Maria Woodhead

**ONLINE SESSIONS** I work flexibly throughout the week offering sessions online via Google Meet and Bilateral Base (EMDR).

**ONLINE COUNSELLOR** Individual Counselling, Couples and Relational Therapy, EMDR Therapy.

Thinking about counselling can feel daunting. With so many different types of therapy, it can be difficult to know where to start. For me, counselling is simply about having a safe, supportive space where you can talk openly about what's happening in your life. Together, we can explore your thoughts, feelings and experiences, helping you to gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your situation. Whether you're looking to make changes, work through difficult emotions, improve relationships, make an important decision, or simply feel more like yourself again, counselling can provide the support and clarity you need.

I am a BACP Accredited and Registered Counsellor offering individual counselling, EMDR and relational counselling for adults aged 18 and over. I have a particular interest in supporting people experiencing relationship difficulties, and I also work with issues including trauma, anxiety, depression, stress, low self-esteem, abuse, bereavement and loss. Sessions are usually held weekly or fortnightly, depending on your needs.

A little about me. I qualified as a counsellor in 2007 and have spent many years working across a range of public service and charitable organisations. My experience includes working within HM Prison Service (Psychology), Police and Fire (Occupational Health), and specialist support services for those affected by domestic and sexual abuse. Before becoming a counsellor, I served in the Armed Forces and later worked in Education.

Each role has given me valuable insight into the challenges people face and has shaped the compassionate, down-to-earth therapist I am today. I believe that every person has their own unique story, and I feel privileged to support clients as they navigate difficult times and make positive changes.

Finding the right counsellor is important, so here is a little bit about what happens during therapy: I take an active role in our sessions. If I notice something important, I'll say so, and I'll often ask questions that encourage you to think a little more deeply about what's going on. I've found that the more we understand why we think, feel and react the way we do, the easier it becomes to make choices that feel right.

Along the way, I may suggest different exercises, tools or resources that can help you make sense of your experiences and develop greater self-awareness. We can work through these together in sessions, or you may choose to spend some time thinking about them between sessions if that feels helpful.

I won't be sending you away with a list of tasks to complete, but you may find yourself thinking about our sessions between appointments. Sometimes a conversation or insight can stay with you and continue to make sense over the following days. Often, the real work happens in the days between sessions, as you start to notice things, reflect on our conversations, or think differently about a situation.

Our first session is a chance for us to get to know each other and talk about what has brought you to counselling, as well as what you're hoping to gain from it. I'll ask some questions to help me understand a little more about you and your situation, and there will be plenty of time for you to ask me any questions too. It's also an opportunity for you to get a feel for how I work, if you feel comfortable with me and whether I'm the right person to support you.

I offer sessions throughout the week.

Currently offering face to face and online (via Google Meet).

Thinking about counselling can feel daunting. With so many different types of therapy, it can be difficult to know where to start.

For me, counselling is simply about having a safe, supportive space where you can talk openly about what's happening in your life. Together, we can explore your thoughts, feelings and experiences, helping you to gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your situation. Whether you're looking to make changes, work through difficult emotions, improve relationships, make an important decision, or simply feel more like yourself again, counselling can provide the support and clarity you need.

I am a BACP Accredited and Registered Counsellor offering individual counselling, EMDR and relational counselling for adults aged 18 and over. I have a particular interest in supporting people experiencing relationship difficulties, and I also work with issues including trauma, anxiety, depression, stress, low self-esteem, abuse, bereavement and loss. Sessions are usually held weekly or fortnightly, depending on your needs.

A little about me. I qualified as a counsellor in 2007 and have spent many years working across a range of public service and charitable organisations. My experience includes working within HM Prison Service (Psychology), Police and Fire (Occupational Health), and specialist support services for those affected by domestic and sexual abuse. Before becoming a counsellor, I served in the Armed Forces and later worked in Education.

Each role has given me valuable insight into the challenges people face and has shaped the compassionate, down-to-earth therapist I am today. I believe that every person has their own unique story, and I feel privileged to support clients as they navigate difficult times and make positive changes.

Finding the right counsellor is important, and I appreciate that reaching out can be a big step. If you feel I may be the right person to support you, I would be very happy to hear from you.

I take an active role in our sessions. If I notice something important, I'll say so, and I'll often ask questions that encourage you to think a little more deeply about what's going on. I've found that the more we understand why we think, feel and react the way we do, the easier it becomes to make choices that feel right.

Along the way, I may suggest different exercises, tools or resources that can help you make sense of your experiences and develop greater self-awareness. We can work through these together in sessions, or you may choose to spend some time thinking about them between sessions if that feels helpful.

I won't be sending you away with a list of tasks to complete, but you may find yourself thinking about our sessions between appointments. Sometimes a conversation or insight can stay with you and continue to make sense over the following days. Often, the real work happens in the days between sessions, as you start to notice things, reflect on our conversations, or think differently about a situation.

You may find it helpful to give yourself a little time and space between sessions to reflect on what we've talked about. There's never any pressure to do this, but many people find that taking time to sit with new thoughts, feelings or insights can deepen the work we do together.

I work from a comfortable cabin in my garden and there is parking available. Sessions are usually held weekly or fortnightly, depending on your needs.

This first session is a chance for us to talk about what's brought you to counselling and what you're hoping to get from it. I'll ask some questions to help me understand a bit more about you and your situation, and there'll be plenty of opportunity for you to ask me any questions too.

I know starting counselling can feel like a big step, especially if you've never had therapy before and aren't sure what to expect. That's completely normal. This session is also an opportunity for you to get a feel for how I work and whether you think I'm the right counsellor for you.

You don't have to make a decision on the day. You may want to take some time afterwards to reflect on how it felt and whether you'd like to continue working with me. There is no pressure to book any further sessions.