About me
Counselling for Life’s Challenges
I specialise in helping people cope with "navigating major life transitions", whether it’s diminished confidence, anxiety, overcoming feelings of unworthiness", declining health, aging, loss of freedom, loss of a loved one, or even the loss of a job. Loss can take many forms, and it often leaves us feeling adrift, uncertain, or overwhelmed. My approach is grounded in understanding and supporting you through these difficult times.
Are you feeling overwhelmed?
Life can present us with many challenges—whether it’s a shift in your health, changes in your job situation, the passing of a loved one, or even a decline in confidence. These transitions can leave you feeling uncertain, overwhelmed, or disconnected. Have you noticed how these changes are affecting your daily life and emotional well-being?
How do these changes make you feel?
In my sessions, you’ll find a calm, non-judgmental space where you can openly explore what you’re experiencing and reflect on how these life changes are impacting you. Are they manifesting as anxiety, affecting your self-esteem, or making you feel less confident? These feelings are natural, and together, we’ll work to understand them.
Do you want to regain confidence or balance in your life?
Imagine having a partner in this journey, someone who listens deeply and tailors our sessions to your unique needs. Whether you’re navigating health challenges, dealing with anxiety, or facing other significant transitions, I’m here to support you. We’ll work together to build strategies that help you cope, adapt, and regain a sense of well-being.
Ready to take the first step?
I invite you to contact me and share a bit about what you’re experiencing. Let’s explore how I can help you on your path to healing and finding balance again. Together, we can work toward a brighter, more confident future.
The Benefits of Working with Me:
Personalised Support: I recognise that every person’s experience is unique. My approach is tailored to your specific situation, ensuring that the support you receive is relevant and effective.
Holistic Approach: I draw from a range of therapeutic techniques to provide a well-rounded approach that addresses both your emotional and practical needs.
Safe Environment: Our sessions offer a safe, confidential space where you can express your feelings without fear of judgment.
Empowerment: My goal is to help you not only cope with your current challenges but also to build long-term resilience and self-confidence.
Collaboration: We’ll work together as a team to identify solutions that work best for you, ensuring that you feel supported and empowered throughout the process.
If you’re seeking support during difficult times, please contact me to learn more about how I can help you. Reach out by email or phone to schedule an appointment.
If you're ready to take the next step, I'd be honoured to support you.
Client Testimonials...
- Maria helped me so much. Trust and being able to talk openly and honestly are important to me and I knew from minute one that I could do this. Maria was empathic and listened, offering support and advice when needed.
- I was nervous to get help at the beginning. I knew I needed the help and was in a position where I needed support or things were going to go downhill. I took the chance and I haven’t looked back, I have gained so much out of speaking up and now have many coping mechanisms and tools to help me within my daily life. This has given me back part of my life I thought I had lost. Seeking help and being open to the process has allowed me to learn more about myself and see things from a much wider perspective. I still have things to work on and even though I am well aware of this, it’s a journey I am proud to have been on. Thank you, you really have helped save me.”
- “I have been having counselling sessions with Maria for low confidence and anxiety and have found I am a different person to who I was when I started. I have much more confidence within myself so that I am able to question my anxieties and overcome them, this has only been possible due to Maria’s kindness, compassion and guidance. I was also able to share with Maria my recent grief and feel I have a safe space to go to when I need to let it out.
- From a parent of a teenage girl : I would highly recommend Taith Counselling, Maria is so kind and caring, the support our daughter received was overwhelming, she helped her learn how to deal with her feelings & emotions. She was so fragile going to you, and within a few months, we had our confident daughter back, we are forever grateful.. Thank you xx
- From a parent of a teenage girl: Little do you know that three years ago, when you did your mental health assembly, how much courage you gave ………. to reach out for support. That was a positive turning point in her life after quite a few years of feeling "different" and miserable in school. She said every thing you said in that assembly related to her and I convinced her that you would totally understand if she opened up to you. That first step led on to CBT and her beginning her journey of recognising and managing her OCD and anxieties. So, knowing you were there for her to offer her a reassuring open door, where you didn't need to ask, but just said lets have a cuppa ………. is what makes you so fantastic.
