Counselling in Herne Bay

Welcome, I’m Maria Malster, a qualified and registered Integrative Therapist.
With over 6 years of experience, I specialise in working with adults and adolescents, particularly survivors of sexual assault. Accredited by the BACP, I offer a compassionate, non-judgemental space to explore difficult emotions, trauma, and life challenges. Therapy can help you manage anxiety, sadness, and disconnection, and develop a deeper understanding of yourself. If you're ready to start your journey toward healing and growth, I am here to support you.
Welcome, I’m Maria Malster, a qualified and registered Integrative Therapist.
With over 6 years of experience, I specialise in working with adults and adolescents, particularly survivors of sexual assault. Accredited by the BACP, I offer a compassionate, non-judgemental space to explore difficult emotions, trauma, and life challenges. Therapy can help you manage anxiety, sadness, and disconnection, and develop a deeper understanding of yourself. If you're ready to start your journey toward healing and growth, I am here to support you.

Psychotherapy is about being listened to and seen in a particular way. There is nowhere else in life that offers a time and space to focus on your 'self' - your body and your mind. My Kent practice is in the village of Bridge near Canterbury and is easy to reach.
Psychotherapy is about being listened to and seen in a particular way. There is nowhere else in life that offers a time and space to focus on your 'self' - your body and your mind. My Kent practice is in the village of Bridge near Canterbury and is easy to reach.

Hello my names Vivienne I am passionate in helping individuals to feel heard and understood. I help my clients to be able to open up and feel safe to explore thoughts and feelings that have been painful to visit I help clients to be able to express themselves in ways they may not be able to outside of the counselling environment, my clients leave feeling empowered to come back and unpack the things that have been holding them back from making decisions that benefit them and not to please others . Ultimately I want my clients to feel empowered and comfortable to be themselves in a society that demands conformity.
Hello my names Vivienne I am passionate in helping individuals to feel heard and understood. I help my clients to be able to open up and feel safe to explore thoughts and feelings that have been painful to visit I help clients to be able to express themselves in ways they may not be able to outside of the counselling environment, my clients leave feeling empowered to come back and unpack the things that have been holding them back from making decisions that benefit them and not to please others . Ultimately I want my clients to feel empowered and comfortable to be themselves in a society that demands conformity.

Hi my name is Dawn. I have been a Counselling Professional since 2005. I have a lived experience of depression and life and how we build building blocks, one upon the other, carrying all these blocks within us and how we need to release these blocks. I have a depth of experience both professionally and personally especially with mental health issues with children and adults. I live in reality and know the depths of pain that we can hold inside and the depths of pain this has on those around us. I also know the beauty that acceptance of this pain leads to and the creativity, the freeing and the emergence of you really are.
Hi my name is Dawn. I have been a Counselling Professional since 2005. I have a lived experience of depression and life and how we build building blocks, one upon the other, carrying all these blocks within us and how we need to release these blocks. I have a depth of experience both professionally and personally especially with mental health issues with children and adults. I live in reality and know the depths of pain that we can hold inside and the depths of pain this has on those around us. I also know the beauty that acceptance of this pain leads to and the creativity, the freeing and the emergence of you really are.

Hi, I’m Nicola, a HCPC registered art psychotherapist with extensive experience of supporting people with mental health conditions.
I have worked in the NHS for over 24 years’ offering art psychotherapy to a range of individuals with differing needs. I have seen the transformative effect of creativity and arts ability to help people communicate complex thoughts and feelings which cause them distress. Whatever has brought you to seek help, whether its anxiety, depression, relationship issues or trauma, I can offer you a safe space and a creative approach to help you explore your difficulties, and make the changes you want.
Hi, I’m Nicola, a HCPC registered art psychotherapist with extensive experience of supporting people with mental health conditions.
I have worked in the NHS for over 24 years’ offering art psychotherapy to a range of individuals with differing needs. I have seen the transformative effect of creativity and arts ability to help people communicate complex thoughts and feelings which cause them distress. Whatever has brought you to seek help, whether its anxiety, depression, relationship issues or trauma, I can offer you a safe space and a creative approach to help you explore your difficulties, and make the changes you want.

