Welcome to Out of the Box Counselling
Hello!
I’m Mel, and I run Out of the Box Counselling in North Hykeham, Lincoln. I offer an inclusive, neurodiversity-affirming counselling service for all ages.
I’m a BACP accredited counsellor, and I’m also a woman with ADHD, a Mum, obsessed with Labradors, and menopausal. We all have these unique identities, so I offer a unique counselling service. In this space, it’s ok if we both think a little “out of the box”!
I know it can be challenging for neurodivergent people to find a place to be our full selves. With me, I hope you can set down the mask and let me support the real you.
I work with both adults and children, specialising in neurodivergent people and people who are going through life transitions. Whether it’s a change of school, workplace stress, or the menopause is hitting you hard, I’m here to support you through it.
My Approach
I qualified as a low-intensity CBT therapist for children and young people in 2020, and followed this with postgraduate training as a person-centred counsellor in 2023.
My approach is integrative and I use a wide range of creative techniques to make sure therapy feels useful to you.
I usually work with clients looking for long-term therapy, but short-term clients are warmly welcomed too.
How Would You Like Your Sessions To Look?
If you’d like in person sessions, my counselling space is in North Hykeham, Lincoln.
I also offer remote sessions, as well as walk & talk therapy.
My counselling room is sensory-friendly, with fidgets and blankets available, so you can feel comfortable and at ease from the moment you arrive.
“Mel validates my feelings and works with me to identify strategies to help me cope better day to day when things are challenging. I feel heard and understood during our appointments and over time my anxiety has reduced and I understand my emotions better.
Mel has a good understanding of neurodiversity and is very flexible in her approach which makes me feel relaxed and comfortable.”
— Out of the Box Counselling Client
It’s normal to have questions, here are my answers to some common enquiries.
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The first session is really just a chance to meet and get a feel for working together. I'll ask a little about what's brought you to counselling and what you're hoping to get from it. There's no pressure to share anything you're not ready for.
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Completely. My counselling room has fidgets, blankets, and a relaxed, sensory-friendly setup. You don't have to sit in a certain way or maintain eye contact. If you need to move around, that's fine. The space is designed with you in mind.
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Sessions are 50 minutes long and we'd usually meet once a week, at least to begin with. As things progress, some clients prefer to move to fortnightly sessions, we can always review this together.
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This varies from person to person. Some people find six to eight sessions gives them what they need; others prefer longer-term support. We'll check in regularly so you always feel in control of the process.
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No — a formal diagnosis is not required. Whether you have a diagnosis, are waiting for one, or simply feel that your brain works differently, you are welcome here. We'll work with your experience, not a label.
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Yes. Many of my clients experience more than one difficulty at once, and these often overlap and interact. We'll look at the full picture, not just one piece of it.
To book an initial chat or a session, click below to find a time that suits you.