Melissa Steyn

My Name is Melissa Steyn. I am an Integrative Counsellor. I create a safe and confidential space to ensure that you will feel comfortable to discuss your personal problems. Whilst working with a person in a collaborative manner to help them to resolve the cause of their distress and to ensure that they are receiving the best service that is individually designed to help them achieve results.

I work from Humanistic stance and integrate following approaches: Person-centred Therapy, Transactional Analysis, Gestalt, Existential Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) Mindfulness, Motivation Interviewing, Solution Focused Approach, Inner Child Healing, Creative Therapies and Compassionate Mind Training.

I have gained experience whilst working in the addictions field, as both a support worker and a counsellor therefore, gaining a sound knowledge base on what treatment methods work best with addiction and a good understand of what a client needs to ensure that they have a solid and continuous recovery. I understand the importance of helping a client to set-up support networks once completing treatment to help a client to maintain strong sobriety. I am experienced in working with substance misuse, alcohol addiction, gambling addiction, sex addiction, gaming addiction, love addiction, shopping addiction and internet addiction.  I am experienced in facilitating psycho-educational groups on substance misuse, alcohol addiction, gambling addiction, sex addiction, gaming addiction, love addiction, shopping addiction, internet addiction, eating disorders, low self-esteem, relationship dynamics, assertiveness, life-skills, nutrition training and healthy eating.

Furthermore, I have experience working as a counsellor at a Carers centre, counselling clients who face the challenging role of caring for others. I have worked for a Community Mental Health Resource Centre, counselling clients with issues such as addictions, abuse, depression, stress, anxiety, low self-esteem, bullying, social anxiety, grief and loss. I have counselled clients who face the long-term chronic illness Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Helping them come to terms with the progress of their chronic illness whilst managing their anxiety and maintaining a level of independence.

Finally, I work holistically exploring the mind-body connection, the emotional well-being of an individual thus engaging and developing the multi-dimensional aspects of the individual. Working holistically means that I will work collaboratively with a person to help gain a deeper understanding of the interdependence parts and how these interdependence parts influence the whole. I integrate the following approaches and techniques: mindfulness mediation, visualization, relaxation techniques, Emotional Freedom Tapping (EFT), mindful communication and assertiveness skills. To gain a better understanding of the mind-body connection, I explore healthy eating, balance diet and exercise as interventions to improve well-being alongside, stress management, distress tolerance and anger management.