Maria Michael
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This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
We are shaped by our experiences, environment, and the choices that we make. Some things are in our control, others are not. These influences and how we respond to them affect how we are in ourselves and with others. I understand from experience that it is sometimes easier to talk about matters with someone independent.
Being a Person-Centred counsellor means I will make your needs central and tailor how I work based on you as an individual. It also means that what we talk about is up to you. I will follow your lead on what you believe needs the most attention and how deeply you choose to go into it. I work in a holistic manner, meaning I understand that what you come to counselling about does not happen in isolation. We can therefore consider the wider picture of what is happening for you in our work together. In addition, as part of a collaborative relationship, I may also offer some of how I experience you and the matters you choose to share.
I know it can be a courageous step to decide to seek out a counsellor, and I respect anyone that makes that decision. People consider therapy for a range of reasons. Perhaps you know “what’s the matter”, or maybe you sense something isn’t quite right. Perhaps there’s something you want to achieve? Whatever the reason, I invite and welcome you to come and explore it together.
What I provide is a confidential space where I will do my utmost to listen carefully to understand your perspective and what you are experiencing. I offer you an accepting environment where we can speak plainly. My hope is that you can feel safe to be open and bring every aspect of yourself, which I understand can feel vulnerable. I believe you are more likely to commit to changes and decisions when they come from you rather than “experts”.
In my experience, I have witnessed how being with someone in this personal way, where they feel heard and understood can make a difference, reveal new possibilities and be life-changing. I trust therefore that by talking through matters you will find your way forward.
Training, qualifications & experience
I trained at the psychological therapies specialist training establishment, Metanoia Institute and hold the following qualifications:
- Diploma in Person-Centred Counselling (BACP accredited course)
- B.A (honours) in Person-Centred Counselling (awarded by Middlesex University in collaboration with Metanoia Institute)
I have experience of working in a low-cost counselling service.
For the past 7 years, I have been working with a charity in London that offers bereavement counselling.
I continue my professional learning and development so that I can better serve you. This has included courses in areas such as loss, grief, adverse childhood experiences, trauma, shame and suicide.
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.
Accredited register membership
The Accredited Register Scheme was set up in 2013 by the Department of Health (DoH) as a way to recognise organisations that hold voluntary registers which meet certain standards. These standards are set by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).
This therapist has indicated that they belong to an Accredited Register.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Therapies offered
Fees
£65.00 per session
Additional information
I offer a reduced rate of £55 per session for students and counselling or psychotherapy trainees, however these spaces are limited. Please get in touch for further details or to discuss.
Further information
I currently have availability for weekly appointments together over Zoom or telephone on the following days and times:
- Tuesday 3-6pm
- Wednesday 3-6pm
- Thursday 3-6pm
Working online and over the 'phone means I can work with you from anywhere in the UK. I am also able to work with you if you are based anywhere in the EU.
