Melanie Hunter
Registered PsychologistMel is an experienced psychologist who has a warm, genuine approach to everyone she works with. She believes her client is the real expert on themselves and works alongside them to tailor their sessions to fit with their lifestyle.
Mel works with people 12 years and above and values a connected relationship with her clients.
Mel has a vast experience across the lifespan working with people who have mild to chronic mental health diagnoses.
She uses a tailored, strength based approach with her clients incorporating elements of mindfulness, somatic therapy, DBT, ACT, CBT and neuroaffirming approaches.
Mel is experienced in providing care to those with disordered eating or diagnosed eating disorders, anxiety, depression, ADHD and Autism, external stressors such as relationships, workplace and parenting, grief, personality disorders and those wishing to elevate their lives and redefine themselves.
She is passionate about supporting neurodivergent women and those who are late diagnosed. Her recent interest has centred around supporting women with this transition of understanding, holding compassion for themselves and integrating systems that can support the amazing way their brains work. This interest has also extended to those experiencing perimenopause, menopause and premenstrual dysphoria disorder.
Mel enjoys travel, eating good food, reading and spending time in nature with friends and family.
Modalities
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a psychotherapy approach that helps individuals accept their thoughts and feelings rather than trying to change them. ACT focuses on embracing emotions, distancing from unhelpful thoughts, and being present in the moment. It also emphasises identifying personal values and committing to actions aligned with those values.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a widely used, evidence-based therapy that focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviours to improve emotional wellbeing. It involves identifying and challenging distorted thoughts, implementing strategies to alter harmful behaviours, and developing practical problem-solving skills.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) helps people manage intense emotions and improve coping skills. Originally developed for borderline personality disorder, it's now used for various mental health issues. DBT focuses on mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness, and is effective in reducing self-harm and emotional instability.
Mindfulness is the practice of bringing focused awareness to the present moment with openness and non-judgment. It helps individuals observe their thoughts and emotions without becoming overwhelmed by them. In therapy, psychologists may incorporate mindfulness techniques such as breathing exercises, guided meditation, and body awareness to reduce stress, improve emotional regulation, and enhance overall mental wellbeing. Mindfulness can be particularly beneficial for managing anxiety, depression, and chronic stress by fostering a greater sense of calm and self-awareness.