Marj Cook

Finding a therapist can be a daunting process. I offer both short-term and long-term therapy focusing on facilitating a supportive, non-judgmental, safe, and confidential space in which we can collaboratively explore ways to acknowledge difficulties in your life and express your feelings. My goal is to support you in becoming more resourceful, improving your coping strategies, and gaining a greater sense of freedom so you can lead the life you wish to lead.

I bring a diverse professional background to the therapeutic relationship. For over 25 years, I ran a successful independent retail business, and I have practiced and taught yoga and meditation for over 20 years. More recently, I have worked in both the voluntary sector and NHS mental health, substance misuse and addiction services, both as a counsellor and a recovery practitioner in a harm reduction capacity.

I discovered psychotherapy 12 years ago following a bereavement and have been in therapy ever since. It has supported me through lone parenting struggles, relationship challenges, difficult life transitions, and health issues. I have lived experience of substance misuse in my family as well as neurodiversity. My adverse life experiences, with the support of therapy, have strengthened and enriched me, providing greater empathy for the challenges faced by others. Ultimately, they have enabled me to build more positive and meaningful relationships with my clients and those around me.

I work within an integrative lens, comprising person-centred and psychodynamic theory and mindfulness-based approaches; through which you will be supported to understand why you act or feel the way you do. We may explore your childhood, your dreams, or unconscious patterns in your life, helping you comprehend what’s going on beneath the surface and the reasons behind your thoughts and behaviour. If appropriate, for example, I may also suggest breath based techniques to help you manage difficult emotions or gentle bodywork to ease tension.

I offer support for a wide range of issues, such as, but not limited to: grief, anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, ADHD, autism, menopause, and family challenges. I believe in creating a tailor-made approach for each client, recognising their unique lived experiences

-I work face to face from East London Therapy Rooms in Walthamstow E17, just a few minute’s walk from Walthamstow Central (Victoria Line, Overground).

-I offer online sessions via Zoom, and telephone counselling.

-I also offer home visits (London only). Please contact me for further details/rates

I offer a free 15-minute introductory call, so that we can have an informal chat and you can ask any questions you may have. During this call we can also discuss practical aspects such as session frequency and fees. After this, if you feel you’d like to explore the potential for working together, we’ll arrange an initial 50-minute consultation.

This first session is charged at my normal rate, and is an opportunity for us to see if we think we’re a good fit. Together we can explore in more detail what it is that has brought you to therapy and what you hope to gain from us working together. There is no obligation to commit at this stage.

If we do decide to move forward together, we’ll schedule a regular session at a mutually agreed time. Typically, this is usually weekly, on the same day and time each week.