Counselling in Thornbury
I assist adults and older adults to reduce distress, improve awareness, connection, functioning and QoL through face-to-face and online counselling and psychological therapy. You can explore and address your concerns safely with session materials to take away for future reference. I offer evidenced approaches. Since 1998 I have worked with many people in their recovery from a range of emotional, behavioural, personality and mental health issues across various settings to Consultant level. Hopefully, I maybe of assistance to you also. Dr Maria Thompson BSc (Hons) MSc Post-MSc DCounsPsych CPsychol AFBPsS. Desideratum P&C Services Ltd.
I assist adults and older adults to reduce distress, improve awareness, connection, functioning and QoL through face-to-face and online counselling and psychological therapy. You can explore and address your concerns safely with session materials to take away for future reference. I offer evidenced approaches. Since 1998 I have worked with many people in their recovery from a range of emotional, behavioural, personality and mental health issues across various settings to Consultant level. Hopefully, I maybe of assistance to you also. Dr Maria Thompson BSc (Hons) MSc Post-MSc DCounsPsych CPsychol AFBPsS. Desideratum P&C Services Ltd.
I work with a wide range of issues, including but not limited to anxiety, depression, insomnia, OCD, addictions, PTSD, phobias and issues around self-esteem. I invite clients to shape and set goals (these are often added to!) and we work together to reach them. Sometimes problems have gone on for years; sometimes they are new and acute. In both cases they can be resolved: clients move towards a life that is fulfilling, meaningful and happy. In the past year I have helped children, young people and adults, whose ages range from 10 to 85 years. Every session, from the very first, focuses on gaining understanding and making progress.
I work with a wide range of issues, including but not limited to anxiety, depression, insomnia, OCD, addictions, PTSD, phobias and issues around self-esteem. I invite clients to shape and set goals (these are often added to!) and we work together to reach them. Sometimes problems have gone on for years; sometimes they are new and acute. In both cases they can be resolved: clients move towards a life that is fulfilling, meaningful and happy. In the past year I have helped children, young people and adults, whose ages range from 10 to 85 years. Every session, from the very first, focuses on gaining understanding and making progress.
Using an integrative relational model of psychotherapy I build an approach which is tailored to meet the unique requirements of each individual client. My approach is predominantly talking based but I always incorporate the body as a way of accessing deeply held emotions. You may want to address a specific issue such as anxiety, panic attacks or a difficult life event. On the other hand you may want to examine something more deep rooted and indefinable. Perhaps you have noticed a recurring pattern of behaviour which is causing you pain in your life, or more general feelings of depression or unhappiness.
Using an integrative relational model of psychotherapy I build an approach which is tailored to meet the unique requirements of each individual client. My approach is predominantly talking based but I always incorporate the body as a way of accessing deeply held emotions. You may want to address a specific issue such as anxiety, panic attacks or a difficult life event. On the other hand you may want to examine something more deep rooted and indefinable. Perhaps you have noticed a recurring pattern of behaviour which is causing you pain in your life, or more general feelings of depression or unhappiness.
Life can be a challenge in all sorts of ways, sometimes we need some independent support finding our way through those challenges. The issues affecting you may be current or things from the past that still impact you. You may be experiencing anxiety, depression, loneliness and isolation. Perhaps you have experienced a bereavement, trauma or a life event that you need a safe space to process. Therapy can help you understand what you are feeling and find a way forward.
Life can be a challenge in all sorts of ways, sometimes we need some independent support finding our way through those challenges. The issues affecting you may be current or things from the past that still impact you. You may be experiencing anxiety, depression, loneliness and isolation. Perhaps you have experienced a bereavement, trauma or a life event that you need a safe space to process. Therapy can help you understand what you are feeling and find a way forward.
More Therapists Nearby
I am a Havening Technique practitioner and qualified counsellor (www.havening.org), a quick and highly effective neuroscience technique. The Havening Techniques is a method, proven through science, which is designed to change the brain to de-traumatize the memory and remove its negative effects from both our psyche and body. I have a long history of working with children/families/parents and carers. I believe that our relationship is key and my focus is based around understanding your needs and that I am led by your pace fuelled with passion, caring and empathy.
I am a Havening Technique practitioner and qualified counsellor (www.havening.org), a quick and highly effective neuroscience technique. The Havening Techniques is a method, proven through science, which is designed to change the brain to de-traumatize the memory and remove its negative effects from both our psyche and body. I have a long history of working with children/families/parents and carers. I believe that our relationship is key and my focus is based around understanding your needs and that I am led by your pace fuelled with passion, caring and empathy.
I'm a Clinical Psychologist with over 12 years experience in a variety of NHS settings. I have specific expertise in adult mental health (e.g. low mood, anxiety, OCD, low self worth, childhood trauma, perfectionism, relationship difficulties, infertility), parent mental health and gender dysphoria.
