ABOUT ME
MELANIE ERSAPAH (she/her)
I am a fully trained person-centred and integrative therapist with experience working with adults and young people (12-17) on a one-to-one basis. I provide a safe and non-judgmental space in which you can explore any problems you might be facing and gain a greater understanding of your thoughts and feelings.
I grew up in the United Kingdom. However, I spent four years in New York, USA, where I studied my undergraduate degree. Currently, I am living and working in Japan. I have had the privilege to travel and experience different cultures and different ways of life. I believe that meeting new people all over the world has helped me in my therapeutic work by providing a greater understanding of the nuances of human experience.
I studied Counselling and Psychotherapy in the United Kingdom and joined the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). I work in accordance with their Ethical Framework and put my clients' needs as my highest priority.
I welcome any questions about how I work and would be happy to consult with you in a 15-minute initial consultation. Please also check my FAQ page to see if I may have answered your question there.
Populations I work with:
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Adults
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Young People (12-17 years)
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LGBTQIA+
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Neurodivergent clients (ADHD & ASD - with a focus on comorbid mental health concerns)
Issues and Concerns I have experience working with:
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Anxiety
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Depression
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Trauma
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Loss
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Relationships
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Low Self-Esteem
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Workplace Stress/Burnout
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OCD
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Gender Identity
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Sexuality
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Disordered Eating Behaviours
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Body Image
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Neurodiversity (ADHD & ASD - usually secondary to mental health concerns)
Therapeutic Modalities
I am a person-centered therapist and believe that the client is the expert in their own experience. My therapy style is non-directive as I let my clients lead the sessions - this means that whatever you bring to each session or any therapeutic goals you have I will follow and help guide you.
Person-centered therapy may not be suitable for all clients, especially those who find it difficult to talk and take the lead in appointments. However, being person-centered means that I meet my clients where they are. I also like to integrate and borrow ideas, skills and tools from other approaches where appropriate. These include: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ("ACT"), Narrative Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Therapies, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) and Somatic Therapy.