Maria Lawford

Please note that I offer online therapy via Zoom  only

I usually respond to requests within 24 hours except at weekends.

Please email with details of your enquiry and how I can contact you.

 I enjoy my work as a therapist and have over 20 years experience of working with a broad variety of psychosocial concerns related to anxiety and stress, family relationships, work related issues, acute & chronic health conditions, death and dying, separation and loss, trauma & body image.

As a senior counsellor within the NHS (2005-2021) I worked specifically with acute illnesses and injury, chronic health conditions & palliative care and the impact this had on the emotional wellbeing of all those affected. 

I have had a small private practice since 2009 and on leaving the NHS have concentrated on developing my online private practice. My main work at present is with those involved in the performance industries such as in acting, dance and theatre/film primarily referred through the British Association of Performing Arts Medicine or by self referral. Various issues are presented including performance anxiety, difficulties within the work place, financial stresses and interpersonal relationships.

I have experience in working with a broad range of psychosocial problems as mentioned above. But there are some that seek counselling when they are experiencing a growing sense of dissatisfaction with life and where they are right now,  while for others they are troubled by past difficulties that continue to impact on their lives and relationships now. 

My main core model of working is psychodynamic and this can help a great deal in helping to link the past with the present. I also provide other resources and strategies that can help to overcome particular issues if this is helpful and necessary.

I endeavour to work alongside you and will provide interventions to suit what you feel you need most. My main approach is in the development of trust in me and the therapeutic process, to facilitate and support your self awareness and self reflection and above all to work towards your empowerment and enrichment.

I seek to work with all in an open, sensitive and respectful way.  

Online  & telephone sessions only

Please see other information provided.

I would usually agree a short introductory conversation by phone or online free of charge to discuss what is going on for you and what you need. In addition give you a bit of an idea as to how I work too. 

I would encourage you to speak with one or two other therapists to help you decide who might be most suitable for you. 

If we agree, we would organise a first paid appointment for a more detailed conversation about your current situation and how it’s affecting your life right now. 

I will then need further details about your past  including relationships, work, physical and mental health history, current support, assess any risk in terms of self harm behaviours and whether there is a good support network available to you.

It may be at this point that we agree you would benefit from specialist support and that I need to signpost you to a more suitable organisation.  We can discuss the content of a GP letter to send to request this on your behalf if this is necessary.

Should we both agree that we would like to work together we will agree on when we meet, the amount of sessions, payment and other details. 

This is a collaboration. We will both be working to try and understand what is going on and how to make changes, find a way through or even to adjust to what is happening and how you are feeling. To this effect I  like to ensure that we review regularly and positively encourage feedback. 

Please note that I offer online supervision sessions via Zoom only. 

I usually reply to phone or email contact within 24 hours excepting weekends.

Please email with details of your enquiry and how to contact you.

I have no availability at present.

I have had the privilege of supervising individuals and groups since 2008 within the NHS,  in private practice and the charitable sector and continue to do so. I have provided reflective practice sessions, support and training to NHS staff.

Between 2005-21, I worked within the NHS as a psychodynamic counsellor and supervisor primarily with trauma related issues and acute/chronic health problems and its impact on emotional well-being.

In private practice and secondary care I have worked with many supervisees and clients over the years  dealing with end of life, suicidal ideation, existential crises, physical disfigurements, eating disorders, depression, panic attacks, family and work related problems and bereavement etc. 

I hold an Adlerian Integrative Approach Post Graduate Diploma in Supervision. 

Within my working practice as a counsellor and supervisor I respect and value difference, diversity and equality. I encourage honesty,  creative thinking,  reflective practice and self care. 

I enjoy my supervision work and like to work alongside other therapists and professionals in a mutual endeavour to understand the complexities within the relationships we have with our clients, our colleagues and ourselves. There are many layers to our therapeutic work and with curiosity, compassion, collaboration and containment, supervision can help to maintain good clinical practice and ensure our own personal well-being.    And sometimes it can even be enjoyable! 

Please note I have no availability at present.

I work online only and use Zoom. On occasions I can offer telephone sessions. 

I am happy to agree an initial appointment by phone or virtually to discuss what you are looking for. I would always encourage you to seek another supervisor to get an idea of differences in approach before you decide. 

If you still would like to meet, we will  organise a first appointment by phone or on zoom  for a more detailed conversation about what you need and what your work entails. We will talk about our backgrounds and working models, your experiences of supervision and client work (the good and not so good!) to see if we are a good enough fit and can work together. 

We will review after 3 sessions and continue to do so as timely feedback is important for developing and maintaining a good working relationship for both of us.