Mels Services
Counselling Services in Hitchin
Specialist support for birth trauma, perinatal mental health, and life’s challenges
As a NCPS-accredited counsellor, EMDR therapist, and former birth doula, I offer compassionate, evidence-based therapy in Hitchin and online across the UK.
I combine professional counselling expertise with real-world understanding of pregnancy, birth, and the perinatal period. Trained as a birth doula, having supported families and witnessed first-hand how the maternity system can both support and fail parents. This unique insight, combined with my training in trauma therapy, allows me to offer truly specialised support
MY SERVICES
Counselling & EMDR Therapy
Evidence-based therapy for trauma, anxiety, and emotional wellbeing. Beyond birth trauma, I offer comprehensive counselling and EMDR therapy for a range of issues. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a NICE-recommended treatment for trauma and PTSD that helps your brain process difficult memories so they no longer feel overwhelming.
I work with: - Trauma and PTSD - Anxiety and panic attacks - Depression and low mood - Relationship difficulties - Life transitions - Bereavement and loss - Self-esteem issues - Stress management
Birth Trauma Counselling
Specialist support for traumatic or difficult birth experiences
If you’ve experienced a traumatic birth - whether recently or years ago - I offer specialised counselling to help you process what happened and move forward. Using evidence-based EMDR therapy alongside counselling, I can help you reduce symptoms of birth trauma and PTSD, including flashbacks, anxiety, and intrusive thoughts.
I can help with: - Processing traumatic birth memories - PTSD symptoms after childbirth - Anxiety about future pregnancies - Bonding difficulties - Birth-related flashbacks and nightmares - Feeling disconnected from your birth experience - Partner birth trauma
Hypnotherapy
Gentle, effective therapy for anxiety and birth-related fears
I am a trained Hypnotherapist and may use hypnotherapy to support our work.
This can be particularly helpful for anxiety, phobias (including tokophobia - fear of childbirth), and stress management. Hypnotherapy uses deep visualisation to help access and process difficult thoughts and feelings.
Hypnotherapy can help with: - Tokophobia (fear of childbirth) - Birth-related anxiety - General anxiety and stress - Phobias - Sleep difficulties - Building confidence
Mama Bear Birth Prep
Comprehensive birth preparation to prevent trauma and build confidence
Mama Bear Birth Prep is my unique birth preparation programme that goes beyond standard antenatal classes. Drawing on the 2024 Birth Trauma Report and my experience as a birth doula, this programme prepares you for the realities of the UK maternity system while building your confidence, knowledge, and advocacy skills.
This programme covers: - Understanding your rights and informed consent - Communication skills and holding boundaries - Preparing emotionally using EMDR techniques - Practical birth scenarios and decision-making - Processing any previous birth trauma - Creating a flexible, realistic birth plan - Partner support and involvement
Suitable for: - First-time parents - Those planning pregnancy - Parents preparing for birth after previous trauma - Birth partners - Professionals supporting families
My Approach
I believe every person is unique, which is why I tailor my approach to your specific needs. I draw on several therapeutic approaches including:
- Person-Centred Counselling - You lead, I listen and support
- EMDR Therapy - For processing trauma and difficult memories
- Trauma-Informed Practice - Understanding how trauma affects you
- Pluralistic Therapy - Using modalities that work best for you
- Clinical Hypnotherapy - For anxiety, phobias, and relaxation
Your therapy with me will be collaborative - we’ll work together to find the approach that helps you most.
What to Expect
Free 20-Minute Consultation
We’ll have a friendly chat about what brings you to therapy, how I can help, and whether we’re a good fit. No pressure, no obligation.
First Session
We’ll explore your concerns in more depth, discuss your goals for therapy, and begin to build a therapeutic relationship. I’ll explain how we’ll work together.
Ongoing Sessions
Typically 60 minutes, ideally weekly. We’ll work at your pace, for as long as it is helpful.
Flexibility
Both in-person sessions in Hitchin and online sessions via googlemeets are available. If you are visiting me at my therapy room in Hitchin and have a new baby, I am happy for you to bring them with you.