Maria Payton

I am available during the day and in the evening. I currently have availability in Hitchin and Stevenage on most days, so please do get in touch to arrange an appointment.

Are you feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or struggling to cope with your current situation? Perhaps you are finding it hard to make time for yourself or struggling to relate to others. Whether you are a professional facing work-related pressures or a young person navigating life’s challenges, I offer a confidential, empathic, and non-judgemental space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings at your own pace. My aim is to help you feel heard, understood, and empowered as you navigate difficulties, transitions, or periods of change.

I am a qualified integrative therapist and a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). I work with both adults and children and young people (CYP), tailoring my approach to meet the needs of each individual.

If you are struggling right now, please do not hesitate to reach out. I am here to listen with compassion and to support you in a safe, confidential environment. Together, we can work towards greater clarity, resilience, and emotional wellbeing.

As an integrative therapist, I draw on a range of therapeutic models, including person-centred, psychodynamic, and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). This flexible approach allows me to support clients in a way that feels most meaningful and effective for them.

When working with children and young people (CYP), I incorporate creative and play-based methods alongside talking therapy. This may include games, art activities, and worksheets to help them express emotions that may be difficult to put into words.

My experience includes working with a wide range of presenting issues, including mild to moderate anxiety, low mood, depression, exam and work-related stress, low self-confidence, relationship concerns, family difficulties, bereavement, identity exploration, ADHD, and neurodiversity.

I offer both online sessions and in-person counselling, available on a short- or long-term basis. Sessions last 50 minutes.

How I Work

I believe that the quality of the relationship between counsellor and client is central to effective therapy. For this reason, I offer a free 15-minute introductory telephone conversation. This gives us the opportunity to talk briefly about what you’re looking for and to see whether we feel like a good fit for working together.

Your first counselling session lasts 50 minutes. During this session, we will explore what has brought you to counselling and what you would like to gain from the process. We will work collaboratively to identify goals, which we can review and adjust as your needs evolve. You will also be asked to complete some initial assessment forms, which help me to better understand how you are feeling and how I can best support you. There will be time for you to ask any questions you may have.

Ongoing sessions are usually held weekly and last 50 minutes.

The fee for ongoing sessions is £55 per session.

Training and Qualifications

CPCAB Level 5 Certificate in Working Therapeutically with Children and Young People in Schools

CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling

CPCAB Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills

CPCAB Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills

BACP Certificate of Proficiency

Open University – Online Counselling: Advancing Your Knowledge

Postgraduate Diploma in Education with Italian (PGCE)

BA (Hons)

Professional Practice

I am a registered member of the BACP and work in accordance with their Ethical Framework, upholding the highest standards of professional practice. I hold an enhanced DBS certificate, attend monthly clinical supervision, and regularly undertake continuing professional development.

Alongside my private practice, I also work with Hertfordshire Mind Network, providing one-to-one counselling sessions for adults, children, and young people at The Sadie Centre in Letchworth.

I have experience working in both primary and secondary school settings, supporting pupils aged 9 to 18, as well as teachers and school staff.