I'm trained in a variety of psychological models, which enables me to think flexibly and creatively to help you meet your hopes and goals. I am passionate about working with people who want to think deeply about themselves, in order to understand themselves and their relationships better and make meaningful, fundamental changes.
I'm a Clinical Psychologist with over 12 years experience in a variety of NHS settings. I have specific expertise in adult mental health (e.g. low mood, anxiety, OCD, low self worth, childhood trauma, perfectionism, relationship difficulties, infertility), parent mental health and gender dysphoria.
I'm trained in a variety of psychological models, which enables me to think flexibly and creatively to help you meet your hopes and goals. I am passionate about working with people who want to think deeply about themselves, in order to understand themselves and their relationships better and make meaningful, fundamental changes.
I imagine if you have come this far, there is something causing you distress. This may be related to overwhelming emotions, anxiety, relational difficulties or reoccurring and intrusive memories which continue to traumatize you. Perhaps you have experienced a significant loss or bereavement in your life and you seem unable to move on from painful grief and fears of abandonment. Maybe your early life was fraught with absent, inconsistent, frightening or abusive parenting, leading to low self esteem. You may also be aware of how this impacts on your ability to trust and reach out for care, or a constant need to be around others.
I imagine if you have come this far, there is something causing you distress. This may be related to overwhelming emotions, anxiety, relational difficulties or reoccurring and intrusive memories which continue to traumatize you. Perhaps you have experienced a significant loss or bereavement in your life and you seem unable to move on from painful grief and fears of abandonment. Maybe your early life was fraught with absent, inconsistent, frightening or abusive parenting, leading to low self esteem. You may also be aware of how this impacts on your ability to trust and reach out for care, or a constant need to be around others.
I am a HCPC registered Clinical Psychologist, with almost a decade of experience as an NHS Psychologist. I have a strong belief that people are intrinsically resilient, resourceful & that under the right therapeutic conditions, emotional suffering can be reduced & fulfilling lives, lived out. My intention is to provide a safe, hopeful space for people to explore how they would like to be in the wider world & practical ways to achieve this. I work with a broad range of difficulties, which include anxiety, low mood, trauma, chronic-illnesses, relationship and employment issues.
I am a HCPC registered Clinical Psychologist, with almost a decade of experience as an NHS Psychologist. I have a strong belief that people are intrinsically resilient, resourceful & that under the right therapeutic conditions, emotional suffering can be reduced & fulfilling lives, lived out. My intention is to provide a safe, hopeful space for people to explore how they would like to be in the wider world & practical ways to achieve this. I work with a broad range of difficulties, which include anxiety, low mood, trauma, chronic-illnesses, relationship and employment issues.
Do you need a space that feels safe to talk about things that you have never talked about before? To talk to someone who is there to fully listen to you with no distractions or agenda? Sometimes life can feel in limbo and a change of direction feels hard to navigate, talking things through can help bring about the changes you want to see. Perhaps circumstances feel overwhelming and you need to consider what's going on and where you go next. Or has something from the past never left and needs addressing? Do you feel sad and don't know why? Maybe it feels like you are angry all the time? People bring this and more to therapy with me.
Do you need a space that feels safe to talk about things that you have never talked about before? To talk to someone who is there to fully listen to you with no distractions or agenda? Sometimes life can feel in limbo and a change of direction feels hard to navigate, talking things through can help bring about the changes you want to see. Perhaps circumstances feel overwhelming and you need to consider what's going on and where you go next. Or has something from the past never left and needs addressing? Do you feel sad and don't know why? Maybe it feels like you are angry all the time? People bring this and more to therapy with me.
As a therapist, I offer a warm, open and non-judgmental space where you can take the time to reflect on your life. In an environment of acceptance and deep respect, you will feel supported in discovering your own path toward positive change. Maybe you are grappling with anxiety or depression, or perhaps the bereavement of a loved one or the loss of something less tangible. Whatever the reason, reaching out for therapy takes immense courage and it could mark the beginning of one of the most transformative journeys of your life. My rooms are in central Cheltenham and I offer both in person and online sessions.
As a therapist, I offer a warm, open and non-judgmental space where you can take the time to reflect on your life. In an environment of acceptance and deep respect, you will feel supported in discovering your own path toward positive change. Maybe you are grappling with anxiety or depression, or perhaps the bereavement of a loved one or the loss of something less tangible. Whatever the reason, reaching out for therapy takes immense courage and it could mark the beginning of one of the most transformative journeys of your life. My rooms are in central Cheltenham and I offer both in person and online sessions.
So often in our lives we reach a place where we are struggling in some capacity or another. It may be a deep-rooted issue that goes back to childhood, a past relationship or a trauma. It may be some destructive behaviour such as a form of self-harm or an eating disorder. It may be a negative thought process that is having an impact on our daily life. Whatever the issue, I believe counselling can help. Having a place where we can allow ourselves time and a calm space to think, talk and work things out can be absolutely priceless.
