This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
About me
About Me
Hello, my name is Maria Malster, and I am a qualified and registered integrative therapist with over six years of experience in providing compassionate, professional support to individuals navigating difficult times in their lives. I am accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), and I adhere to their ethical framework to ensure that I offer a service that is not only safe and ethical but also respectful of your individuality and needs.
My passion for helping others comes from a deep belief in the power of self-awareness and healing. Through counselling, I aim to create a supportive space where you can explore your emotions, gain insight into your life experiences, and work towards meaningful change. I specialize in working with survivors of sexual assault, and I understand the deep emotional and psychological impact trauma can have. My goal is to provide a safe, confidential, and non-judgemental environment where you can process your experiences and begin to heal at your own pace.
I am also a qualified psychosexual therapist, having obtained a Certificate in Psychosexual Therapy accredited by the College of Sexual and Relationship Therapy (COSRT) at Level 5. This training enables me to work with individuals and couples dealing with psychosexual issues, such as difficulties related to intimacy, sexual health, and relationship dynamics. I recognize that sexual well-being is a significant part of overall mental health, and I offer a sensitive and professional approach to these concerns.
My therapeutic approach is integrative, which means I draw on a range of evidence-based methods tailored to meet your specific needs. These include person-centred therapy, cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, and other modalities that focus on understanding how our past experiences shape our present lives. This holistic approach allows me to work with you to address not just the symptoms but the root causes of the difficulties you may be facing.
I offer flexible counselling options to suit your needs, including face-to-face, online, or telephone sessions. My approach is always collaborative, ensuring that you feel in control of your healing process. My aim is not just to help you manage symptoms but to empower you to make lasting changes that improve your emotional, mental, and relational health.
Above all, I believe in the power of a warm, empathic therapeutic relationship. I am here to support you, listen without judgment, and provide guidance as you explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. My role is to walk alongside you in your journey towards healing, self-empowerment, and growth.
How Counselling Can Help
Life can sometimes feel overwhelming, and when faced with challenges, it’s not uncommon to feel stuck, anxious, sad, or disconnected. You may struggle to find motivation, focus, or energy to get through the day. At times, you may feel isolated, angry, or find it hard to be around others. These feelings are normal but don't have to define your reality.
Counselling offers a supportive and confidential space where we can explore the difficulties you’re facing. By examining past traumatic experiences and difficult emotions, we can work together to uncover the roots of negative patterns that may be affecting your well-being and your relationships. The therapeutic relationship provides an opportunity for you to be truly heard and understood, which can help improve both your sense of self and the quality of your relationships.
In this safe space, we will work collaboratively to address not just the symptoms but the deeper causes of distress. We can explore how these past experiences may be affecting your current relationships, behaviours, and emotional health. Through this work, we can help you move toward healing, self-empowerment, and emotional balance.
Specialised Support Areas:
Trauma and Sexual Assault: I offer dedicated support for those who have experienced sexual assault or other traumatic events. The trauma-informed approach I use is designed to create a space where you can explore and process difficult experiences at your own pace.
Psychosexual Therapy: My training in psychosexual therapy enables me to support individuals and couples with issues related to sexual health, intimacy, and relationship dynamics. Whether you're dealing with challenges related to desire, performance, or communication, we can work together to address these concerns.
Anxiety, Depression, and Stress: Life’s pressures can often lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, or chronic stress. Counselling can help you gain clarity, reduce emotional overwhelm, and build coping strategies to manage these feelings effectively.
Relationship Difficulties: I work with individuals and couples to explore and improve relationships. Whether you’re facing communication challenges, conflict, or a loss of connection, we can work to improve your emotional bond and strengthen your relationship.
How to Get Started
Call or email me to arrange your first appointment. I offer a free brief consultation to discuss your needs and answer any questions you might have.
Your initial session will give you an opportunity to understand how counselling works and determine if it’s the right fit for you. We’ll talk about what you’re going through and what you hope to achieve in therapy.
If you choose to proceed, we can set up ongoing sessions, typically on a weekly or fortnightly basis, to continue our work together.
Training, qualifications & experience
- Private practice since 2020
- Experience with a charity offering Low-Cost counselling to the East Kent Community
- Level 4 Diploma in Humanistic Integrative Therapeutic Counselling
- Level 3 in Humanistic Integrative Therapeutic Counselling
- 6 years experience with sexual abuse survivors
- Level 5 in Psychosexual Therapy
- Level 3 in PTSD Therapy
- Level 4 in CBT Therapy
- Level 2 in Transactional Analysis
CERTIFICATES I HOLD
- Imagery Rescripting - An evidence -based intervention for childhood trauma - Steve Sharkey
- Understanding Vicarious Trauma - Dr Anna Preston
- Understanding PTSD - Cheryl Sieloff
- Working with Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse - Christiane Sanderson
- Sexuality in the Consulting Room - Brian Fenton
Member organisations
BACP is one of the UK’s leading professional bodies for counselling and psychotherapy with around 60,000 members. The Association has several different categories of membership, including Student Member, Individual Member, Registered Member MBACP, Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Accred) and Senior Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Snr Acccred). Registered and accredited members are listed on the BACP Register, which shows that they have demonstrated BACP’s recommended standards for training, proficiency and ethical practice. The BACP Register was the first register of psychological therapists to be accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA). Accredited and senior accredited membership are voluntary categories for members who choose to undertake a rigorous application and assessment process to demonstrate additional standards around practice, training and supervision. Individual members will have completed an appropriate counselling or psychotherapy course and started to practise, but they won’t appear on the BACP Register until they've demonstrated that they meet the standards for registration. Student members are still in the process of completing their training. All members are bound by the BACP Ethical Framework and a Professional Conduct Procedure.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Therapies offered
Fees
£55.00 - £80.00
Concessions offered for
Health Insurance/EAP
Additional information
My session fees range from £55 to £80, depending on the nature of the work. I understand that therapy can be a financial commitment, so if cost is a concern, I am happy to discuss concessions, particularly for students or those training in counselling.
When I work
I am able to currently offer sessions between 09.30- 15.30 and 17.00 - 19.00 Monday to Friday
Further information
I hold an enhanced DBS check and fully adhere to the ethical guidelines set out by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). As an Accredited Member of the BACP, I am committed to upholding the highest standards of professional practice.
