Marie Vaile

My practice days are a Monday and Thursday between the hours of 9:30am to 5pm. I am able to offer evening sessions online on a Monday until 7:30pm. 

Sessions on these days can be face to face or online. Face to Face sessions will be in central Penarth or dependant on the weather, I can offer walk and talk therapy after an initial session face to face or online, where I'm happy to suggest a number of parks or beaches between Penarth and Barry. 

For sessions in Penarth, there are excellent bus routes and there is street parking for anyone travelling by car. Unfortunately, due to the age and style of the building I work from, access to my counselling room is not wheelchair friendly as it is down some stairs. 

I am trained as an integrative therapist, so have had training in a number of different modalities. I would however say that my core approach is person centred. I believe that it's important for clients to take charge of their therapy and emphasise the importance of promoting the clients autonomy. But I will incorporate other approaches where necessary. 

I've worked within the mental health sector for many years so feel I have a good understanding of how debilitating poor mental health can be. 

I currently work for a substance use agency as a counsellor, working with clients in the homelessness system who use substances, often as a means of escapism of the trauma and abuse experienced. Being trauma informed is imperative for this role.

As well as offering counselling for all presenting issues, my niche for my private practice is maternal mental health. I feel incredibly passionate about providing women with support to validate and explore some of the thoughts they may be having during a huge life transition. I look to break down the stigma attached to pregnancy and motherhood via society and the unrealistic expectations this has placed on women.  

I believe the most important part of counselling is for you, the client to feel welcome and at ease to discuss whatever you wish without the fear of being judged. 

I am a warm and friendly person and after years of experience of working with multiple mental health conditions and presenting issues, I feel well equipped to work with whatever comes into the counselling room with an open mind and plenty of empathy. 

I have completed additional training to add to my skillset such as ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), Brief Solution Focused Therapy and a Perinatal Mental Health Course. I enjoy continuing to learn and appreciate the importance of adding to my therapist toolkit. 

When an enquiry is made, I can offer a free telephone consultation to understand a little more about you and what it is you're looking for from counselling. I'll obtain all the basic information I need from this call.

We'll make a decision together after this on a plan on sessions etc. The first session then means that after we've discussed the counselling agreement, your first session is yours to begin your journey as you see fit. 

Our first session will largely be a process of us getting to know each other and gaining an understanding of what you want from our time together.