DR MELANIE JONES

WHO ARE YOU?

I am an American living in the UK. Although I am currently finishing my doctorate in counselling psychology, I have already qualified as a therapist and am a member of BACP. I have a master’s degree in clinical psychology following my bachelor’s degree in counselling psychology and cross-cultural ministries.

HOW YOU WORK?

I work pluralistically by pulling in techniques and tools as needed. A pluralistic approach at its foundation values your own experiences, thoughts, beliefs, and values. It is also a flexible framework. I, as the therapist, and you, as the client, will collaborate at the beginning of therapy and throughout to find the most beneficial approaches to address your difficulties. This means open communication regarding how you are experiencing therapy and what we both feel would be helpful.

I prefer to work primarily psychodynamically within the pluralistic framework. This means taking your history into account, exploring your childhood to find the ‘lessons’ you learned in your relationships that have now become a filter by which you react/respond to current relationships and situations. In the course of therapy, we may agree that other techniques such as cognitive behavioural or mindfulness are helpful. These can be brought in as needed.

Alternatively, we can work from a purely person centred or CBT modality.

YOUR CORE VALUES, WHAT ARE THEY?

As a relational therapist, I believe the therapeutic relationship itself to have healing properties. I provide a safe, non-judgmental space to facilitate you to find answers to your difficulties. Although I don’t provide advice as such, I can help you to explore options that are available to you. Also, through the therapeutic relationship, we can explore alternative ways to be in relationship with others.

I prize Rogers’ core values of respect, unconditional positive regard, empathy, and being real.

As a practicing Christian, I believe these values fit well with a faith that teaches we are made in the image of God.

WHY CHOOSE YOU AS A THERAPIST? WHAT IS IT ABOUT YOUR THERAPY THAT MAKES YOU UNIQUE?

From experience, I understand that some people desire to find a therapist who is comfortable working through a lens of the Christian faith. Although I am comfortable keeping your faith in focus or not as you desire, I am not trained as a ‘Christian counselor’. I am a practicing Christian who is secularly trained.

As I know that there are many variations in Christian belief, I respect your beliefs and value your insights into your experiences. Therefore, I strive to understand your beliefs from your perspective.

This being said, I do not exclusively see those who hold to Christian faith. I have experience in both secular and church settings in which I provided therapy for people of many different faiths and for people who hold to no faith.

WHAT THERAPIES DO YOU OFFER?

I offer primarily psychodynamic, relational therapy. I also have training and experience in person-centred therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy. I have experience in both short-term and long-term therapy.

I am currently only offering face-to-face therapy based in South Kensington.