Maria howell
Counsellor
I specialise in:
About me
I grew up in London, studied at Nottingham University, and have lived in Australia, Wales, and now France, so I understand the challenges of adapting to new places and cultures. With a love for travel, I appreciate diversity and have experienced a range of working environments across corporate, creative, and charity sectors. This varied background, along with an eventful life, helps me connect with clients from all walks of life.
Before I formally studied and focused on my counselling career, people would often tell me how comfortable they felt opening up to me—an ability I now bring into my practice, blending a non-judgmental, open approach with mindful challenges to encourage accountability. My passion for psychology and helping others began with my own mental health journey and a desire to reduce suffering. While I can’t know exactly what you’ve experienced, I do know what it’s like to sit in the client’s chair, as I practice what I preach in my own therapy. I firmly believe there’s always room for growth and that aiming for constant development is far more fulfilling than striving for perfection. Seeing clients make meaningful progress is the most rewarding part of my work, especially as we look back together in our final sessions to celebrate the journey and growth achieved.
My approach to counselling is integrative as I don’t believe there’s a one-size-fits-all solution. I’ll work with your unique perspective, adapting my style to best suit your needs...Want to know more about my theoretical way of working? Check out my website: https://mariahowelltherapy.com/about#about-me
Carry on scrolling or click on the 'Approach' tab to find out a bit more about my style of working >>>
I speak:
Location:
Approach
What do sessions look like with me:
Our first session typically involves me gathering your history, which can ease the pressure on you initially, as I know it can be tricky knowing where to start, while we also discuss the areas you'd like to focus our work together on. From there, sessions take on a more organic flow. If you find it helpful, I’m happy to provide homework or share resources, but that’s entirely up to you and what works best for your process. I work in an open-ended capacity, meaning you decide when you're ready to conclude.
More on my personal style:
I’d describe myself as more conversational than the typical counsellor. I encourage a natural flow of dialogue during sessions and won’t leave you sitting in awkward silence—unless, of course, that’s your preference. I also enjoy sharing laughter with you during sessions where it feels appropriate, as I believe it helps balance the seriousness of therapy and makes the process more approachable and human.
The Best Way to Understand My Style? Hear It from My Clients!
To read the full reviews do check them out on my website: https://mariahowelltherapy.com/#clientreviews
They describe me as empathetic, compassionate, and insightful. They often mention my ability to listen without judgment, creating a safe, calming environment that encourages genuine reflection and growth. Clients value my gentle, supportive approach, balanced with the ability to challenge and prompt new perspectives thoughtfully. Through our sessions, they feel equipped with practical tools, a deeper understanding of their experiences, and greater confidence to navigate their lives. Many appreciate my openness and willingness to learn about and support diverse aspects of their lives, fostering a trusting, respectful, yet informal connection.
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