Mary Dees

I provide counselling and psychotherapy for individuals and couples in the Stockport/High Peak area. I offer online, indoor and outdoor psychotherapy.

My experience is that counselling and psychotherapy can help people make profound changes in their lives and relationships. This happens through a greater understanding of ourselves and why we think, feel and behave in certain ways.  That understanding enables us to accept ourselves and make changes with the guidance of a safe and supportive counsellor.

I have training in and experience of working with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma (including abuse), self harm, eating/body issues, grief/bereavement, addiction and others.

I am an integrative psychotherapist with my main modality being Transactional Analysis mixed with other techniques such as body psychotherapy, person centered therapy, eco-therapy, gestalt and mindfulness. I use these therapies in an integrative way tailoring my approach to the needs of each individual or couple. I am a member of BACP and UKATA and abide by their code of ethics and professional practice. A requirement of BACP and UKATA is that I have regular supervision. This is for your safety and improves my effectiveness. 

Life can be challenging and difficult and I am trained to help you through your troubles and to support you to make changes in your life.

As we make our way in the world we decide the best ways to survive and cope with our circumstances. Some of these ways may help us grow and reach our potential and some may hold us back. Some of the coping mechanisms we learnt as children were great strategies for survival but now they limit us. As adults we can make new choices and change some old decisions, beliefs and limiting strategies. I provide support in finding a greater self-acceptance – the foundation of growth and development.

I will work with you to an agreed time scale or on an open-ended basis depending on what you want. I am committed to providing counselling and psychotherapy in a confidential, respectful and non-judgemental environment.

I also offer outdoor therapy. Research has shown that spending time in nature provides restorative benefits to physical and mental health, including: improved mood, stress reduction and enhanced cognitive abilities. My experience is that ecotherapy or outdoor therapy (walking and talking in nature) is valuable and life enhancing - with nature supporting our ability to self-reflect and connect to ourselves and others. And you don’t have to be very fit to take part – we go at your pace.

My counselling room is close to Marple train station, has off road parking and is warm, comfortable and private. My outdoor work is done in the Marple area in a quiet woodland space alongside the River Goyt.

The first session gives us an opportunity to get to know each other a little better, discuss the key issues and give you a chance to ask me questions. This allows us both to get enough information to make a decision if we wish to work together. It is essential that you feel comfortable working with me and so I will ensure you have the space and time to make an informed decision.