Maria-Clara Attridge

Talking to a professional counsellor can be a really effective way of exploring different life experiences and concerns, and in working through your problems.

I specialise in person-centred counselling which puts you, the client, at the heart of the therapeutic process and supports you to unravel the threads of your life and to understand yourself and the world better.

Having trained and worked in the NHS for several years, I sometimes draw on cognitive behavioural techniques if appropriate. These are particularly helpful if you want to work with specific tools and strategies to support particular issues, such as anxiety, depression or OCD.

I work with both children and adults covering a range of issues, including low mood and anxiety, relationship difficulties, bereavement and trauma, including sexual violence.

A lifelong lover of learning and development, I am a clinical counselling supervisor and a diploma-level counselling tutor.

Finally, I also hold Professional Accreditation with National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society.

I offer a warm, compassionate and supportive space to help you to unpack your thoughts and feelings, to understand yourself better and to potentially make changes in your life.

As a person-centred therapist, I believe that given the right conditions, you can reach your full potential. Our counselling relationship is particularly important here, not only for creating the right conditions for you to feel safe, supported and accepted, but also to explore how you relate to others and yourself.

Counselling sessions are between 50-60 minutes in length. We would usually meet weekly or every other week, depending on your needs. 

Finding the right person and someone you feel comfortable with is really important when choosing your counsellor and starting your therapy.

I offer a free initial telephone consultation to discuss why you might be seeking counselling support, to talk about how counselling might be able to help and to explain about how I work.

I am happy to answer any questions you might have and depending on what you need support with, this may also involve sign-posting to additional relevant services.

The first counselling session focuses on understanding your situation and on what you would like support with in greater detail. We will look at your expectations and goals for therapy, and how counselling can support you.

Attending a first session does not 'tie' you into a course of sessions. You are in the driving seat at all times. If you decide to continue, I may, however, suggest a block of sessions with regular reviews to see if we are on track in meeting your needs.