Melanie Michelson

I believe in the transformative power of a safe, accepting and gently challenging therapeutic relationship - one where you can feel genuinely heard, while also having space to become curious about yourself, question old patterns and discover new possibilities. Perhaps you’re experiencing anxiety, stress, depression or grief, and feeling disconnected from yourself or your relationships. You may have become skilled at adapting to others in order to feel loved, seen, safe or accepted. Some parts of you may have become highly capable, responsible or independent, while others may feel angry, fearful, overwhelmed or numb. My approach is person-centred and trauma-informed, with my work also informed by Internal Family Systems (IFS) and parts work. I’m interested in understanding the different parts of ourselves with curiosity and compassion, rather than judging, silencing or trying to change them. I believe that beneath the adaptations we develop is an essence of who we are. Therapy can offer an opportunity to reconnect with that deeper sense of self and develop a more compassionate relationship with the parts of you that have helped you survive and navigate life. Outdoor therapy One of the distinctive aspects of my practice is the opportunity to work outdoors in the beautiful green spaces of North London. We might choose to walk through woodland and notice what is happening around us which may mirror what is moving within you. I’m interested in moving beyond some of the traditional ideas about what therapy needs to look like. Nature becomes part of the therapeutic space - the changing seasons, trees, paths, weather and other-than-human life can offer metaphors and new ways of understanding our experience. In my experience, outdoor therapy can be particularly supportive for people who have experienced trauma and for neurodivergent clients who may find movement, sensory engagement and a less conventional therapeutic environment more comfortable than a traditional therapy room. When words aren’t enough Sometimes our experiences are felt in the body before we can find words for them. I may invite you to work creatively with clay, natural materials, metaphor or the landscape around us, giving shape and form to something that is difficult to articulate. These are simply different ways of listening to your inner world. Making space for difference I offer an inclusive space for exploring relationships, sexuality, identity and ways of living that may sit outside conventional expectations. I am LGBTQ+ affirming, polyamory-informed and kink-aware, and welcome people in LGBTQ+ and consensually non-monogamous relationships. You don’t need to explain or defend who you are or how you choose to live. We can explore your experiences with openness, curiosity and without judgement. Taking the first step I don’t see you as someone who needs fixing. I trust in your capacity for healing and in what can emerge within a relationship where you feel safe enough to be fully yourself, while also being gently challenged to grow. Choosing a therapist and making contact can feel like a big step so I offer a free 15-minute discovery call. We can talk about what has brought you here, answer any questions about my way of working and see whether working together feels right for us both. You can simply arrive as you are.