Experience and Qualifications

 

Clinical Experience

I practice Craniosacral Therapy, Somatic Trauma Therapy, Psychosexual and Sexual Addiction Counselling from clinics in Brighton and Lewes. I have been in private practice since 2003 and previously worked as a Somatic Therapist in NHS and community clinics in Brighton.

I work with people who are recovering from trauma and experiencing a range of physical and psychological symptoms, including relationship difficulties and various forms of addiction which is a common coping response to trauma. I offer a compassionate, respectful and confidential space to ‘lighten the load’ of living with trauma and addiction. I view our work as a collaborative process to find a pace and approach that suits your needs.

 
CaveMellisani.jpg

My main clinical experience includes:

  • Abuse - childhood, psychological, emotional, sexual & physical

  • Addiction – supporting recovery through various stages from substance (eg alcohol, drugs and prescribed medication) and behavioural addictions (eg gambling, work and sex). I also work with partners and family members of addicts.

  • Anxiety & panic attacks

  • Bereavement

  • Boarding school syndrome - boarding school experiences can have a lasting effect on the sense of self, relationships, physical, emotional and mental health.

  • Cancer – supporting clients in remission and also those currently in treatment

  • Chronic Pain – supporting recovery from chronic pain, accidents (eg car crashes and falls) and injuries including concussion

  • Long term illness – supporting wellbeing & relief from symptoms & side effects e.g. Arthritis, HIV, MS, Cancer, IBS

  • Post Traumatic Stress (including Complex PTSD) specialist support for people living with the after effects of traumatic experiences including isolated experiences or “single event trauma” and also traumatic experiences that happened repeatedly over longer periods of time.

  • Post Surgery & Dental intervention – supporting recovery from surgery, medication & anaesthetic by helping people to reconnect with their bodies and processing the psychosomatic effects of surgery.

  • Sex Addiction - specialist support through phases of recovery to people experiencing various forms of sex addiction and compulsive sexual behaviours. I also work with partners and former partners of people with sexual addictions through their own recovery from the trauma of the experience.

  • Tinnitus

In addition to my private practice I previously worked with the following organisations:

  • Sussex Beacon – For 12 years alongside my private practice, I offered somatic and craniosacral therapy to inpatients and outpatients as part of a multi-disciplinary team supporting people through treatment support, respite, rehab, palliative care and medical convalescence. The centre offers specialist care for people affected by and living with HIV.

  • Brighton Body Positive – was a charitable organisation offering various therapies to people living with HIV/AIDS in Brighton & Hove.

Waterfall.jpg

Qualifications and Professional Training

I have been in continuous professional development since 2003, updating my skills and knowledge every year. I also have regular clinical supervision and personal therapy on an ongoing basis to support my personal and professional development.

My initial training was in Craniosacral Therapy, and subsequently in Somatic Trauma Therapy. I am a Registered Craniosacral Therapist with both the Craniosacral Therapy Association in the UK, the BCTA in North America (where I am also accredited as an approved teacher) and also through the IABT which oversees standards of practice worldwide.

My training in Psychosexual Therapy and Sexual Addiction Counselling are both accredited by College of Sexual & Relationship Therapists (COSRT) and the Association of Sexual Addiction Therapists (ATSAC).

Please ask for more information if there are any specific questions about my training and qualifications.