I can work with issues such as; Depression and low mood, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Social Anxiety, Generalised Anxiety Disorder (chronic worry), Panic Disorder, Health Anxiety, Body Dysmorphic Disorder Phobias (including Agoraphobia, needle and blood phobias, and Emetophobia – fear of vomit), Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (including complex trauma), low self-esteem, perfectionism, difficulties with emotional regulation, stress, sleep difficulties, long-term difficulties stemming from childhood abuse and/or neglect
I can work with issues such as; Depression and low mood, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Social Anxiety, Generalised Anxiety Disorder (chronic worry), Panic Disorder, Health Anxiety, Body Dysmorphic Disorder Phobias (including Agoraphobia, needle and blood phobias, and Emetophobia – fear of vomit), Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (including complex trauma), low self-esteem, perfectionism, difficulties with emotional regulation, stress, sleep difficulties, long-term difficulties stemming from childhood abuse and/or neglect

Welcome, my name is Matthew Heatley-Swaine and I am an accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapist (CBT) and supervisor based in Herne Bay, East Kent. I offer assessment and treatment for a wide range of mental health problems to people over the age of 17. I have worked in the field of mental health for over 16 years and as a CBT therapist in NHS services and now privately for over 10. If you are feeling low in mood, depressed, anxious, stressed or overwhelmed, I can support you in reducing your distress and work towards making meaningful changes in your life. I predominately use CBT but with a blend of several other therapy models.
Welcome, my name is Matthew Heatley-Swaine and I am an accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapist (CBT) and supervisor based in Herne Bay, East Kent. I offer assessment and treatment for a wide range of mental health problems to people over the age of 17. I have worked in the field of mental health for over 16 years and as a CBT therapist in NHS services and now privately for over 10. If you are feeling low in mood, depressed, anxious, stressed or overwhelmed, I can support you in reducing your distress and work towards making meaningful changes in your life. I predominately use CBT but with a blend of several other therapy models.

What if you discovered....
...that there is nothing wrong with you; it is just the skills you have used in the past to survive are not functioning for you right now and it is a call to change!
..that counselling is about realigning yourself to the changes of time; re-evaluating where you are now and learning new ways to function in the here and now!
...that sometimes to understand our past is a way to understanding our current behaviours and that some of these behaviours are outdated!
...that counselling is a great place to be curious and a great space to help you re-model yourself so that you can find your inner most values.
What if you discovered....
...that there is nothing wrong with you; it is just the skills you have used in the past to survive are not functioning for you right now and it is a call to change!
..that counselling is about realigning yourself to the changes of time; re-evaluating where you are now and learning new ways to function in the here and now!
...that sometimes to understand our past is a way to understanding our current behaviours and that some of these behaviours are outdated!
...that counselling is a great place to be curious and a great space to help you re-model yourself so that you can find your inner most values.

Hello, I’m Elle, a Counsellor & Cognitive Behavioural Therapist. I currently work in CAMHS in the NHS as a CBT Therapist with Young People & Families alongside my Private Practice.
I have a passion for specifically working with individuals who are experiencing Relationship Challenges, Life Transitions and Neurodiversity.
I take a holistic, tailored approach, using methods and techniques to ensure you feel heard, understood, and empowered in a safe, inclusive space. I’m passionate about providing the support and space my clients need on their therapeutic journey.
Hello, I’m Elle, a Counsellor & Cognitive Behavioural Therapist. I currently work in CAMHS in the NHS as a CBT Therapist with Young People & Families alongside my Private Practice.
I have a passion for specifically working with individuals who are experiencing Relationship Challenges, Life Transitions and Neurodiversity.
I take a holistic, tailored approach, using methods and techniques to ensure you feel heard, understood, and empowered in a safe, inclusive space. I’m passionate about providing the support and space my clients need on their therapeutic journey.

With 20 years experience as a Counsellor & 10 years as an Art Psychotherapist within various NHS, Education and Community-based services, I've since specialised in EMDR therapy and am now an Accredited Practitioner with the EMDR Association UK & Ireland. Although EMDR is widely recognised as a trauma-focused therapy, it can effectively treat a broad range of issues, often in a relatively short-term time-frame. EMDR helps process intense emotions, self-limiting beliefs & behavioural patterns in the present which seem stuck on repeat, as they often track back to distressing or overwhelming relational-issues or life events in the past.
With 20 years experience as a Counsellor & 10 years as an Art Psychotherapist within various NHS, Education and Community-based services, I've since specialised in EMDR therapy and am now an Accredited Practitioner with the EMDR Association UK & Ireland. Although EMDR is widely recognised as a trauma-focused therapy, it can effectively treat a broad range of issues, often in a relatively short-term time-frame. EMDR helps process intense emotions, self-limiting beliefs & behavioural patterns in the present which seem stuck on repeat, as they often track back to distressing or overwhelming relational-issues or life events in the past.

