Melissa Hepburn, BACP

Melissa Hepburn is a counsellor who helps people with stress, anxiety, grief, relationship difficulties, trauma and LGBT concerns. She uses an integrative approach that focuses on thoughts and everyday habits to help people manage symptoms and find clearer next steps. Melissa aims to create a calm, non-judgemental space where people can talk honestly about hard things.

She began her work in a bereavement service, supporting individuals and families after a death. That experience shaped her practical approach to grief and loss and her willingness to sit with strong emotions. She also has experience supporting people with post-traumatic stress and anxiety.

Melissa has worked with people exploring gender dysphoria and with those coping with relationship strain. She describes herself as open-minded and empathetic, and she focuses on making therapy feel less daunting for first-time clients.

Her registration is with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, BACP. Melissa has four years of experience in counselling practice in the United Kingdom and offers sessions in English. She also accepts international clients.

In sessions she draws on practical, evidence-based techniques to look at patterns of thinking and daily routines. Work often includes noticing unhelpful habits, trying new ways of responding, and checking what feels achievable. The goal is steady, manageable change rather than quick fixes.

How Melissa blends approaches for online therapy

Melissa describes herself as an integrative counsellor who draws on evidence-based therapeutic techniques that focus on thoughts and everyday habits. One common strand is working with thought patterns - identifying unhelpful thinking, testing those thoughts, and practising alternative ways of thinking to reduce anxiety and self-criticism. This helps with worry, panic symptoms and social anxiety.

Another approach often used in integrative work is behavioural change - breaking larger problems into small, everyday steps. That might include changing routines, building short practice tasks into a day, and noticing how habits affect mood and relationships. This style suits people who want concrete, step-by-step changes rather than only talking about feelings.

Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the work. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences and what feels realistic, and then tailor techniques together in an ongoing, collaborative way.

Practical benefits of online work include easier fitting of sessions around busy lives and reducing travel time. If you prefer a simpler check-in or less time on camera that can be discussed when arranging appointments. Because the biography does not list which session formats are offered, please confirm the current options before booking so you know what will suit your situation.