About me
I specialise in supporting people through major life transitions — times when anxiety increases, confidence dips, or life suddenly feels unfamiliar. Change can come through loss, health challenges, ageing, relationship strain, work pressure or shifts in identity. These experiences can leave anyone feeling overwhelmed, unsettled or disconnected.
Does this feel like a time when you're finding things harder than usual?
If so, you’re not alone — and you deserve support that feels steady, calm and grounded.
I offer a warm, non-judgmental space where you can talk openly about what you’re experiencing. Together, we explore what has changed, how it’s affecting you, and what you need to feel more balanced. My approach is integrative and shaped around you, drawing from systemic, person-centred, CBT, mindfulness and trauma-informed practices.
My counselling practice is grounded in rigorous clinical training in systemic therapy, integrative counselling and bereavement work. Alongside this, I bring over 24 years’ experience working within education, where I supported pupil, parent and staff wellbeing. This blend of clinical expertise and real-world experience deeply informs the way I work.
I work with adults, parents and young people who are navigating anxiety, grief, stress, low self-worth, intrusive thoughts, relationship challenges, trauma responses and identity concerns.
If you’re hoping to feel more confident, emotionally steadier, or better able to cope with life’s challenges, I’m here to help. You’re welcome to get in touch whenever you feel ready.
What I can help with
- Anxiety and overwhelm
- Loss, bereavement and grief
- Low confidence and self-worth
- Stress and burnout
- Intrusive thoughts
- Health-related changes
- Relationship and family difficulties
- Trauma responses
- Life transitions and identity shifts
- Support for parents and young people
How I work - Calm, steady and non-judgmental
- Integrative: systemic, person-centred, CBT, mindfulness
- Trauma-informed and attachment-aware
- Sessions tailored to your pace and needs
A collaborative approach where you feel heard, understood and supported
Testimonials
“I knew from minute one that I could talk openly. The tools and support Maria gave me helped me regain parts of myself I thought I’d lost.”
“I came with low confidence and anxiety. I now feel more grounded, more aware and more able to challenge my anxious thoughts.”
From a parent:
“Our daughter was so fragile when she started counselling. Within a few months, her confidence returned. We are forever grateful.”
From a parent:
“Maria gave our daughter the courage to reach out for help. That first step changed everything.”
Training, qualifications & experience
Qualifications
- PGDip Systemic Psychotherapy (Level 7)
- Diploma in Integrative Counselling Skills (Level 5)
- ACTO Certificate in Online & Telephone Counselling
- Temenos Advanced & Foundation Certificates in Bereavement Counselling
- ASIST Suicide Intervention Training
- BA (Hons) Sport & Human Movement Studies
- PGDip in Secondary Education
Professional experience
- Independent counselling practice
- Volunteer therapist within a family therapy team (Action for Children)
- Six years supporting pupil wellbeing in a secondary school
- Founder of the Male Mental Health Ambassadors project
- Facilitator of community male mental health events
- Previous volunteering with Ty Elis and Cardiff wellbeing organisations
- Over 24 years’ experience supporting wellbeing in educational and community settings
Clinical training & approaches
- Systemic therapy
- Integrative counselling
- Person-centred therapy
- CBT framework
- Mindfulness-based approaches
- Trauma-informed and attachment-aware practice
Additional CPD
Supporting bereaved children and young people · Transactional Analysis · Couples Counselling Toolkit · ACEs · Intrusive thoughts & inner critic · Substance misuse · Grounding techniques · Mindfulness curriculum · Systemic practice in education · Crisis support · Creative dialogues in family therapy
Next steps
If my approach resonates with you, I’d be glad to hear from you.
You’re welcome to email or call to arrange an initial conversation.
Member organisations
school Registered / Accredited
Being registered/accredited with a professional body means an individual must have achieved a substantial level of training and experience approved by their member organisation.
The National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society This Not For Profit association of counsellors and psychotherapists aim to support the counselling profession, members and training organisations. In 2013 the NCS register was accredited by the Professional Standards Authority under the Accredited Voluntary Register Scheme. Accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.
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
£58.00 - £85.00
Additional information
Fees
I offer a complimentary 10-minute consultation to explore your needs and ensure we’re the right fit.
Sessions are available face-to-face, by telephone, or via Zoom.
- Individual counselling: £58 for a 50-minute session
- Couples counselling: £70 for a 50-minute session
- Group sessions: £85 for a 50-minute session (up to 6 people). For larger groups, please contact me for fees.
Fees are kindly requested 48 hours in advance.
Sessions cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice will be charged.
When I work
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Further information
Advocating for positive male mental health is very close to my heart. Within a secondary school setting, I developed a Male Mental Health Ambassadors project, creating space for boys and young men to talk more openly about how they feel.
The group explored the idea of “the elephant in the room” — a creative way to help pupils express unspoken worries and begin conversations that often felt too big to start alone.
This work continues to shape my practice today, particularly in supporting men and boys, parents, and those working in education who may feel under pressure to “hold it all together”.
