About me
It can feel like a big step coming to therapy so firstly I'd like to give you a warm welcome to my page! I'm Mary - a mum, partner and wild sea-swimmer who is passionate about nature and cares deeply about equity and fairness. My relationship with the sea is hugely important to me, sustaining and holding me through life's challenges - hence Mary by the sea. So that's me in a nutshell…what about you?
Brené Brown wrote, “Connection is why we’re here - it’s what gives meaning and purpose to our lives”. So what happens when those connections aren't feeling right? Perhaps you can’t work out what needs to change, or need some emotional support to get you through a tricky patch, or maybe you're feeling stuck, anxious or struggling with relationships with others or yourself. Whatever it is that you bring will be met with empathy and gentle curiosity, without judgment.
We’re also living in times of great upheaval in what can feel like a scary and chaotic world. Perhaps this makes you feel overwhelmed, frightened, or disconnected from life, from others, or you’re struggling to find your place in it all. Whatever it is, I will support you as we work through these difficult emotions together.
Having the time and space within counselling to explore your thoughts and feelings in a safe and confidential environment is often the first step in making positive change in your life.
When life throws curve balls, it can feel like you’re struggling under a heavy load - but you don’t have to do this on your own. I’d like to support you, sharing your load and walking alongside you in order to understand what’s stopping life from feeling manageable, balanced and meaningful for you. In order to do this, I will provide a warm, nourishing and safe space for you to bring whatever is on your mind.
So how do I work?
Having qualified with an advanced diploma in Person Centred Counselling (PCT), I believe that all of us, given the right conditions, are able to live in a more balanced and meaningful way. I will focus on accompanying you as you start to make sense of your world, building a strong therapeutic relationship so you feel truly heard, and empowering you to see your way through the muddle.
I have a Trauma-informed approach and will be guided by the pace you want to work and what you want to bring. As a creative person I can draw on different elements to help you but only if you’re comfortable with this - my focus is on you, and your needs. My aim is to help you understand yourself a little better so you can start to make the changes you want to make in your life and are able to move to living in a healthier, more fulfilling way.
Working with Young People
Having recently undertaken continuous professional development at Exeter College with a Certificate in Counselling Young People and working as a volunteer with Exeter College’s Counselling Team I’m passionate about supporting middle and late adolescents (aged 14+) supporting the bridge as they move from childhood to adulthood and start to find out who they really are. Life is often a roller-coaster for YP, it can feel hard, draining, overwhelming and scary for them, they can have little autonomy and peer pressure but they’re also incredible and have huge potential.
Outdoor therapy
I offer this in a walk and talk format around Exmouth, both beside the estuary, and at Woodbury Castle. I believe that being outdoors can be hugely beneficial and use the landscape to help you understand more about you and your inner self.
Next steps - fancy a chat?
You’re taking the first step to making positive changes and I know it can feel overwhelming, so here’s what happens next…
1. If you’re interested you reach out for an informal, free 15 minutes conversation by emailing me, marybytheseaexmouth@gmail.com and we’ll arrange to chat
2. During the chat we can discuss what your needs are, what you hope to get out of counselling and see if it feels like we’ll be a good fit together (finding the right therapist for you is very important). I offer short or long term work, either in person (in Exmouth, Devon) or online, and see young people (aged 14+) and adults on a one-to-one basis.
3. If we agree to work together I’ll send out my working agreement for you to sign and we’ll set a date for our first session
4. You pay before our sessions by bacs.
5. We meet for our first session, either indoors in a counselling room in central Exmouth or outdoors at a pre-arranged location and together we embark on your therapeutic journey!
Are you ready to take those first steps with me?
Training, qualifications & experience
- Advanced Professional Diploma in Counselling Theory & Therapeutic Practice, Level 4/5 Exeter College (2023 - 2025)
- Host & Facilitator for Climate Cafes, Climate Psychology Alliance (since 2022)
- Volunteer Counsellor at Quiet Minds Exmouth (since January 2025), seeing a variety of adult clients on a long-term basis
- Volunteer Counsellor at Exeter College (since February 2025), seeing students aged 16 - 19 years on a short-term basis
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
£50.00 per session
Additional information
I charge £50 for a 50 minute session and also offer limited concession rates.
Further information
As I'm a big believer in the therapeutic power of being immersed in nature, please contact me if you're interested in outdoor work based around Exmouth, and I will tailor the work to meet your needs.
