Melissa Clarke , BACP

Melissa Clarke is a United Kingdom based psychotherapist with 12 years of clinical experience and accreditation from the BACP - the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. She works integratively, drawing on evidence-informed methods to support people facing stress, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem and the challenges that come with life changes.

Her practice also addresses a range of relational and personality concerns including abandonment and attachment issues, avoidant personality patterns, codependency, commitment and communication problems, control issues, infidelity, feelings of guilt and shame, impulsivity, isolation and questions about life purpose and money. Melissa works with both individuals and couples to explore dynamics that affect mood, motivation and connection, helping clients build clearer boundaries and more sustainable ways of relating.

In sessions she creates a warm, nonjudgmental space where thoughts and feelings can be explored openly. She uses talking therapy alongside approaches such as cognitive behavioural techniques, mindfulness practices and practical tools including worksheets, videos and interactive card exercises to help clients experiment with new perspectives and skills. Melissa offers a structured 12-session programme with a review at six sessions; clients may request a further extension during the twelfth session subject to clinical evaluation. Therapy is provided by video, audio calls or live chat. Chat messages between sessions are typically answered within 24 hours on weekdays, during a scheduled window between 3pm and 4pm, and clients are asked to keep messages concise and specific so she can respond with clear guidance.

Therapeutic approaches and flexible online sessions

Melissa Clarke integrates several well-established approaches to tailor therapy to each individual's needs. Attachment-Based Therapy explores how early relationship patterns influence current attachments and helps people understand and shift recurring dynamics in close relationships, useful for abandonment, trust and intimacy concerns. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on creating an empathic, nonjudgmental space where the client leads the pace and focus of work, supporting self-esteem, personal growth and clearer decision making. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) provides practical techniques to identify and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviours, which can be effective for anxiety, low mood and stress management.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. The therapist collaborates with each client to clarify goals, preferences and what feels most helpful, adjusting methods over time so the work fits the client rather than forcing a single model.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions can take place by video, phone, live chat or text-based messaging to suit schedules, mobility and comfort levels. These options make it easier to maintain consistent appointments, try different formats for different needs, and access licensed professionals from a distance while keeping the focus on progress and practical support.