Marika Welstead

I am currently available to take on new clients and normally work Monday to Friday each week, with some evenings available for clients who work during the day.

I would describe my practice as integrative and person-centred.

I value the person-hood of the person, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, disability and can also work with ASD. 

I work very much in a non-judgemental way, with the "person" . I draw on many approaches encouraging the use of creative materials as an aid to expressing emotions and explaing situations.

I provide a safe supportive environment for either for Face2Face counselling, or by video link (zoom), or in telephone conversations. I work with  trauma and PTSD and have valuable experience in helping victims of abuse.

 I value the autonomy of the person, allowing space and time for feelings to be recognised and then expressed.

I have worked for several charities specialising in abuse, sexual violation, bereavement and loss and support for families.

I have over 14 years of experience as a counsellor. I practice as a Person-Centred/Integrative counsellor and have  trained in a wide variety of counselling approaches. I believe that it is the relationship between the counsellor and client which is most helpful in bringing about change.

I have experience working with various issues clients bring to therapy, such as; anxiety, abuse/bullying, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, bereavement and loss, relationship difficulties, anger, sexual difficulties and much more.

I find that the use of creative materials, such as timelines, story boards, sandtray, stones, inner child work and art work helps clients find a way to be more in touch with their feelings and can somehow feel less intense than talking therapy alone.

It is only the client who knows where the pain lies. My work helps people discover what needs to heal and how that healing can be achieved. As said my approach is mainly person-centred using creative materials. I occaisionally use Mindfulness but only when a client finds this helpful. I provide a safe environment which is warm, comfortable and confidential, for feelings and emotions to be shared and expressed.

I have a small private practice in my home and I am also available for home vists. The atmosphere here is safe, comfortable, friendly, calm and private.

It gives you the space and time to explore what upsets and worries you in a calm environment. You will always be in control of the way in which we work. Only when trust has been establish will we be able to touch your pain or what you struggle with most. Gaining a better understanding of yourself and finding compassion for that authentic version of you will be immensly enpowering.

Some time in your first session will be taken with contracting, explaining the way in which I work and answering any questions you may have about therapy. For this reason I offer the first session at £30. It is an oppurtunity for you to gauge whether you feel we  could work together.

We would probably talk about what brings you to therapy at this time and who you have around you, who can support you through this process.

 Your relationship with others is also important, so we may discuss those relationships or what it was like for you growing up in your family of origin. Or if you were adaopted or in care. I have had many successful outcomes. People have been able to take control of their lives, or move on from an abusive relationship. The future can be so much brighter.