Maria Pournara

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Chartered Psychologist, HCPC registered, MBPS, CPsychol

About me

https://psych-ology.com

Maria Pournara, Chartered Psychologist (HCPC & BPS)

Evidence-based psychological therapy for Individuals & Couples, London E14 & W1W. Online sessions and in person Insurance accepted 

Professional Summary
I am a Chartered Psychologist, registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and the British Psychological Society (BPS), with over 10 years clinical experience across the NHS, third sector and private practice. I provide evidence-based psychological therapy tailored to the individual needs of adults and couples, helping clients overcome distress and build meaningful, sustainable wellbeing. 

Who I Work With
I offer therapy for adults and couples who are experiencing
Anxiety, panic, stress,
Depression & low self-esteem,
Relationship difficulties  including intimacy, betrayal, communication issues
Life transitions, grief & loss
Trauma and abuse (emotional, physical, sexual)
Work-related stress & adjustment issues
Family and interpersonal challenges  

This includes both short-term focused work and medium to longer-term therapy depending on need. 

Approach & Expertise

I integrate CBT, psychodynamic, relational and integrative approaches to deliver therapy that is:

Evidence-based and clinically grounded
Collaborative and client-centered
Tailored to your goals and strengths  

My work focuses on helping you:

  1. understand the root causes of emotional difficulties
  2. develop effective coping strategies
  3. improve relationships and resilience
  4. move toward a meaningful, fulfilling life  

Session Options

Online therapy : flexible scheduling
Individual therapy (55 min) : £180 per session
Couples therapy (60 min) : £190 per session


Health Insurance/EAP accepted: Aviva, AXA PPP, BUPA, Vitality, WPA, Cigna, AETNA  

Qualifications & Professional Bodies

Professional Doctorate in Counselling Psychology (PsychD), University of Roehampton
Advanced Diploma in Couples Counselling
PGDip in Counselling & Psychotherapy
MSc in Counselling Studies
BSc Applied Psychology
HCPC Registered Psychologist
Member of the British Psychological Society (MBPsS)

What Referrers Like GPs & Case Managers Should Know

Evidence-based practice, with structured therapeutic goals
Experience across complex mental health presentations
Insurance/EAP friendly — reducing financial barriers to access
Flexible treatment durations (short, medium, long)
Collaborative care approach. I am happy to liaise with referrers when clinically appropriate

How Therapy Can Help

Psychological therapy with me can support clients to:

  1. clarify challenges and patterns
  2. regulate difficult emotions
  3. improve interpersonal connections
  4. strengthen coping and life skills
  5. make measurable progress in wellbeing.  
    This structured approach makes the work effective and outcomes clearer for clients and referrers alike. 

Contact

📞 07834 389 401

📧 info@psych-ology.com

🌐 https://psych-ology.com

Online appointments available with flexible scheduling

Training, qualifications & experience

List of Qualifications

Professional Doctorate in Counselling Psychology (PsychD), University of Roehampton, UK

Advanced Diploma in Couples Counselling, NAOS Education, UK

Post-Graduate Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy (PGDip), University of Edinburgh

Master of Science in Counselling Studies (MSc), University of Edinburgh, UK

Bachelor of Science in Applied Psychology (BSc), Aristotle University of Thessaloniki

Member organisations

BACP
British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP)

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

British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy
Accredited Register Scheme

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.

British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy

Areas of counselling I deal with

Other areas of counselling I deal with

Please call or email me to discuss any further queries you may have.

Fees

£180.00 - £190.00

Health Insurance/EAP

  • Aviva
  • Axa Health
  • BUPA
  • Vitality
  • WPA
  • Cigna

Additional information

£180 for individual counselling (55 minutes)

£190 for couples counselling (60 minutes)

The fee is payable at the end of each session by cash or online transfer.

Accepting insurance: Aviva, AXA PPP Healthcare, AETNA, BUPA, Cigna, Vitality Health, WPA

When I work

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Early morning
Morning
Early afternoon
Late afternoon
Evening

Online and in person appointments. Flexible times.

Further information

Memberships:

HCPC Registered - Membership Number: PYL34506

BPS: MBPsS – Membership Number: 235504

Type of session

Online

Types of client

Adults (25-64)
Couples

Key details

DBS check

In England and Wales, the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS, formerly known as CRB) carry out criminal records checks for individuals working with vulnerable groups, such as children. To find out more, visit gov.uk , or contact this professional directly

Wheelchair user access
Wheelchair user access

Wheelchair-accessible premises should have step-free access for wheelchair users and individuals who are unable to climb stairs. If a Counsellor's premises aren't step-free, they may offer alternative services such as telephone/web-based appointments, home visits, or meeting clients in different location, so you can choose the option that suits you best.

You can contact the Counsellor to discuss the options available.

Under the Equality Act 2010 service providers have a duty to make reasonable adjustments to ensure that individuals with disabilities can access their service. You can read more about reasonable adjustments to help you to access services on the CAB website.

Additional languages

Greek

Online platforms

Zoom
Maria Pournara
Maria Pournara