ONLINE Counselling and Psychotherapy in Kent

Welcome, and thank you for visiting MCI Counselling and Psychotherapy.

My name is Maria, and I am a qualified humanistic counsellor and psychotherapist.

I have an extensive background of working in both emergency services and the MacMillan Cancer Charity.

My experience means there is not much I haven’t personally seen, or provided support for to others. I have a non-judgemental approach, offering warmth, empathy and understanding. Trust is co-created between us and is developed and earned. Authenticity is the foundation for our work together.

I am experienced in working with complex and traumatic situations, offering a relationship which gives you space to explore feelings which may sometimes be of immense vulnerability, isolation or a sense of losing control.

I am a registered member of the UKCP, with the BACP and registered with the BACP and the ICO. I hold a diploma and MSc in Humanistic Counselling and Psychotherapy.

Sessions

Our first conversation is often following an email inquiry. Taking this step can feel a little daunting so I hope to reassure you and answer any questions you have about how counselling may work for you.


It may be that you would like to experience a single session, with the understanding that you have no responsibility to commit beyond this session. It is important you feel comfortable in our relationship.

Fees

If you choose to move into further sessions, our sessions will be weekly or fortnightly, lasting 50 minutes and costing £65.


I have some reduced-fee session availability for Emergency Services Personnel, and I can accommodate shift work with evening sessions and a changing session day and regularity.

If you are counselling student, I have some limited capacity to offer you reduced-fee sessions.

Location

My practice is located in Sevenoaks, Kent, and I see clients from the surrounding areas of Surrey, Borough Green and West Kent. I currently only offer online therapy sessions, reaching clients across the UK. To find out more please see the Online Therapy page.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I need Therapy?
  • You just don’t feel like yourself
  • Your relationships are suffering
  • Your emotions feel out of control
  • You’re altering aspects of your life to accommodate your feelings
  • You’re experiencing feelings of anxiety
How do I know if the therapist is qualified?

Check the website for logos of the governing body. You can then search and confirm the therapists details on their website.

How often do the sessions happen?

Sessions are usually on a weekly basis, however a different regularity can be considered.

How long will I wait before my first session?

I usually respond to inquiries within 24hrs, followed by an initial session and the first session within an agreed time period, often one week.

I find it difficult to talk about things. Will this be a problem?

Working with an experienced therapist, you will experience an understanding that talking may be difficult. I will provide a pace and reassurance supportive of your needs.

How do I prepare for my initial session?

There is no preparation needed, however if you feel more prepared by making some brief notes beforehand then please feel free to use them in our first session. There is no one way to prepare for starting therapy, just turning up is all you need to do.

I work during the day. Can you see me in the evening or weekends?

Yes. This is something we can discuss in your initial session.

How do I know when I no longer need therapy?

Just as you knew when you needed to start therapy, you will have a sense when you feel you no longer need regular therapy. This is something we bring into the sessions for discussion as it supports ending the relationship in a reassuring and comfortable manner.

What happens at the end of therapy:

We can review your progress made during therapy when you feel you want to finish the sessions. This process gives you the opportunity to reflect on your goals and how things have changed since the start of your therapy. The aim is to ensure you feel comfortable and confident when the therapy finishes.

What's the difference between counselling and therapy?

Counselling is usually a good way to help with a current problem; something that can be discussed and made sense of within a limited number of sessions offering you a clearer way forward.

Therapy often describes work that goes a bit deeper, towards more substantial life issues and problems. Therapy usually involves a long-term approach, so the number of sessions are be open-ended.

How long will I need to have counselling?

How long a period of counselling lasts will vary from person to person and depends on the depth of the issues they are facing. For some people a couple of sessions helps to bring their problems into focus, and they feel ready to move forward; other problems may require more of an open-ended approach.

Before we begin any work we will agree on the number of sessions we’ll undertake, and at the end of that number review our progress. As long as we both agree further therapy will be of benefit to you, sessions can continue.

Will everything I say be kept confidential?

Everything that is said within the counselling session is private - this is one of the main ways counselling and therapy differ from talking to a friend or relative. You will experience the freedom to speak in confidence is as we build the trust within our work.


On rare occasions, there are situations where you may be a risk to yourself or others. The law requires that I notify an authority; in these cases I may not be able to keep total confidentiality. Breaking confidentiality is very rare though, and only happens after we have discussed the situation together.

Get In Touch

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about how counselling works, or to arrange an initial assessment appointment. This enables us to discuss the reasons you are thinking of coming to counselling, whether it could be helpful for you and whether I am the right therapist to help.


You can also call me on 07514993897 if you would prefer to leave a message or speak to me first. I am happy to discuss any queries or questions you may have prior to arranging an initial appointment.

All enquires are usually answered within 24 hours, and all contact is strictly confidential and uses secure phone and email services.


© MCI Counselling and Psychotherapy

Powered by WebHealer