Maria Coyle

My own positive experience of counselling and group work has motivated me to help others with their struggles and to support them to live their lives in accordance with their own values.

I have experienced different therapeutic approaches at different times in my life and believe that 'one shoe does not fit all.' Therefore, I work with people on an individual basis and tailor the therapy to their needs. I also believe that part of the healing process is in the therapeutic relationship between the counsellor and the client.

I am open and honest in my work and will do my best to really understand your whole experience without judgement.

I support people with a range of issues including: anxiety and depression, alcohol / drug addiction, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and rejection sensitivity dysphoria (ADHD and RSD), Autism (ASD),  anger, bereavement, codependency, family dynamics, relationship problems, family issues, betrayal, divorce, feeling sad, fertility, infertility, pregnancy, birth stories, miscarriages, still birth, maternal mental health, gender identity, femininity, masculinity, neurodivergence, identity, gender sexual and relationship diversity (GSRD), politics, cost of living, stress.

How I Work

I am a Gestalt Counsellor and Clinical Supervisor and also trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.

I have many years experience working with people of all ages and from diverse backgrounds who have needed support to enable them to manage difficult feelings and live a more fulfilling life.

I offer affirmative therapy and work with LGBTQI and people having difficulty around GSRD people (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, gender non-conforming and non binary and those in diverse relationships) and others who are struggling with their identity.

I have experience of working with people who have been physically and emotionally affected by COVID or Coronavirus Disease. I have suppported clients through bereavement during the lockdown periods and also those who have given birth during those times too. The stresses and isolation during these periods being magnified as a result.

My Approach

I integrate Mindfulness practice and ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) to my work with clients. I offer short or long term work. The basis for my approach is talking therapy and may include creative expression, relational therapy or goal orientated in accordance with your needs. I may use language, dream-work, art, music, objects, visualization, metaphor, empty chair or fantasy depending on what areas you would like to explore.

My main approach is Gestalt and I also hold the values of Carl Rogers core conditions. I integrate Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing techniques with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) where needed. I offer sessions as a Counsellor, Clinical Supervisor, Group Facilitator and Trainer.

What To Expect From Sessions

I work one to one with individuals and facilitate therapeutic groups. I have a very good understanding of addiction recovery programmes. I work creatively and incorporate mindfulness techniques to provide individual counselling and facilitate group work, including Healthy Relationships, Understanding Your Anger and Living More Authentically.

I offer face to face sessions, telephone sessions and online sessions.
Sessions last for 50 minutes and take place once a week on the same day and at the same time.
Alternative arrangements are available if agreed in advance.
Sessions are £65 each 

I have a few, more affordable spaces availble for those on low income, with financial difficulties or requiring term time only.  These types of sessions are time-limited to enable more people to have access to low cost therapy with an experienced counsellor.

• Anxiety 
• Loss and grief (death, divorce, custody of children, redundancy,)
• LGBT ( Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Gender non-binary)
• 12 Step recovery for Addictions
• Couples
• Groups
• Specifically developed training
• Family and relationship issues (affairs, separation, parental or sibling disagreements)

• Individual Counselling £65 per session
• Therapeutic Groups (to be agreed)
• Individual Supervision £65 per session
• Group Supervision (to be agreed)

Limited concessionary spaces available. To be agreed in advance.

Gestalt

Gestalt Therapy focuses on the present moment of experience whilst exploring relationships with others.
The aim of this model is:

1. Creation of a greater level of self awareness
2. Understanding of yourself in relation to others through the therapeutic relationship
3. Moving beyond the realm of talking therapy and into creativity, using body work, metaphor, visualisation, empty chair, mindfulness and more.

ACT Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is a mindfulness-based, values-directed behavioural therapy. (it has similarities to CBT - Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)
The aim of this ACT is:

1. Acceptance of unwanted thoughts, feelings and sensations, which are out of your control
2. Commitment towards living a valued life

(Mindfulness is the practice of focussing attention on your thoughts, feelings and sensations as they occur in the present moment).

Person Centred Therapy (Client centred)

Person Centred Therapy provides clients with an opportunity to develop a sense of self where they can understand how their attitudes, feelings and behaviour are being negatively affected.
The aim of this model is to offer the Core Conditions:

1. Empathy - to understand the world of the client
2. Congruence - willingness of the therapist to openly relate to the client
3. Unconditional Positive Regard - to accept the client without judgement