Mary Leonard

My approach to supervision is rooted in psychodynamic thinking where curiosity, compassion and challenge work hand in hand. I draw on psychodynamic concepts such as transference, countertransference, unconscious processes and the therapeutic relationship to help supervises deepen their understanding of both client work and themselves as practitioners. Alongside this, I integrate the Seven-Eyed Model of Supervision and The Skilled Helper Model, creating a flexible integrative approach that is relevant not only to psychodynamic practitioners but also to therapists from a wide range of therapeutic modalities.

Supervision with me is collaborative, supportive, reflective and challenging, but never intimidating.

It is my wish to provide a space where you feel genuinely supported, but also encouraged to think differently, ask difficult questions and deepen your clinical understanding. I'm compassionate, approachable and enjoy enabling honest conversations and exploration, and I welcome humour as well as serious reflection.

My aim is to help you build confidence, trust your clinical judgement and make sense of what is happening both within the therapeutic relationship and yourself as the practitioner.

If you are looking for a supervisor who will champion your development, encourage honest reflection, and challenge you in a way that feels supportive rather than intimidating, I'd be delighted to work with you.

Fridays in-person 8am-4pm. 5pm-8pm.

Mon/Tues/Thurs evenings online/telephone sessions 5-9pm.

From January 2005 Tues in-person from 5-9pm

I work from a holistic relationship-based perspective, recognising that each person's emotions, experiences and relationships are deeply interconnected. My role is to offer a safe and reflective space where you can feel heard, understood and accepted. I value openness and honesty and will offer my observations thoughtfully and truthfully, while always accepting you pace and readiness.

My psychodynamic approach means I am interested not only in the difficulties you are experiencing now but in how these might link to or be shaped by past experience and relationships, as well as any unconscious patterns which may be influencing how you think, feel and relate to others today.

As a relationship-based counsellor, I work with individuals and couples. I have a particular interest in the ways our relationships shape our emotional wellbeing, whether that involves intimate partners, family relationships, or intergenerational dynamics between parents and children through all life's stages.

Alongside my private practice, I work within the homeless sector supporting people who have experienced significant adversity, trauma and social exclusion. This role has deepened my understanding of the role that difficult life circumstances can have on emotional wellbeing, relationships and self-esteem.

I also have experience of exploring the relationship between work and wellbeing, helping clients navigate stress, anxiety, burnout, workplace relationships, career change and the emotional impact that work can have on everyday life.

Whatever brings you to counselling, my aim is to offer a safe, collaborative and thoughtful space where you can explore your experiences at your own pace and develop a deeper understanding of yourself.

I hold a PVG Scheme membership enabling me to work with adults and young people.

Initial sessions are charged at my standard fee and are offered without obligation. They provide an opportunity for us to get to know one another, explore what has brought you to counselling and consider whether we can work together in a way that is safe, supportive and meaningful.

Finding the right therapist is an important part of the therapeutic process. If you decide I am not the right fit for you, or if I feel your needs would be better met by another therapist or service, we will discuss this openly and honestly. Wherever possible I will assist you in identifying an alternative source of help and provide appropriate signposting or referrals.