clients who have suffered from various issues including anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, childhood abuse, bereavement and relationship problems, amongst others. Sarah sincerely believes in everyone being themselves and emphasises that all of the client is welcome, with no emotions needed to be left at the door.