Maureen McFarlane

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Msc.Counselling.BACP
Kilmarnock KA1 & Darvel KA17

About me

Professional, Compassionate Counselling Designed Around You

Taking the first step towards counselling can feel daunting. You may know that something doesn’t feel right, but not know exactly where to start. My aim is to provide a calm, welcoming and non-judgemental space where you can feel heard, understood and accepted for who you are.

I am a qualified counsellor, trained to Master’s level, and hold an MSc in Counselling from the University of Strathclyde. I provide professional counselling that is tailored to you as an individual, taking into account your experiences, circumstances, strengths and goals.

My approach is warm, collaborative and person-centred. I believe that you are the expert in your own life, and my role is not to tell you what you should do, but to support you in making sense of what you are experiencing and finding a way forward that feels right for you.

Who I Support

I work with adults and couples experiencing a range of difficulties, including:

• Anxiety, stress and feeling overwhelmed
• Low mood and depression
• Self-esteem and confidence difficulties
• Relationship and communication difficulties
• Life changes and periods of uncertainty
• Emotional difficulties associated with autism and neurodivergence
• People exploring whether they may be autistic or have ADHD
• Difficulties with emotional regulation and managing overwhelm
• Grief, loss and significant life experiences

Supporting Anxiety and Overwhelm

Anxiety can affect far more than how we feel emotionally. It can influence our thoughts, relationships, sleep, confidence and ability to manage everyday life. Together, we can explore what may be contributing to your anxiety and identify practical ways of managing difficult thoughts, emotions and situations.

My aim is to help you develop a better understanding of yourself, recognise your triggers and build coping strategies that are realistic and sustainable.

Working with Neurodivergence

I have a particular interest in supporting autistic clients and people who are exploring neurodivergence, including possible ADHD or autism.

For some people, understanding themselves through a neurodivergent lens can help make sense of difficulties they may have experienced for many years. Therapy can provide an opportunity to explore areas such as sensory overwhelm, emotional regulation, executive functioning, relationships, communication, self-esteem and the impact of feeling different from others.

Rather than focusing on changing who you are, we can explore ways of working with your individual needs, strengths and differences. This may include identifying practical strategies, making adjustments to your environment and developing greater self-understanding and self-compassion.

Relationships and Couples Counselling

Relationships can become difficult when communication breaks down, emotions become overwhelming or both people feel unheard or misunderstood.

I offer a supportive space for couples to explore difficulties in their relationship, improve communication and develop a better understanding of each other's needs. The aim is to create a space where both individuals can feel heard and respected while working towards positive change.

A Safe and Confidential Space

I understand that opening up to someone about personal experiences can be difficult. I aim to create a therapeutic relationship based on trust, empathy, honesty and respect.

You do not need to have everything worked out before coming to counselling. You can arrive exactly as you are, and we can start from there.

I will work at a pace that feels comfortable for you, while gently supporting you to explore areas that may be difficult or painful.

Taking the First Step

Starting counselling is a personal decision, and finding the right counsellor is important. If you are unsure whether counselling is right for you, you are welcome to get in touch to discuss what you are looking for and whether I may be able to support you.

Appointments are available online or by telephone, providing flexibility to access counselling in a way that feels comfortable and convenient for you.

If I am unable to answer your call, I will most likely be with a client. Please leave a message and I will return your call as soon as possible.

You do not have to navigate things alone. If you feel ready to take the first step, please get in touch.


 
 

Training, qualifications & experience

I am a fully qualified Person-Centred counsellor, a graduate of University of Strathclyde, a trained couples therapist, and a clinical supervisor.

I hold a Master’s degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy, which included specialist research into how therapists work effectively with clients on the autistic spectrum.

I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and hold a certificate in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)—a proven and effective approach for accessing emotions that may be causing confusion, distress, or conflict in relationships and everyday life.

I have also completed ASSIST training, equipping me to support individuals who are experiencing suicidal thoughts.

I work with clients experiencing social anxiety, panic attacks, depression, relationship difficulties, and other challenges that arise from everyday life, offering a calm, supportive, and non-judgemental space to help them move forward.

Member organisations

BACP
British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP)

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

British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy
Accredited Register Scheme

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.

British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy

Areas of counselling I deal with

Therapies offered

Photos & videos

Fees

£50.00 per session

Health Insurance/EAP

  • Health Assured

Additional information

The cost of therapy with Maureen;

  • £50 for a one hour online session
  • £50 for a one hour individual session
  • £75 for a one hour couples session

When I work

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Early morning
Morning
Early afternoon
Late afternoon
Evening

Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire, KA1

Darvel, East Ayrshire, KA17

Type of session

In person
Online
Phone

Types of client

Adults (25-64)
Older Adults (65+)
Couples
Employee Assistance Programme

Online platforms

Whatsapp
Zoom

Supervision

In person
Online

Experienced Person Cetred Supervisor

View supervision profile

Maureen McFarlane
Maureen McFarlane