Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Certification
Affiliations
Timeline
Generic

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
03.2024 - 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
12.2023 - 09.2024
  • 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
09.2019 - 08.2023
  • 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
09.2014 - 09.2019
  • 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
09.2024 -

Post Graduate - Certificate in Therapeutic Play Skills

Play Therapy (PTUK)
United Kingdom
09.2022 - 05.2024

Master of Science - Psychology

Manchester Metropolitan University
Manchester
09.2019 - 06.2021

Bachelor of Science - Geography with Primary Teacher Status

University of the West of England
Bristol
09.1996 - 06.2000

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
09.2024 -

Listening Volunteer

Samaritans
03.2024 - Current

Family support worker

PACT
12.2023 - 09.2024

Post Graduate - Certificate in Therapeutic Play Skills

Play Therapy (PTUK)
09.2022 - 05.2024

Primary School Counsellor

Bangkok Prep International School
09.2019 - 08.2023

Master of Science - Psychology

Manchester Metropolitan University
09.2019 - 06.2021

Primary Learning Support Teacher

Bangkok Prep School
09.2014 - 09.2019

Bachelor of Science - Geography with Primary Teacher Status

University of the West of England
09.1996 - 06.2000
Melissa Stonehouse