talking therapy
What are talking therapies?
Talking therapy is just that – the healing that a person can receive from expressing themselves and being heard. Some things are hard to articulate and benefit from having the space and time to do just that. This is especially true when it comes to trauma and specific challenges of womanhood and motherhood. Talking and being really heard is only part of the healing – the rest happens by developing a different perspective, through learning powerful practices to strengthen resilience. It is an investment which grows and as a result overwhelm and intense feelings can be transformed into a capacity to cope with various levels of aversity and challenges that life throws at us. Talking therapy sessions with Melanie are solution focused and transformative. Multiple approaches are used to support you from a state of surviving to a state of thriving – in a real and felt sense.
Your appointment
The initial consultation is an assessment appointment and an information gathering session. Approximately 90 minutes in duration. At this initial session a focus for our work together is established with a timeframe and a review point. These sessions are yours and the intention is to work together to get the most out of your appointment. Each session lasts up to 60 minutes. At the initial consultation terms and conditions are agreed.
Fees
Fees are discussed at our initial consultation in relation to the most suitable package of talking therapy moving forward. Payment is required prior to our appointment, preferably online via BACS. (payment details are issued on confirmation of your appointment). Concessionary rates are available to those in difficult financial circumstances.
Cancellations
Life happens and there may be unforeseen circumstances where sessions need to be rescheduled -this is not a problem. However, where possible I ask for 24 hrs notice and will be flexible to reschedule where possible. If less than 24hrs notice is given there is a cancellation charge of 50% of the session fee.
How many sessions?
This is something decided together with Melanie after the initial assessment and is reviewed after a mutually agreed number of appointments.
Birth TraumaBirth Trauma
Can you heal from birth trauma?
In one word - Yes!! Each persons journey is individual and its important to honour and recognise that.
How do I know if my birth was traumatic?
Recurring thoughts about your babys birth, avoidance of hearing and sharing birth stories, increasing anxiety, feelings of anger, shame, guilt and failure are just some of the intrusive and heavy feelings and symptoms women can experience after a difficult of traumatic birth.
If you identify with these symptoms or feelings, even if you don’t think your birth was ‘bad enough’ to warrant getting help - Please don’t suffer in silence as this is a big part of the problem.
30% of new parents recognised their birth as traumatic, prior to lockdowns and the births and babies affected by maternity care protocols etc during COVID 19. Trauma is in the eye of the beholder. If you experienced birth as difficult or traumatc then it was a difficult/traumatic birth.
My birth wasn't traumatic but I have found the postnatal period incredibly hard.? The thoughts of having another baby fills me with fear and dread?
Sometimes perinatal difficulties or trauma is limited to one event like birth. Very often however, people have experiences of lots of different challenges which deeply impacts them in terms of considering having another baby. It is common for mothers (and fathers) to recognise the fears and anxieties resurface at the prospect of having another baby. These anxieties or fears may be related to their last experiences related to giving birth, feeding, reflux or NICU, to name a few. Rewind can work on all of these issues.
Will I still be able to remember the details of what happened?
Yes you will remember all the details of your experiences. Rewind works to support processing the memory so that the memory is stored and can be recalled but that the intensity of the feelings associated with the memories are reduced and no longer evoke distressing or painful reactions. Childbirth is a monumental and transformational event in a mother /fathers life – not to be erased or forgotten.
3 step rewind
Is Rewind a form of hypnosis?
Yes. Rewind is a hypnosis technique which supports deep relaxation, bypassing conscious thoughts to work with unprocessed memories responsible for symptoms of hypervigilance and fight or flight response to the traumatic event(s).
How long does it take?
Rewind is often carried out in 3 appointments after an initial assessment appointment. Depending on the event(s) the rewind may be designed to cover 2 or more different blocks of memories. Melanie will plan with you the number of appointments required at the initial assessent. Occassionally rewind needs to be repeated.
Will I still be able to remember the details of what happened?
Yes you will remember all the details of your experiences. Rewind works to support processing the memory so that the memory is stored and can be recalled but that the intensity of the feelings associated with the memories are reduced and no longer evoke distressing or painful reactions.
Will I be awake and in control?
Yes you will be awake and aware of the process which in essence is an extended deep relaxation and a set of guided exercises for your mind. You can stop at any time – although this is rarely required as the experience feels so relaxing and healing! You cannot do the rewind wrong!
Got a question?
Get in touch, Melanie would love to help
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