We live in brutal times. Capitalism, patriarchy, colonialism, white supremacy, ableism, transphobia, and homophobia have fashioned a world conducive to anxiety and depression. While nearly everyone is struggling, marginalised humans receive the sharpest edge of oppression. On top of whatever else we may be dealing with, we must navigate a system that is ignorant of or hostile to our needs.

The last thing we need in our struggle is to turn to a therapist for care and find a lack of understanding. That is why Violet Psychology is such an important resource, and I aim to be one of several therapists who can provide an attuned response to what you are going through. I provide LGBTQIA+-affirming, neuro-affirming, and ethical

non-monogamy competent psychotherapy in a nonjudgmental space.

Additionally, I create a space to work on trauma, and when the therapy is effective, heal it permanently.

MY APPROACH

I draw from two main approaches: person-centred (this is the foundation of modern standard talk therapy) and a form of somatic trauma intervention therapy called Brainspotting. Brainspotting is ideal for confirmed or suspected trauma, PTSD, and C-PTSD. It is also excellent for DID and BPD, though I lack the skills to use Brainspotting in those two contexts.

Brainspotting can be done online as well as with the camera off. It can involve speaking or no speaking. It is a cousin of EMDR and uses the gaze (through the ocular nerve) to access the limbic system of the brain, where trauma is stored, and permit trauma processing with the support of the therapist. Unlike person-centred therapy, it is designed to work quickly. You can ask me questions about Brainspotting therapy by email or read more online about the work of David Grand, who discovered Brainspotting while conducting an EMDR session. 

If you choose to go forward with Brainspotting it can be an incremental introduction and we can talk more in the first session about what is involved. You will be in the driver’s seat on how we go forward.

Most autistic and ADHD people have trauma, so if Brainspotting is not something you wish to go forward with, it may be that at a certain point in therapy I send you on to another type of trauma specialist. PCT is not designed to intervene on trauma, though it can be helpful and perhaps exactly what you need for a little while.

THE FIRST SESSION

The first session is a shared assessment of fit — not measuring worth or desirability, but ensuring the support offered truly matches what you need and what I can provide with integrity. The aim is always to protect your care and my capacity, so the work can remain grounded, respectful, and emotionally safe for both of us. I am not able to offer free consultations because these are unpaid time which oftens leans into a therapeutic space. If you are seeking free consultations I recommend the therapist directory on Psychology Today, otherwise it may be helpful to factor in initial session costs while looking for the right therapist. While this may not always feel fair to those new to seeking therapy, it is the way of working which allows me to offer therapy services.

QUALIFICATIONS

I am an accredited graduate member of the Psychological Society of Ireland, member number M13603. I completed my BSc in Psychology at Arizona State University and my MSc in Psychological Science at the University of Limerick. I trained in LGBTQIA+ counselling with the Trevor Project (Saving LGBTQ+ Lives) out of West Hollywood, California and have done extensive continuing professional development on autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and dyspraxia. I am also a researcher in digital accessibility. I am currently qualified to practice in Ireland, Europe, and the UK and have completed Phase 1 Brainspotting Practitioner training.

IDENTITIES

I am an autistic bisexual lesbian, a socialist feminist, a chronically ill person, and an organizer active in anti-racist campaigns. Free Palestine.

Melanie works solely online to increase accessibility for herself and for her neurodivergent, disabled, and rurally-based clients.

Melanie’s Fees are: 85 euro for a 50-minute online session. Irish Life and VHI insurance policy holders with certain mental health coverage can submit claims for reimbursement on my sessions.