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Your story matters here

Welcome.I’m Melissa

Are you looking for a counsellor in Manchester/Stockport? I offer a therapeutic counselling service built on a unique blend of professional clinical support and real-world resilience. Whether you are navigating anxiety, emotional overwhelm or any of life’s challenges I am here to walk that path with you . I offer a down to earth, non judgemental space for us to talk about your mental health needs.

Welcome to MLK Therapy Focus

At MLK therapy Adult Counselling Services.....

You are offered a warm, supportive, non judgemental confidential space where you can “come as you are” to explore anything that you may be facing in life.

Showing up for yourself takes courage and gumption. Counselling can be journey of facing fears and embracing vulnerabilities in order to lead a more satisfying and fulfilling life.

I offer 1 to 1 integrative counselling sessions for individuals experiencing emotional distress, mental health challenges or those seeking a deeper understanding about self and situations. My person centred approach is professional, yet friendly and always ensures you feel safe, heard and valued throughout our sessions together.

Person-Centred Therapy

Why I Use Person-Centred Therapy
At the heart of my work is the belief that you already carry the capacity for growth within you. Person-Centred Therapy, developed by Carl Rogers, aligns deeply with how I practise with empathy, authenticity, and genuine care.
I don’t see myself as someone who “fixes” you. Instead, I walk alongside you. I create a safe, confidential, and non-judgemental space where you can speak freely and feel truly heard.

How This Can Help You

In our sessions, you can begin to:
Feel understood without fear of criticism
Explore your emotions safely
Build self-acceptance and confidence
Strengthen your sense of identity
Move through life transitions with clarity

Sometimes what we need most is to be listened to deeply. From that space, real change begins.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Why I Use CBT
While emotional exploration is powerful, I also believe in giving you practical tools you can use in your everyday life. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) helps us understand how your thoughts influence your feelings and behaviours.
When anxiety, low mood, or self-doubt feel overwhelming, CBT offers structure and clarity.
How This Can Help You

Together, we will:

Identify unhelpful thinking patterns
Gently challenge negative beliefs
Develop healthier coping strategies
Build tools to manage stress and anxiety
Create achievable goals for change

I work collaboratively with you — not in a rigid or clinical way, but in a supportive, empowering way. The aim is for you to leave sessions feeling equipped, not dependent.

Transactional Analysis (TA)

Why I Use Transactional Analysis
Have you ever noticed repeating patterns in your relationships? Or found yourself reacting in ways you later question?
Transactional Analysis, developed by Eric Berne, helps us understand the roles we unconsciously step into — whether that’s the Parent, Adult, or Child part of ourselves.
I find this model incredibly powerful for relationship work and self-awareness.

How This Can Help You

Using TA, we can:
Understand your communication patterns
Identify emotional triggers
Explore childhood messages that still influence you
Break unhelpful “life scripts”
Strengthen your ability to respond rather than react

This awareness can be transformative — especially if you feel stuck in cycles that don’t serve you.

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“True wellness is a balance of mind, body, and spirit.”

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"The wilderness is healing, a therapy for the soul."

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“Emotional wellbeing is just as important to us as Breathing is!"

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'Positive vibes only' isn't a thing. Humans have a wide range of emotions and that's OK.

I had a really positive experience working with Melissa for transactional analysis therapy. She was incredibly friendly and approachable, and she explained concepts in a way that was easy to understand and genuinely helpful. Melissa consistently went above and beyond to support me, and I always felt listened too and cared for. I’m very grateful for the work we did together and would highly recommend her

Y.E, Manchester UK. In person,

Walk & Talk Therapy.

I’m incredibly grateful for the support and guidance I’ve received from Mel over the years, and continue to receive. From the very first session, I felt heard, understood, and completely supported. Her calm, compassionate approach created a safe space for me to open up and explore challenges I had struggled with for a long time. Mel offers thoughtful insights, practical tools, and gentle encouragement that have helped me gain clarity and confidence in myself. Thanks to her support, I feel far more equipped to manage difficult emotions and situations, and I continue to learn new strategies and ways of coping in day-to-day life.
I can’t recommend her highly enough. Mel’s professionalism, empathy, and genuine care have made a significant difference in my life xx

S. H. Tameside. In person ,

video & telephone

You’re a lovely lady & I’m so grateful for our work together. It was really hard at times to share such painful memories and emotions but you always made me feel safe and secure to do so. I can’t describe how freeing it feels to share my pain and for it to be heard and understood by someone else. For the first time in years I don’t feel so alone.I can’t recommend her highly enough. Mel’s professionalism, empathy, and genuine care have made a significant difference in my life xx

P.M, Manchester.

Integrative, remote Therapy.

What You Can Expect From Talking Therapy

At MLK Therapy Focus, you are offered a warm, supportive and non-judgemental confidential space where you can truly come as you are. This is a place to explore whatever you may be facing in life, at your own pace, and in a way that feels safe and respectful.

My person-centred approach means we will gently explore your background, significant life events, and the important relationships that have shaped you. Together, we will look at how these experiences influence your emotional and psychological wellbeing today. Counselling is a shared process, built on trust and understanding, where a strong therapeutic relationship supports you in exploring your thoughts and feelings openly.

Showing up for yourself takes courage. Counselling can be a journey of discovery and healing—one that involves facing fears, embracing vulnerability, and developing greater self-awareness. Through this process, you can begin to identify what nourishes you, rather than what harms you or holds you back.

I offer one-to-one integrative counselling for adults experiencing emotional distress, mental health challenges, or those seeking a deeper understanding of themselves and their life situations. My approach is professional yet friendly, and always focused on ensuring you feel heard, valued, and supported. Together, we will work towards practical ways of managing everyday stress and creating meaningful, positive change in your life.

HAVE YOU GOT ANY QUESTIONS FOR ME?

Take a look at the Frequently Asked Questions Section or give me a call for a FREE consultation where we can talk about your needs and whether I am the right fit for you.