Business Details
Your Trusted Clinical Psychologist in Guildford & Godalming
With over two decades of experience in the NHS, I established my private practice to provide tailored psychological support grounded in evidence-based therapies. My training as a Clinical Psychologist includes a Doctorate from the University of Surrey and specialist certifications in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy. I work collaboratively with clients to address complex mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and personality disorders, while maintaining active professional development through research and training.My practice integrates clinical expertise with a commitment to accessibility, offering both in-person sessions at clinics in Guildford and Godalming and remote appointments via secure platforms. I hold professional registrations with the Health and Care Professions Council and the British Psychological Society, ensuring adherence to rigorous ethical and professional standards.
Services
CBT Therapy
ACT Therapy
DBT Therapy
Psychological Assessments
Remote Therapy
Highlights and features
- 20 years' experience as NHS clinical psychologist
- HCPC-registered with BPS-accredited doctorate
- Specialist in ACT and DBT therapies
- Flexible in-person and remote appointment options
- Approved provider for major UK health insurers
Associations and certifications
- Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
- British Psychological Society (BPS)
Services
CBT Therapy
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy helps reframe negative thought patterns and develop practical coping strategies. Recommended by NICE guidelines for anxiety, depression, and OCD, this structured approach typically involves 4-20 sessions. My practice combines traditional CBT with modern adaptations to address complex mental health presentations.
ACT Therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy focuses on psychological flexibility through mindfulness and values-based action. Particularly effective for chronic conditions and treatment-resistant cases, ACT helps clients accept difficult emotions while pursuing meaningful life goals. I've delivered ACT interventions since 2007, including NHS service development.
DBT Therapy
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy combines cognitive-behavioural techniques with mindfulness practices. Specialised for emotional regulation difficulties and personality disorder presentations, DBT includes skills training in distress tolerance and interpersonal effectiveness. I've led NHS DBT services since completing foundation training in 2013.
Psychological Assessments
Comprehensive assessments establish individual treatment needs through structured clinical interviews and standardised measures. The initial 50-minute session includes formulation of presenting issues and collaborative treatment planning. Assessments may lead to referrals for alternative specialist services when appropriate.
Remote Therapy
Secure MS Teams appointments provide accessible mental health support without geographical constraints. Remote sessions maintain the same therapeutic standards as in-person meetings, with technical support available to ensure smooth virtual consultations for clients across Surrey and beyond.
People
Dr Melanie Orchard
Clinical Psychologist
HCPC-registered clinical psychologist with 20 years' NHS experience, holding a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Surrey. Specialist in CBT, ACT, and DBT therapies, with published research on therapeutic processes and innovation awards for mental health service development.
Questions
What therapeutic approaches do you specialise in?
I specialise in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), adapting these approaches to individual client needs.
Do you accept health insurance patients?
Yes, I'm approved by major insurers including Bupa, AXA PPP, and Cigna. Contact me directly for verification with your specific provider.
What are your session fees?
Assessment appointments cost £120 for 50-55 minutes. Therapy sessions maintain the same rate throughout treatment duration.
How does clinical psychology differ from psychiatry?
Clinical psychologists focus on psychological interventions like CBT, while psychiatrists are medical doctors who may prescribe medication. I collaborate with psychiatrists when biological treatments are needed.
