Mel Haggarty (my pronouns are she/her)

I am a recent counselling graduate, and I appreciate this means to some I have yet to gain the experience of counselling compared to other therapists. In my favour, I can confirm I am compassionate and kind, and bring my own life experience to the room, meaning I can show advanced empathy. I can also say that others remark on how genuine and authentic I am as a person. 

I would like to explain my background as this helps my counselling role. I started off as a Nursery Nurse and fell into mental health by chance 30 years ago,  and in this I have been qualified 26 years, demonstrating a loyalty and dedication to the NHS. I have experience in various settings, with includes working with people as an inpatient, adults in the community and primary care, as well as in custodial care. Amongst this I did work with children and young people in CAMHS, through care coordination and a post embedded in secondary schools. I'm grateful to have gained experience and knowledge through family work facilitation of parenting courses, and in my current working role I facilitate a programme for those significant others linked to someone with complex emotional needs. I am accredited in the Anna Freud Structured Clinical Management (SCM) training. At present I am working towards the Anna Freud Mentalization Based Training (MBT) accreditation. Professional Registration: MBACP registered, NMC registered Mental Health Nurse.

Enough about me. It's not always easy to make the decision to try counselling. However, taking steps to explore how things in the here and now may be hindering personal growth can come about from attending counselling

If this is something you want to consider, I offer a free initial thirty minute discussion to answer questions or queries. It is also an opportunity to discover whether this is the right intervention for you, and that with my expertise and knowledge we will be a good fit. It will be decided at how the first few sessions will be conducted. 

Availability: I can offer appointments of 50 minutes either on-line, face to face at The Practice Rooms, Salisbury, or by telephone. I can offer time on a Friday afternoon, weekends and some evenings. 

Prices: My rate is based on the knowledge I am a new graduate. Students / those on benefits £30; others £40. Please note: for young people, consent is needed from someone who has parental responsibility. However, please note that I have yet to complete specific training in counselling for children and young people. This is my next project. 

I ask that payment is made prior to the session. There is a 24 hour cancellation policy or else the funds will not be returned. If I am needing to cancel at short notice, your money will be refunded.