Do you ever wonder how your life would be & what you would do if you were no longer constrained by the difficulties you are experiencing now? Imagine being free from past painful experiences. This can definitely be a reality and I have seen it happen. It is truly inspiring to witness.
I can’t promise you will experience this; but I can promise to do my best as we work together on whatever issues you bring.
About Me
My Background
After leaving school I worked in a Bank, until taking time out and having children. During this time I became involved in Charity work, which I really enjoyed; but it didn’t pay the bills, so I studied and became a Social Worker. I thought this would allow me to do the work I loved while earning money. Over time I realised the system didn’t always allow me the freedom to work in a way that inspired me; so I studied and became a CBT Therapist.
I really enjoyed CBT and did it for a long time, incorporating other therapy modalities I valued, e.g. ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) & Compassion Focused Therapy. I worked with people with an array of emotional & mental health difficulties. Then I trained as an EMDR Therapist and added that to my repertoire of interventions.
Helping clients transform their lives by overcoming the problems that hold them back, is what truly inspires me.
I have worked in a Private London Hospital and the NHS.
People I Work With
I work with adults who are experiencing any kind of emotional upset - whether it stems from the distant past, or more recent experiences. I have extensive experience working with trauma. I also work with people who are low in mood, or depressed; as well as with various types of anxiety disorders, e.g. social anxiety, phobias, health anxiety, etc. I am able to help people who feel dissatisfied with their life, and would like to change it; but either don't know how to do this, or don't really know what it is they want to change.
Qualifications & Training
Qualified as a Social Worker BA(SS), majoring in Social Work and Psychology.
After receiving a mental health social work award, I became an ASW (Approved Social Worker), currently called AHMP (Approved Mental Health Practitioner)
Postgraduate Diploma in CBT
CBT Supervisor
Completed EMDR training – Registered with EMDR Association UK – not yet Accredited.
Cost and Contact
Address: Merrill Hicks Psychotherapy, Colchester, Essex
Phone: 07799 391737
Email: merrillhickspsychotherapy@gmail.com
My Working Days & Hours:
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays - 8.30am – 5.00pm.
I offer appointments both In Person and Online.
There is no Secretary at this practice so emails and telephone calls are only responded to on my working days.
Outside these working hours, you can leave a message, and I will respond as soon as possible when I am in the office.
Attending & Paying for Therapy:
I don’t ask clients to sign up for a particular number of sessions; and I have no contracts they need to sign; and I don’t send out Bills.
All I ask is that clients pay me the agreed fee directly after each session. In cash for In-Person sessions and directly into my bank
account for On-line sessions. I give receipts immediately for cash payments and once a month for On-line sessions.
I require at least 24hours notice for any cancellations, otherwise the full fee is payable.
I also require clients to attend sessions at least weekly. Less frequent attendance interferes with momentum.
As we have no therapy contract, you are free to terminate sessions at any time.
I just require 24 hours notice. I would however, suggest that you give yourself at least 3-4 sessions to decide whether or not
the therapy is worth the cost, because we need to get to know each other and have a good shared understanding of your
difficulties before starting intervention.
Cost:
Counselling / Psychotherapy £50 per Session (50 minutes) and £75 per Session (80minutes).
Low Cost Psychotherapy:
I offer a few low cost Sessions £40 per Session (50 minutes) for those who feel they really need therapy but can’t afford it.
If you need one of these appointments, please let me know and send information about your financial situation.
Availability
I currently have availability to take on new clients.
Contact Me
If you would like to Book a Therapy Session, or if you would just like to talk about possibly attending therapy, please complete the online submission form below. I will call you to talk through any concerns you may have; or to book an appointment for you, should you wish one.
Contact Me
If you would like to book a session or ask a question, please fill out the form below.