Tina Mellor

I work privately on several days in the week and collaborate with my clients to agree mutually convenient times and days.  We agree to work weekly to establish a therapeutic relationship.  I work both short and long term.

I am an experienced integrative, humanistic counsellor, supervisor and trainer which means I am  client led and focussed.  I believe that, when a client feels safe and heard, they are able to unpack and explore issues that may have been causing them distress or concern.  I work ethically and honestly and maintain the core belief that we all hold within us the knowledge of what we may need to feel understood and so be able to process and make changes for the better.  Holding a space of non judgement, stability and safety, allows people to explore at their pace.

I will always have an initial call or online 'meet' with any potential client to ensure that I feel I could offer the support they may be seeking.  This is a time for both parties to ask questions and for us to establish whether we feel we could work well together.  I invite clients to ask me anything they wish about how I work, my qualifications and experience levels.  I will then send my contract for the client to peruse before committing to any sessions.  We both hold signed copies of the contract.   We acknowledge commitment levels and any potential blocks to our work and agree where we will meet - my work or home office.  I will show the client my assessment form and inform them of the need for a full and comprehensive assessment before we start work.

Our first session should come after we have spoken and agreed our contract and have the beginnings of the assessment completed. I do not charge for the initial call/online meeting but would expect our work to begin on our first session with the assessment completion being an important area and payment to begin from this session. 

I am happy to discuss requirements for counsellors/students to assess their professional or college requirements and find a mutually convenient time and day to fit.

I would ask for counsellors to be prepared for supervision with a brief outline of their client, number of sessions etc.  Counsellors would be expected to give a brief check in for us to ascertain their own wellbeing for all parties safety.  We would focus on the process of the sessions, possible ethical issues, blocks, transference, etc and mutually find a pathway that benefits the client.  We would agree the manner in which any concerns are raised and review at work and relationship to maintain standards but also that all parties are getting what they want/expect.

I strive to provide a safe, collegial space for honest, robust supervision to keep our clients' best interest as our primary focus. I believe this allows counsellors to explore their own process and understand better how to work with their clients. We work ethically and openly. Extra support would be given for students and collegial, positive and relevant support to those qualified.  I like the concept of an "honest broker".  Counselling can be a solitary profession so being able to share openly and honestly to be the best we can be, is vital.  We need to be brave and human.

We talk and ask each other questions.  This relationship needs to work just like it does for our clients.  We are open, honest and brave with all aspects.  Only then can we grow and maintain a healthy professional practice.