Melissa Stonehouse
Puddington,DEVON
Summary
I am a compassionate and dedicated Level 4 student counsellor with a strong commitment to providing a supportive and non-judgmental space for individuals facing personal and emotional challenges. I would describe myself as a reflective practitioner who actively engages in self-awareness and continuous learning to enhance professional growth and counselling effectiveness. My practise is highly empathic and sensitive to individual needs, adapting approaches to ensure each client feels heard, valued, and understood. A key strength is my ability to build warm, trusting relationships and use active listening to foster open and meaningful conversations. At this stage of my training I feel enthusiastic to apply my theoretical knowledge and skills in a practical setting, work collaboratively with colleagues and supervisors to promote client well-being and resilience.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work history
Listening Volunteer
Samaritans
Exeter, Devon
2024.03 - Current
- Using active listening skills to provide confidential, emotional support to individuals experiencing distress or despair, offering a safe and non-judgmental space to listen and help them explore their feelings, without offering advice or solution.
Family support worker
PACT
Exeter Prison, Devon
2023.12 - 2024.09
- Provided practical and emotional support to both prisoners and their families in order to maintain contact and build strong family relationships.
Primary School Counsellor
Bangkok Prep International School
Bangkok, Thailand
2019.09 - 2023.08
- Provided empathetic and effective counselling on in group and one-to-one settings in a safe and supportive environment.
- Used Play Therapy (PTUK) to adapt practice to meet children's developmental needs.
- Coordinated with teachers, resulting in tailored support for students.
- Liaised with external agencies when necessary to provide additional support services.
- Contributed to the development of school policies to ensure mental health considerations were included.
- Organised parent workshops on positively managing children's behaviour, effective communication, supporting anxious children.
- Led staff meetings on mental health first aid and supporting children and families through big changes.
- Provided support for parents in the school community for a better understanding of child's needs.
- Maintained confidential records of all counselling sessions, ensuring privacy compliance.
- Member of the Safeguarding team. Identified potential at-risk students through diligent observation, leading to early intervention.
- Adhered to strict confidentiality protocols to safeguard and accurately store student information.
Primary Learning Support Teacher
Bangkok Prep School
Bangkok , Thailand
2014.09 - 2019.09
- Adopted an empathetic approach towards children experiencing difficulties, alleviating stress levels.
- Collaborated with teachers, parents and psychologists for better understanding of pupil's needs.
- Delivered differentiated bespoke learning designed specifically to meet children's unique learning needs
- Communicated efficiently with parents regarding their child's progress, fostering a supportive home-school connection.
Education
Level 4 Diploma - Therapeutic Counselling
Astranti Connect
Ivybridge, Devon 2024.09 -
Post Graduate - Certificate in Therapeutic Play Skills
Play Therapy (PTUK)
United Kingdom 2022.09 - 2024.05
Master of Science - Psychology
Manchester Metropolitan University
Manchester 2019.09 - 2021.06
Bachelor of Science - Geography with Primary Teacher Status
University of the West of England
Bristol 1996.09 - 2000.06
Skills
Empathic
Active Listener
Warm Communicator
Confidential
Trustworthy
Professional
Supportive
Encouraging
Ethical
Open-Minded
Certification
- BACP Student membership
- BPS Graduate membership
- Play Therapy UK register
- Full Clean UK Driving Licence
Affiliations
- Spending time with my three teenagers. Enjoying the countryside whilst walking my dog. Visiting and exploring new places.
Timeline
Level 4 Diploma - Therapeutic Counselling
Astranti Connect
2024.09 -
Listening Volunteer
Samaritans
2024.03 - Current
Family support worker
PACT
2023.12 - 2024.09
Post Graduate - Certificate in Therapeutic Play Skills
Play Therapy (PTUK)
2022.09 - 2024.05
Primary School Counsellor
Bangkok Prep International School
2019.09 - 2023.08
Master of Science - Psychology
Manchester Metropolitan University
2019.09 - 2021.06
Primary Learning Support Teacher
Bangkok Prep School
2014.09 - 2019.09
Bachelor of Science - Geography with Primary Teacher Status
University of the West of England
1996.09 - 2000.06