Melissa Hepburn, BACP

Melissa Hepburn helps people facing stress, anxiety, relationship struggles, grief, and difficulties after trauma. She also supports those dealing with LGBT concerns, body image, panic attacks, obsessive thoughts, and issues linked to chronic illness and pain. Melissa uses a calm, open style and aims to make therapy feel approachable for anyone who is nervous about starting. Melissa is a counsellor registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, often shown as BACP. Before private practice she worked in a bereavement service, supporting people after a loss and guiding them through early practical and emotional steps. She has experience with post-traumatic stress and anxiety and with people exploring gender dysphoria. Melissa keeps sessions non-judgemental and listens with empathy. She wants people to feel heard and respected as they talk through difficult memories and current struggles. Her approach is integrative, which means she draws on a range of evidence-based techniques to match each person’s needs. Sessions are conversational and paced to suit the individual, with practical tools offered when they are helpful. Melissa also supports those affected by addiction, sexual assault and abuse, self-harm and isolation. She offers help for guilt, shame and building self-compassion. Work can include short-term problem focus or longer support for deeper issues. People can expect straightforward language and a steady presence in sessions. The aim is to find clear, realistic steps forward while acknowledging how hard change can feel. Melissa keeps the focus on what the person wants to achieve and adapts the approach as progress is made.

How integrative approaches translate to online therapy

Melissa uses integrative, evidence-based techniques that are adapted for online work. One common approach focuses on managing anxiety and panic through practical breathing and grounding methods alongside step-by-step exposure to feared situations. These techniques help reduce intense symptoms and teach skills people can use between sessions.

Another helpful strand addresses trauma and post-traumatic stress with structured methods to process distressing memories and build coping strategies. This work aims to reduce overwhelm and improve day-to-day functioning while keeping the pace comfortable for the person.

Finding the right mix of approaches is a collaborative process. Melissa will talk with each person about their goals and preferences and try different methods to see what feels most helpful. She adapts what she offers as progress and needs change rather than following a fixed plan.

Online therapy offers flexibility and ease of access. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation when that feels important. Phone sessions can be simpler when bandwidth is limited, and live chat or text-based messaging suit shorter check-ins or people who prefer writing. These options make it easier to fit sessions around work, caregiving or mobility needs while keeping the therapeutic focus central.