- Family and relationship focus
- Addiction and motivation
- Practical coaching approach
About Melinda
Melinda Best is a counsellor who aims to help people navigate family strains, relationship worries and addiction-related concerns. She works with adults who want clearer motivation, better self-esteem or practical coaching to manage life changes. She presents a calm, strengths-focused style and encourages people to take the first step when they are ready.
With 16 years of professional experience in the United Kingdom, Melinda draws on several practical approaches. She values the person’s own knowledge of their story and uses that as the starting point for change. Sessions focus on small, doable steps as well as on understanding patterns that keep problems repeating.
Her work often addresses family problems, communication difficulties and the aftermath of infidelity or broken trust. She also supports people dealing with chronic illness, caregiving stress, ageing concerns and the impact of addiction on daily life. Coaching-style conversations are used when clients want clear goals and action plans.
Melinda uses tools from client-centred practice, cognitive behavioural approaches, mindfulness and motivational interviewing alongside somatic techniques. This mix helps people reconnect with their values, notice unhelpful thinking and build practical coping skills. The aim is to make therapy relevant and workable for everyday life.
Sessions are conducted in English and reflect experience with multicultural concerns and midlife transitions. Melinda works with people who want straightforward support to rebuild confidence, repair relationships and move toward a more purposeful life.
How therapeutic approaches translate to online counselling
Client-centred practice starts by listening closely to the person and following what matters most to them. It helps when someone needs space to tell their story and find their own solutions rather than be told what to do.Cognitive behavioural therapy, or CBT, looks at the links between thoughts, feelings and actions. It is useful for tackling low mood, anxiety, unhelpful thinking and patterns that keep repeating in relationships.
Mindfulness work helps people notice their present experience without judgement. It can reduce reactivity, support stress management and improve the ability to concentrate on what matters most.
Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the work. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences and what has or hasn’t helped before, then jointly choose techniques that fit the person’s needs. This is a collaborative process that can adapt as progress is made.
If you are considering online sessions, please confirm the exact formats offered before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when needed and avoid travel time. It can also let people try different ways of working, such as structured CBT exercises or guided mindfulness practices, while keeping the focus on real-life changes.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
16+ years
Listed in
United Kingdom
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does Melinda help with?
She supports people facing addictions, relationship and family problems, self-esteem issues and those seeking coaching for life or work goals.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
Her approach is collaborative and strengths-focused, using practical steps and reflective conversation to help people make change.
What is her professional background?
Melinda has 16 years of professional experience working in the United Kingdom with a range of family and addiction-related issues.
What credential does she hold and where is she based?
She is registered with the BACP and works from the United Kingdom.
Can I work with her if I live outside the UK?
Sessions are offered in English and she is not currently accepting international clients.
What session formats are available?
Please confirm current session options before booking so you know which formats are offered for appointments.
How much do sessions cost?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.