Somatic-Therapists

The therapist listings are provided by BetterHelp and we will earn a commission if you use our link - at no cost to you.

Melinda Best, BACP

Supportive counsellor focusing on body and behaviour

MB Portrait of Melinda Best

About Melinda

Melinda Best is a counsellor with 16 years of professional experience in the United Kingdom. She helps people who are struggling with addictions, relationship and family tensions, low self-esteem, and those seeking practical coaching for work or life decisions. She works in a straightforward way and treats each person as the expert in their own story.

Her approach combines talk-based methods with body-aware work, including somatic therapy to notice how stress shows up physically.

Book with Melinda Now Review online therapy options and next steps on BetterHelp.

Background and approach

She also uses client-centred principles to follow each person’s pace and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to identify unhelpful thinking patterns and try small behaviour changes. Motivational interviewing is part of how she supports readiness for change. Melinda has supported people dealing with chronic pain, caregiving stress, midlife transitions and the emotions that follow infidelity or betrayal.

She also helps those coping with guilt, shame, isolation and questions about life purpose. Her work often focuses on practical steps rather than complicated theory. Sessions can include short-term coaching goals or longer work on underlying issues.

Melinda aims for clear, manageable steps so progress can be noticed between sessions. She encourages honest conversation and gradual, sustainable change. Her practice is conducted in English and based in the United Kingdom.

People choosing to work with her complete a simple matching process before scheduling, and the session format can be adapted to individual needs.

How Melinda’s approaches work online

Somatic therapy focuses on noticing sensations in the body and how stress or trauma shows up physically. Online somatic work can include guided attention to breath, posture and simple grounding movements to help people feel steadier between sessions.

Client-centred therapy means the counsellor follows the persons lead and offers empathic listening. This approach helps people feel heard and supported while they decide what changes matter most to them.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is practical and task-oriented. It helps identify unhelpful thoughts and tries small experiments or behaviour changes to test new ways of coping, which works well for issues like low mood, anxiety and relationship patterns.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will discuss goals, try different techniques and adjust course based on what feels most useful. Decisions about methods are made collaboratively, guided by the persons needs and preferences.

Online sessions offer flexibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat or text messaging. This range helps people fit therapy around work, caregiving or mobility limits and lets them use the format that feels most comfortable for sharing and practising new skills.
Book with Melinda Now Review online therapy options and next steps on BetterHelp.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does she help with?
She supports people dealing with addictions, relationship and family problems, low self-esteem and work or life coaching needs. Additional areas include chronic illness, caregiving stress, midlife issues and feelings of isolation.
What is her therapeutic style like?
The style is collaborative and straightforward. Sessions combine body-aware somatic work, client-centred listening and practical CBT tools to try new ways of thinking and acting.
How much experience does the counsellor have?
She has 16 years of professional experience working with a range of concerns including addictions, relationship difficulties and coaching for professionals.
What credentials and region are listed?
She is registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and practises in the United Kingdom.
Which languages and international arrangements are supported?
Sessions are offered in English. International clients are not currently accepted.
What formats are available for sessions?
Sessions can be conducted via video calls, phone sessions, live chat or text-based messaging. Formats are chosen to suit each persons needs and preferences.
How are costs handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist arrangements and sessions use a subscription model that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I begin working together?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button and completing a short matching questionnaire. After that you can schedule sessions according to the therapists availability.