Maria Ioannou

Availability: Fridays, 8am–3pm

I'm Maria, a BACP registered integrative counsellor working with adults in Worcester, in person and online. People often come to me with anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, bereavement, low self-esteem or difficulties in their relationships, and a sense that things need to change.

Whatever's brought you here, I believe it makes sense given what you've been through, not that something's wrong with you. We all adapt to our circumstances, and sometimes those adaptations stop serving us.

If you've had counselling or therapy before, perhaps for years, and found that whatever changed didn't really last, that isn't a sign you're beyond help, or harder to work with than anyone else. Some ways of working focus on changing specific thoughts or behaviours, which can bring real relief, but don't always reach what's underneath them. If that sounds familiar, this way of working goes to the root of what keeps those patterns in place, so change has a better chance of lasting.

My approach is warm, supportive and depth-oriented. That means rather than treating symptoms on their own, we look at what's actually driving them, so the changes you make have a chance to last. You'll be heard without judgement. We'll pay attention not only to your thoughts, but to your feelings too, and to the relationships in your life, past and present, including the one between us. Rather than dwelling on the past, we work with how early experiences show up in the present, in the patterns, beliefs and body sensations that shape how you relate to yourself and others now.

Together we explore patterns such as self-criticism, shame or emotional ups and downs, trying to understand where they come from. This is how lasting change happens, grounded in what's happening for you now, so you can feel more balanced and connected in everyday life.

I see this as a collaborative process. Rather than handing you advice or techniques to follow, I'll offer things for us to notice and explore together, and you lead where we go with them. This isn't about reliving difficult experiences all at once, or being pushed further than feels safe - we go at a pace that keeps things manageable, so the work stays steady rather than overwhelming. It can take a little longer to unfold, but that's often what allows change to last, rather than being something surface-level that fades.

Our first session can take place either online or face to face, depending on what feels most comfortable for you. My aim is to create a safe and welcoming space where you can begin to explore what’s bringing you to therapy at your own pace, and without pressure.

I’ll ask some gentle questions to help us get a sense of what feels most important to you right now and what you’re hoping for from our work together. You don’t need to prepare anything or know exactly what to say. Many people come in feeling unsure, stuck, or overwhelmed, and that’s completely okay.

You’re always in charge of what you share, and we go at your pace. The first session is also a chance for you to get a feel for how I work and whether it feels like a good fit for you. There’s no obligation to continue, and I’ll support you in whatever decision you make.