Psychotherapist specialising in work with children, young people and families. I offer support for a wide range of psychological, behavioural and emotional difficulties, including trauma, with a focus on tailoring to individual or family needs. My approach encompasses sessions on a one-to-one basis, as well as with families or groups. I can provide short and long-term interventions. I care deeply about fostering emotional health and wellbeing, dedicated to achieving lasting change.
Psychotherapist specialising in work with children, young people and families. I offer support for a wide range of psychological, behavioural and emotional difficulties, including trauma, with a focus on tailoring to individual or family needs. My approach encompasses sessions on a one-to-one basis, as well as with families or groups. I can provide short and long-term interventions. I care deeply about fostering emotional health and wellbeing, dedicated to achieving lasting change.
Meet Our Counsellors
I believe that therapy should be personalised to each individual, as true and lasting change occurs when the approach resonates with a person's unique experiences. As an accredited member of the BACP, I offer a variety of therapeutic methods, including specialised therapies such as Mindful Interbeing Mirror Therapy (MIMT) and Imagery Rescripting (ImRs). This enables me to provide a well-rounded, holistic approach to support your personal growth and healing.
I believe that therapy should be personalised to each individual, as true and lasting change occurs when the approach resonates with a person's unique experiences. As an accredited member of the BACP, I offer a variety of therapeutic methods, including specialised therapies such as Mindful Interbeing Mirror Therapy (MIMT) and Imagery Rescripting (ImRs). This enables me to provide a well-rounded, holistic approach to support your personal growth and healing.

Hello, I am a qualified and experienced therapist working with adults and adolescents. I have over 5 years experience working with survivors of sexual assault. I am a therapist who is committed to supporting your emotional wellbeing and development. I tailor our sessions to support your unique journey, providing a safe and supportive space to inspire growth, healing and transformation.
Hello, I am a qualified and experienced therapist working with adults and adolescents. I have over 5 years experience working with survivors of sexual assault. I am a therapist who is committed to supporting your emotional wellbeing and development. I tailor our sessions to support your unique journey, providing a safe and supportive space to inspire growth, healing and transformation.

If you've got problems, I can help.. As a therapist I am happiest when I am genuinely able to make a difference to someone and help them feel better. I have had a great deal of experience of working with many different people, each one of them with their own unique story, and their own way of seeing the world, each one of them also with the problems that sometimes arise for all of us as human beings trying to live the best we can. Maybe you feel anxious and don't know why? Perhaps you've had things happen that are still affecting you?
If you've got problems, I can help.. As a therapist I am happiest when I am genuinely able to make a difference to someone and help them feel better. I have had a great deal of experience of working with many different people, each one of them with their own unique story, and their own way of seeing the world, each one of them also with the problems that sometimes arise for all of us as human beings trying to live the best we can. Maybe you feel anxious and don't know why? Perhaps you've had things happen that are still affecting you?

I offer online psychosexual therapy and clinical supervision for trainees, qualified therapists, and professionals—from all modalities and working with a wide range of themes. I specialise in psychosexual therapy, supporting individuals and couples with intimacy, desire, arousal, and relationship concerns. Supervision with me is a warm, collaborative space that nurtures reflection, curiosity, and ethical practice. With BACP & COSRT accreditation and extensive teaching experience, I support exploration of client work, theory, boundaries, and the therapeutic relationship.
I offer online psychosexual therapy and clinical supervision for trainees, qualified therapists, and professionals—from all modalities and working with a wide range of themes. I specialise in psychosexual therapy, supporting individuals and couples with intimacy, desire, arousal, and relationship concerns. Supervision with me is a warm, collaborative space that nurtures reflection, curiosity, and ethical practice. With BACP & COSRT accreditation and extensive teaching experience, I support exploration of client work, theory, boundaries, and the therapeutic relationship.

