‘Now I understand that there are two melodies playing, one below the other, one easier to hear, the other lower, steady, perhaps more faithful for being less heard yet always present.’
- Anne Lighthart
Holistic Counsellor, Psychotherapist & Breathwork Coach in Marsden, Huddersfield
Hi, I am Melissa and I offer creative and somatic counselling, psychotherapy and breathwork coaching. I work from a private and cosy room on the edge of the Peak District National Park in Marsden, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire or we can connect online or outside in nature. My practice is based on the values of kindness, safety, integrity, co-creation and holism. I believe that when we feel safe and held in relationship we can start to develop and listen to our felt-sense and intuition to source meaning, growth and fulfilment in our lives.
All my offerings are underpinned with heart and a solid foundation in therapeutic theory and trauma awareness. I have further training in trauma informed care, psychoeducation, yoga, shamanism, breathwork and reiki and over 12 years experience of working alongside others on their healing journey as a Social Worker, Mental Health Advocate and Counsellor.
I have traversed the journey of self-discovery deeply for many years. My continued personal practices of movement, nature connection, journaling, personal counselling and ritual support my ongoing discovery. I regularly attend trainings, retreats and supervision to ensure that I am able to show up and walk alongside you on your journey.
I am an animist at heart and a member of the Order of Bards, Ovates & Druids. In my spare time I love sitting round the fire with the moon, planting seeds, drinking herbal tea, wild swimming, walking in the rain, myths and pottery. I am a lover of rose, nettle, starling and the honeybee.




Qualifications
MSc Counselling & Psychotherapy (Contemporary Creative Approaches)
CPCAB Level 2 Award Breathwork Coaching (Trauma-Informed)
BA (Hons) Social Work
Trainings:
NeuroAffective Touch®: A Somatic Toolkit for Healing Emotional and Relational Trauma
Carolyn Spring - Working with Trauma
Carolyn Spring - Trauma & the Body
Deb Dana - The Power of Polyvagal (12 month journey - ongoing)
Working at Relational Depth
Intuitive Herbalism Immersion
The Emerald Podcast Patreon
Internal Family Systems Workshop
The Art of Interdependence (on-going)
British Wheel of Yoga: Foundation Course
Indian Head Massage
Reiki
Order of Bards, Ovates & Druids: Bardic Grade (on-going)
Counselling Online (Open University)