About me
Hello, I'm Martha, and a very warm welcome to you.
It seems to me that freedom to be heard is something that is important for all of us as we go through life -- especially if we are feeling stressed, anxious, or are struggling in some way, or are experiencing emotional pain. Being listened to, non-judgmentally, in a space of safeness can in itself feel like a relief. Together with that, learning ways to work with our our difficult human minds, and the emotional impact of our life experiences, can help us find moments of calm inside us even in the midst of our daily lives. This can help us find our way again when we perhaps feel lost or overwhelmed, and can help reduce the impact on us of stress and other difficult feelings.
It can be daunting to consider speaking with someone, and that you are here exploring is an important step in supporting your own well-being. Listening to you is what matters, and right from the first session we will explore what you wish to focus on and ways we can work together that support your deepest benefit.
Perhaps you might like to have just one session, or many sessions, or perhaps you aren't sure yet, and all of that is welcome. I can offer single sessions, or both short or long term counselling for individuals aged 18 and over.
By way of therapy qualifications, I hold a Diploma in Counselling, and Accreditation in 'Essentials in Compassion-Focused Therapy' from the Association for Psychological Therapies. I am registered with the professional therapy organisation BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy). I am also a mindfulness and compassion practitioner and a qualified mindfulness teacher trained by the UK Mindfulness Association. I am also registered with the professional mindfulness organisation BAMBA (British Association for Mindfulness Based Approaches). I can draw on all of these skills flexibly, and we can explore together what might feel best to you.
I work with people on a range of issues including anxiety, depression and stress and distress that can take so many forms. The basis of my counselling is person-centred (meaning it is shaped to you), together with compassion-focused therapy approaches that can also incorporate mindfulness and self-compassion practices.
I worked in the academic field of public health and psychology until about 2012, specialising in health psychology and the study of personality. Since then, I have worked in community services, especially in carer support and counselling, and with people living with dementia. My research over the past several years has focused on freedom and well-being for carers.
Whatever it is that you want to talk about, I am here to listen and support you with it -- because all of us in life, whatever the source of our distress, need compassion, listening and freedom to be.
Training, qualifications & experience
I am a counsellor and trainer, with teacher membership of the UK Mindfulness Association and registration with BAMBA, the British Association of Mindfulness-Based Approaches.
Counselling and mindfulness qualifications:
- Certified to teach by the UK Mindfulness Association (2023) and I am also registered with the BAMBA, the British Association for Mindfulness Based Approaches
- Accredited Trainer of Counselling Skills (2021)
- Level 2 Accreditation in Essentials in Compassion-Focused Therapy (Association for Psychological Therapies) (2020, refreshed 2023)
- Diploma in Counselling (Interface Training Ltd., Edinburgh) (2020)
- Certificate in Counselling Skills (Edinburgh College) (2017)
Prior qualifications:
- MSc (1994) and PhD (1998) in Public Health Sciences (University of Edinburgh)
- BA in Psychology, Colby College (Maine, USA) (1990)
The basis of my counselling is person-centred, with a compassion-focused therapy approach. I undertake regular supervision and CPD in counselling and mindfulness. 
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
Other areas of counselling I deal with
- Anticipatory grief
- Older people/life adjustment
- Transitions
- Loss
- Feeling sad
Therapies offered
Fees
£50.00 - £70.00
Concessions offered for
Additional information
£60 per session standard rate (£70 supporter rate; £50 supported rate)
Concessionary rates available.
When I work
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