Life can be hard and sometimes certain moments, times, and actions can add to this. When this happens, it can be hard to talk about it and especially to the people close to us. Sometimes we just need to talk to someone in impartial, who will not judge and just listen. I am an Integrative/Person Centered based counsellor who has experience of working with people from the age of 12 to 70 and I am here to listen to you with no judgement. I have experience of working with people who have different mental health issues and disorders.
Life can be hard and sometimes certain moments, times, and actions can add to this. When this happens, it can be hard to talk about it and especially to the people close to us. Sometimes we just need to talk to someone in impartial, who will not judge and just listen. I am an Integrative/Person Centered based counsellor who has experience of working with people from the age of 12 to 70 and I am here to listen to you with no judgement. I have experience of working with people who have different mental health issues and disorders.

Sarah McManus - Counselling Online & in Canterbury
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
Counselling can feel like a big step, and I understand how important it is to feel truly heard and supported. My approach is down-to-earth and human—yes, I’m fully qualified and registered, but more than that, I’m here as a real person who listens without judgment. If you’re feeling low, anxious, or overwhelmed, I want you to know: it’s OK to not be OK, and you don’t have to figure it all out alone.
Counselling can feel like a big step, and I understand how important it is to feel truly heard and supported. My approach is down-to-earth and human—yes, I’m fully qualified and registered, but more than that, I’m here as a real person who listens without judgment. If you’re feeling low, anxious, or overwhelmed, I want you to know: it’s OK to not be OK, and you don’t have to figure it all out alone.

I work with people who have experienced difficult/abusive childhoods, bereavement, loss, anxiety or low mood, and have done so for over 25 years, initially as a qualified social worker and now as a qualified counsellor. You will be able to work through your emotions in a safe place in our counselling sessions. I offer a warm and empathic environment to support you in understanding what is happening in your life and relationships, and how you want to move forward.
I work with people who have experienced difficult/abusive childhoods, bereavement, loss, anxiety or low mood, and have done so for over 25 years, initially as a qualified social worker and now as a qualified counsellor. You will be able to work through your emotions in a safe place in our counselling sessions. I offer a warm and empathic environment to support you in understanding what is happening in your life and relationships, and how you want to move forward.

Welcome to my profile page. I appreciate that taking those first steps to see a therapist can be scary. We may have fears of being judged, concerns that it might not work out, and with so many therapists out there how do we pick the right one?! These are all perfectly normal thoughts and feelings to have. I will provide a non judgmental, safe space to help you explore the relationship between your thoughts, feelings and behaviours, to help you reach your goals. I have over 15 years experience working in mental health and substance misuse services and am fully accredited with the BABCP.
Welcome to my profile page. I appreciate that taking those first steps to see a therapist can be scary. We may have fears of being judged, concerns that it might not work out, and with so many therapists out there how do we pick the right one?! These are all perfectly normal thoughts and feelings to have. I will provide a non judgmental, safe space to help you explore the relationship between your thoughts, feelings and behaviours, to help you reach your goals. I have over 15 years experience working in mental health and substance misuse services and am fully accredited with the BABCP.

