Mell Handley

I currently have availability for online or telephone counselling on Tuesday mornings, some evenings and weekends.

I am a private Counsellor located in the Bradford/Leeds area of West Yorkshire. I grew up in East London and moved to Yorkshire in 2018.

Before qualifying as a Counsellor, I worked in lots of different support roles with both children and adults.  Most recently, I worked for a Leeds charity supporting people who have experienced domestic abuse and complex trauma.

I also spent several years teaching Health & Social Care courses in College and University in London, and I now teach Counselling Skills at a Yorkshire College. 

I have always wanted to help people reach their full potential and achieve the best they can for themselves.

I celebrate inclusion and diversity, so aim to offer an accessible service for people of all backgrounds, where everyone can feel welcome and accepted for who they are.  People of all genders and sexualities should feel safe with me.  I have a particular interest in working with people who are neurodivergent.  

I have a BA (Hons) in Psychosocial Studies, a PGCE (teaching qualification) and a Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling.

Counselling is a therapy where you can share your thoughts and feelings in a safe, confidential space, with a counsellor who is trained to listen empathically and without judgement or criticism. I can help you work through your issues, gain a better understanding of your feelings and thought processes, and support you in identifying ways of finding your own solutions to problems.

I do not offer advice; counselling is for us to explore your options together and to enable you to make the decisions that feel right for you.

I currently offer remote counselling via Zoom (a secure online platform) or by telephone. You will need a safe, private place for these sessions so we can talk openly without fear of being overheard.

In our first session together, I will spend some time finding out what has brought you to counselling and what you hope to get from our work together.  Counselling works best when there is an open and trusting relationship, so it is important that you feel comfortable and safe to share whatever you need to with me.

I offer a free 30 minute consultation, where we can start to get to know each other and decide if we seem like a good fit.