About me
My name is Maria, and at Taking Strides Counselling,
I offer a warm, confidential and non-judgemental space where you can talk openly and honestly about whatever is troubling you. Sometimes, simply having someone genuinely listen and try to understand can be the first step towards feeling differently.
I am a qualified counsellor with a Degree in Counselling, with seven years' experience in private practice and almost five years' experience as an EAP helpline counsellor. I have also worked as a support worker, supporting people through a variety of circumstances and challenges.
My core approach is person-centred, meaning that I see you as the expert in your own life. I won't judge you, tell you what you should do, or expect you to have everything figured out. Instead, we can work together to explore what is happening for you, at a pace that feels comfortable.
While person-centred counselling is at the heart of my work, I also integrate different therapeutic techniques where appropriate, allowing me to tailor our sessions to your individual needs and circumstances.
I work with young people and adults experiencing a range of difficulties, including trauma, hardship and mental health challenges. Whatever has brought you to counselling, I will take the time to understand your individual story and what you need from therapy.
My professional experience is complemented by a wealth of life experience, which has helped shape the way I work. I understand that life can sometimes take us places we never expected, and that asking for support can take courage. My aim is to provide a space where you can feel safe enough to explore whatever you need to, without fear of judgement.
By searching for a counsellor, you have taken a step toward healing yourself or learning coping strategies. Whatever your reason, counselling can help. I bring a wealth of personal life experience, and while I may not know exactly how you feel because each of us experiences things differently, this helps me understand more of what you bring to our sessions.
Throughout my professional career, I have learned the importance of developing a relationship with my clients. Once established, this relationship helps you open up and explore your world, knowing that you are not judged and that I am right beside you.
Training, qualifications & experience
I am a qualified counsellor with a Degree in Counselling, with seven years' experience in private practice and almost five years' experience as an EAP helpline counsellor. I have also worked as a support worker, supporting people through a variety of circumstances and challenges.
My core approach is person-centred, meaning that I see you as the expert in your own life. I won't judge you, tell you what you should do, or expect you to have everything figured out. Instead, we can work together to explore what is happening for you, at a pace that feels comfortable.
While person-centred counselling is at the heart of my work, I also integrate different therapeutic techniques where appropriate, allowing me to tailor our sessions to your individual needs and circumstances.
I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy and The National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society and I am fully insured
How I can support you?
Counselling can offer you the opportunity to:
Make sense of difficult thoughts and feelings
Explore experiences that may still be affecting you
Develop a greater understanding of yourself
Work through trauma and challenging life experiences
Explore patterns that may no longer be serving you
Find ways of coping with difficult emotions
Build self-awareness and confidence
Feel heard, understood and supported
You don't need to know exactly what you need from counselling before you begin. We can take that first step together.
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
Photos & videos
Fees
£45.00 per session
Concessions offered for
Health Insurance/EAP
Additional information
£15 initial session up to 50 minutes
£45 per one hour session
I offer face-to-face counselling in Weston-super-Mare, as well as online and telephone counselling for clients further afield.
Sessions can be arranged weekly, fortnightly or on an ad hoc basis, depending on your circumstances and what works best for you.
If something in this profile resonates with you, please feel welcome to get in touch. We can have an initial conversation about what you're looking for and whether I might be the right counsellor for you.
You don't have to have all the answers before you reach out. Sometimes, the first step is simply talking to someone.
Please see my website for information on how to book an initial session
https://www.takingstridescounselling.co.uk/
When I work
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early morning | |||||||
| Morning | |||||||
| Early afternoon | |||||||
| Late afternoon | |||||||
| Evening |
Further information
hoosing to come to counselling can feel like a big step, particularly if you have never experienced counselling before. You may know exactly what you want to talk about, or you may simply know that you're struggling and need some support. Either way, you don't need to have everything worked out before you contact me.
I aim to create a warm, relaxed and welcoming environment where you can feel comfortable being yourself. Building a trusting relationship is central to the way I work, and I will take the time to listen and understand your individual experiences without judgement.
I believe that counselling should be collaborative. You are the expert in your own life, and my role is to walk alongside you, helping you explore what you're experiencing and supporting you to develop a greater understanding of yourself and the things that may be affecting you.
I offer flexibility around how often we meet, with weekly, fortnightly or ad hoc sessions available. I offer face-to-face counselling in Weston-super-Mare, as well as online and telephone sessions, allowing me to support clients who may not be able to attend in person.
I understand that everyone's circumstances are different, and I am happy to discuss any questions or concerns you may have before deciding whether counselling with me feels right for you.
For me, counselling is about creating a space where you can feel heard, respected and accepted, whatever you may be going through. There is no judgement, and you don't have to face difficult times on your own.
If you feel that I may be someone you could work with, please get in touch. We can have a conversation about what you're looking for and take things from there.