More and more people are finding that counselling can help them discover their own path or journey through what can seem like a maze of issues, decisions and choices. It can help them to understand what is happening in relationships at difficult times so that they can regain a sense of meaning, balance and control in their lives.
More and more people are finding that counselling can help them discover their own path or journey through what can seem like a maze of issues, decisions and choices. It can help them to understand what is happening in relationships at difficult times so that they can regain a sense of meaning, balance and control in their lives.
How does your Counsellor compare?
Number of Counsellors in Herne Bay
40+
Average cost per session
£60
Counsellors in Herne Bay who prioritize treating:
91% | Anxiety |
82% | Depression |
82% | Self Esteem |
73% | Relationship Issues |
73% | Stress |
69% | Bereavement |
64% | Anger Management |
Average years in practice
11 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
63% | Bupa |
50% | Aviva |
50% | AXA PPP |
How Counsellors in Herne Bay see their clients
89% | In Person and Online | |
11% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
85% | Female | |
15% | Male |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counselling
How can I find a therapist in Herne Bay?
Search for nearby therapists or counsellors by inputting your city, postcode, or a provider’s name into the search bar. From there, you can filter providers by the issues they treat, cost, insurance, gender, and other factors to find providers who are well-suited to your needs. To navigate between locations within the same country, enter a new city or postcode into the search bar.
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed therapist?
Counsellors and Psychotherapists listed in the directory are members of the main professional associations, mainly the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP). Most Psychologists in the directory are accredited members of the British Psychological Society (BPS) and/or are registered in the Health and Care Professions Council (HPCP).
Providers whose professional membership or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Given that professional memberships are not a statutory requirement for psychotherapists and counsellors in the UK, certain qualified professionals or organisations may choose not to maintain such memberships despite possessing the necessary qualifications. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
Providers whose professional membership or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Given that professional memberships are not a statutory requirement for psychotherapists and counsellors in the UK, certain qualified professionals or organisations may choose not to maintain such memberships despite possessing the necessary qualifications. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
What’s the difference between a psychologist, a therapist, and a counsellor?
Counsellors, psychotherapists and psychologists can all provide counselling or talking therapy and have credentials and experience that enable them to do so in the UK. Psychologists have earned a degree in psychology and many are members of the British Psychological Society (BPS) and have completed a postgraduate qualification in a specialism. Counsellors and Psychotherapists are not required to have a psychology degree, but to belong to a professional organisation such as the BACP or UKCP, they are required to have completed a training course as well as clinical and supervision hours.
What type of therapy is right for me?
The type of therapy best suited to a particular individual depends on several factors, including their primary reason for seeking therapy, their preferred timeline (some therapy types last for a set number of sessions, while others are open-ended), and their personality and preferences—some may prefer a more structured approach. For many individuals, multiple types of therapy could provide a good fit.
How much does therapy cost?
The cost of therapy depends on a number of variables, including location and the therapist’s experience and training. On average, a therapy session in the UK could be between £30 - £60 when seeing a counsellor and £60 - £150 and up when seeing a clinical psychologist. If you have private insurance, your plan may cover some if not all of your sessions. You should contact your insurance provider to determine if they provide coverage for therapy sessions and to determine what, if any, requirements they might have in order for your sessions to be covered, such as a referral from your GP or medical specialist.
What are more affordable or low cost therapy solutions?
Many therapists offer sliding scale payments, usually on a limited number of slots, which consists in an agreement between the therapist and a client to pay a reduced rate. Therapists who provide such arrangements often consider the client's income or ability to pay, but the extent of the discount is ultimately at the therapist's discretion. Furthermore, while group therapy may have different goals and benefits compared to individual therapy, it can be a more affordable solution to address certain types of issues.
If you are struggling to access therapy due to budget constraints, you could also consider public funded mental health services. The NHS Talking therapies programme offers free of charge counselling for common mental health problems like anxiety and depression. The service is available to anyone registered with a GP, though you do not necessarily need to be referred by your GP and can refer yourself directly to a Talking therapies service. The service will provide different solutions, including group and individual therapy, for a limited number of sessions which are generally up to six.
If you are struggling to access therapy due to budget constraints, you could also consider public funded mental health services. The NHS Talking therapies programme offers free of charge counselling for common mental health problems like anxiety and depression. The service is available to anyone registered with a GP, though you do not necessarily need to be referred by your GP and can refer yourself directly to a Talking therapies service. The service will provide different solutions, including group and individual therapy, for a limited number of sessions which are generally up to six.
Is online therapy cheaper than in-person therapy?
Many therapists charge the same amount for online therapy as they do for in-person therapy—though clients may still find this cost-effective if it cuts down on their transportation costs. Health insurance plans often offer equivalent coverage for online and in-person therapy; indeed, in many places, they are legally required to do so. Text-based or on-demand therapy apps may be cheaper than traditional one-on-one psychotherapy; however, the practice may be less effective and is not likely to be covered by insurance.
Is online therapy a good option?
Therapy conducted online can be just as effective as in-person therapy, as long as there is a strong alliance between the client and the therapist. To find a therapist who provides telehealth services to clients in your area, click “Online Therapy” on the directory homepage and search by your city or town or your postcode.
Are therapy sessions confidential?
Therapists who are part of a professional organisation such as the BACP, the UKCP, or BPS are bound by an ethical framework that requires them to uphold a confidentiality agreement. Confidentiality is a crucial part of the therapeutic relationship and only under specific circumstances, such as when there has been participation in a criminal act or act of terror, or if there is potential or known harm to the client or others, will a therapist be obligated to break the agreement. These exceptions to the confidentiality agreement are usually discussed during the initial consultation.