Training, qualifications & experience
Education and Credentials:
I hold a Post Graduate Diploma in Systemic Psychotherapy (level 7) and an integrative counselling diploma (level 5) from reputable institutions. I have undergone rigorous training in various therapeutic modalities, including person-centred therapy, cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), systemic therapy, and mindfulness-based approaches. My diverse background in counselling and education enables me to draw from a range of techniques and tailor my approach to suit the individual needs of my clients. I have over 24 years of experience as an educational specialist as well as providing wellbeing support. As a counsellor and educator, I have the privilege of wearing multiple hats to support my clients. I embrace the role of a counsellor, providing a listening ear and guidance to address my clients' diverse emotional and psychological needs. By integrating my expertise in both counselling and education, I aim to empower clients personally, helping them navigate challenges and fostering their overall growth and well-being
Professional Experience:
I have accumulated significant experience in counselling through my work in independent practice and various community organisations. I have established a successful Male Mental Health Project, “Let’s talk about the elephant in the room”, linking the community together. As a dedicated volunteer for Action for Children, I utilise my expertise in working within a family therapy team to provide invaluable support and guidance to families in need, fostering healthier relationships and brighter futures for children and parents alike. I have successfully helped individuals in working through various issues, including anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, relationship difficulties, self-esteem, and personal growth. I believe in fostering a collaborative therapeutic relationship where clients feel valued, understood, and empowered to make positive life changes.
Qualifications
- Post-Graduate Diploma in Systemic Psychotherapy (Level 7)
- Diploma Integrative counselling skills (Level 5)
- Post-Graduate Diploma in Secondary Education
- BA Hons in Sport and Human Movement Studies
- ASIST: Applied suicide intervention skills training.
- Temenos Advanced Certificate in Bereavement Counselling
- Temenos Foundation Certificate in Bereavement Counselling
- ACTO: Association for Counselling and Therapy online. Certificate in Online and Telephone Counselling
Training/CPD
- Supporting bereaved children and young people
- Transactional Analysis
- Couples Counselling toolkit
- Trauma-informed practice
- Systemic practice in educational settings
- Counselling clients with substance misuse
- Adverse Childhood Experiences
- Treating intrusive thoughts and the inner critical voice
- Mindfulness Curriculum
- Using Trauma-informed grounding techniques
- Suicide: How to support during crisis moments
- Dialogues in family therapy: trust and creativity in times of constraints and control
Experience
- Independent Practice
- 13 months volunteering as part of a family therapy team for Action for Children
- Six years supporting pupils' well-being in a secondary school.
- Established a successful Male Mental Health Ambassadors project in a secondary school.
- Organised a successful community event for Male Mental Health.
- Volunteered with Ty Elis Porthcawl
- Volunteered with an organisation in Cardiff.
- Twenty-four years of teaching experience.
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
Concessions offered for
Additional information
Fees
I provide a complimentary 20-minute consultation to determine if our counselling services align with your needs and establish a strong therapeutic connection.
Individual Session fees: £58 for 50 minutes face-to-face/telephone/zoom.
Couples Session fees: £70 for 50 minutes face-to-face/telephone/zoom.
Group session fees: £85 - for 50 minute face-to-face up to a group of 6 persons. For larger groups please contact me for fees.
I kindly request that fees be paid 48 hours in advance. Please note that to provide adequate notice to reschedule, I require at least 24 hours notice; otherwise, a fee will be charged.
Student counsellors concessionary rates available (limited spaces available)
When I work
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Further information
Advocating for positive male mental health is a subject close to my heart, as it is an area that often goes unnoticed. Through my involvement in a project promoting positive male mental health within a secondary school, I have successfully established male mental health ambassadors. Our motto, "it's good to talk," reflects our commitment to encouraging open conversations and fostering well-being.
I believe everyone has the innate capacity for growth and healing, and my role as a counsellor is to provide the necessary support and guidance on your journey. I am committed to creating a safe, confidential, and non-judgmental space where individuals can explore their deepest concerns and work towards positive change. My warm and empathetic nature and professional expertise allow me to connect with my clients profoundly and help them discover their inner resources for healing and personal transformation.
Contact Maria Williams today if you're ready to embark on a transformative journey towards greater well-being and fulfilment.
