Martina Kirkland
Every professional displayed on Counselling Directory has been independently verified by our team to ensure they have suitable credentials to practise.
This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
Sinking in quicksand? Life throwing curveballs? Feeling angry, scared or sad all the time? Maybe you are hitting the self-destruct button or your coping strategies are harming instead of helping?
Does every day feel like a grind, or like you are constantly treading water barely staying afloat?
Perhaps you're experiencing a deep sense of emptiness and lack of direction, or feeling flat and numb and like the spark of joy has gone out of your life.
There is hope. You are not alone.
Seeking help shows a sign of strength and courage.
Many people struggle with the lasting effects of past or current traumas and difficult life challenges.
I am an integrative counsellor with extensive experience helping clients overcome self-sabotage, low-self esteem, identity and relationship issues, shame, trauma, and abuse.
I am here to support you and walk alongside you on your journey in achieving a more peaceful, fulfilling, meaningful and balanced life.
Having navigated my own path through healing I can offer the support you need to find your direction and create a life filled with purpose, build self-compassion, and heal.
Together we can figure this out, one step at a time.
I use my extensive training and lived experience to help you:
Heal from past or current hurts: Neglect, abandonment, abuse, bereavement or other traumas can leave lasting effects. I can help you leave them behind.
Find your direction: Maybe you're chasing perfection or feel adrift. Maybe you are feeling lost and stuck, you don't really know who you are and your "why" in life. I can help you gain clarity and work towards a fulfilling life.
Stop self sabotage and ditch the inner critic: I can help you explore the root cause of the negative self talk and self sabotage so you stop beating yourself up. Let's build self acceptance and inner strength together.
Neurodiversity support: Life can be so lonely and tough if you are or your loved one is neurodivergent. I can support you so you don't feel so alone.
My Therapy Approaches:
Self-Discovery & Empowerment:
Person-Centered: Explore yourself, find inner wisdom, create a fulfilling life (collaborative, patient listening, reflection, personalized solutions).
Existential: Explore life's big questions (meaning, purpose), create a fulfilling life (autonomy, choice, ownership).
Present Moment Focus:
Gestalt: Explore how past affects present (thoughts, feelings, body sensations). Develop healthy coping mechanisms (creative tools possible).
CBT Techniques: Manage difficult emotions/situations (identify negative thought patterns, replace with helpful ones).
Inner Healing & Growth:
Inner Child Work: Connect with, heal younger parts of yourself (past hurts/trauma), build self-compassion.
Parts Work: Understand and manage different "parts" of you (all valid!) influencing thoughts, feelings, behaviors.
Mind & Body Connection:
Somatic Techniques: Manage stress/anxiety (breathwork, grounding exercises).
Therapy Tailored to You
Therapy isn't a one-size-fits-all deal. I use different aspects of various approaches and theories to create a personalized approach that works for you. We can explore your feelings, thoughts, and experiences together in a way that feels comfortable and safe.
When Words Fail You
Sometimes, talking isn't always easiest. That's why I offer creative therapy options, for those clients that would like to explore different ways of working. It is always by invitation, and if it is not for you, that's absolutely fine. Whether it's art, writing, using different cards and prompts, or exploring with sand trays, there are ways to express yourself beyond words.
These techniques can be powerful tools for self-discovery and a deeper understanding of your emotions. By stepping outside of our usual story, these techniques can help us tap into the unconscious beliefs we hold. You don’t need to be particularly creative or an artist. The creative interventions are about your process, not the end result.
Counselling can help you:
Feeling Understood and Supported
Imagine finally feeling heard and understood. Imagine what it may be like to have your feelings acknowledged and validated. Counselling provides a safe and confidential space to explore your pain, struggles, and challenges. It can support you in processing your emotions and moving forward to begin healing.
Gaining Control of Your Life
Through counselling, you can explore and process your emotions, leading to a sense of relief and empowerment. Imagine feeling the weight lifted from your shoulders, being truly present and in control of your life. What would it be like to stop that harsh voice of self-criticism, and instead develop and practice kindness and self-compassion towards yourself?
Let's start your healing journey today. Let's talk?
Training, qualifications & experience
Training
- Diploma in Humanistic Integrative Counselling - (Dunamis Therapy Hub)
- Certificate in Counselling - (Dunamis Therapy Hub)
- Foundations of Modern Psychology and Research Methods - (Birkbeck University Faculty of Continuing Education)
Further Training
Continual training and professional development in the areas of Trauma, Sexual Abuse Trauma, Suicide and Self-harm prevention, Grief and loss.
Experience
Private Practice: Offering confidential and supportive counselling.
MIND: Supporting clients with various mental health challenges.
EAP work: Providing short-term therapy through employee assistance programmes.
Hospice: Providing compassionate support to patients, caregivers, and bereaved families.
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
Fees
£60.00 per session
Free initial telephone or online session