So often in our lives we reach a place where we are struggling in some capacity or another. It may be a deep-rooted issue that goes back to childhood, a past relationship or a trauma. It may be some destructive behaviour such as a form of self-harm or an eating disorder. It may be a negative thought process that is having an impact on our daily life. Whatever the issue, I believe counselling can help. Having a place where we can allow ourselves time and a calm space to think, talk and work things out can be absolutely priceless.
Im a very intuitive therapist, i feel and sense someone before they sit down. I am confident in using tools to support and hold you while you find your way to answers you may seek. Do you have to make a difficult decision? Do you still have pain from the past interfering with now? Or perhaps you just need to find ways to cope?
Im a very intuitive therapist, i feel and sense someone before they sit down. I am confident in using tools to support and hold you while you find your way to answers you may seek. Do you have to make a difficult decision? Do you still have pain from the past interfering with now? Or perhaps you just need to find ways to cope?
I enjoy working with the sort of clients who didn't think they would ever find themselves in a therapy room. The ones who are aware of a sense of unease or malcontentment in their otherwise successful lives.
I enjoy working with the sort of clients who didn't think they would ever find themselves in a therapy room. The ones who are aware of a sense of unease or malcontentment in their otherwise successful lives.
The Feelings Hub Ltd
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Not accepting new clients
I offer compassion and kindness when you are struggling with fear, shame and sadness. I have 10 years experience working with adults, children and young people in schools, charities and now I work fully in private practice. I’ve seen people go from strength to strength even in the most difficult situations. I’ve worked with people from all sectors of society and diversity is an important value to me as I appreciate everyone for their individuality and want you to feel truly understood and valued feeling a sense of belonging.
I offer compassion and kindness when you are struggling with fear, shame and sadness. I have 10 years experience working with adults, children and young people in schools, charities and now I work fully in private practice. I’ve seen people go from strength to strength even in the most difficult situations. I’ve worked with people from all sectors of society and diversity is an important value to me as I appreciate everyone for their individuality and want you to feel truly understood and valued feeling a sense of belonging.
I wonder what it feels like to find yourself here, looking for some kind of support? Maybe you are struggling to 'make sense' of what you've been experiencing in your life recently? Many of my clients inhabit a crowded yet empty world, in which they cannot easily 'hear' themselves, or feel that they are not 'understood' by those around them. Perhaps you feel a little like this too? My first hope as a counsellor is that working collaboratively you will feel both heard and understood - maybe for the first time. When this happens, we begin to develop the inner resources needed to discover and engage with who we truly are.
I wonder what it feels like to find yourself here, looking for some kind of support? Maybe you are struggling to 'make sense' of what you've been experiencing in your life recently? Many of my clients inhabit a crowded yet empty world, in which they cannot easily 'hear' themselves, or feel that they are not 'understood' by those around them. Perhaps you feel a little like this too? My first hope as a counsellor is that working collaboratively you will feel both heard and understood - maybe for the first time. When this happens, we begin to develop the inner resources needed to discover and engage with who we truly are.
Our true nature is free, flowing, wild and energetic. Childhood traumas create defences, because our survival instinct was so strong it protected us at all costs. The cost is our experience now, disconnection from our-self, our body, others, life. Resulting in difficult relationships, low self-esteem, anxiety, depression and self harming behaviors. The decision to come to therapy is a brave one, it is a statement to yourself and the Universe that you no longer want to just survive, but to live with more ease, connection and aliveness. The therapeutic relationship encourages this life force energy, giving space for wholeness to grow.
Our true nature is free, flowing, wild and energetic. Childhood traumas create defences, because our survival instinct was so strong it protected us at all costs. The cost is our experience now, disconnection from our-self, our body, others, life. Resulting in difficult relationships, low self-esteem, anxiety, depression and self harming behaviors. The decision to come to therapy is a brave one, it is a statement to yourself and the Universe that you no longer want to just survive, but to live with more ease, connection and aliveness. The therapeutic relationship encourages this life force energy, giving space for wholeness to grow.
In troubling times it can sometimes feel like you are alone & seeking help might feel really difficult. Just having a space to make sense of the thoughts that jumble around our heads is invaluable. Perhaps you need to understand yourself, your relationships or events from your past. Sometimes all we need is someone to just listen and hear our story. Counselling promotes insight, fosters self-awareness & creates a stronger, more resilient sense of self. This powerful combination can be the kick-start for the changes in your life you wish to make - sometimes even the smallest changes can make a huge difference in your well-being.
In troubling times it can sometimes feel like you are alone & seeking help might feel really difficult. Just having a space to make sense of the thoughts that jumble around our heads is invaluable. Perhaps you need to understand yourself, your relationships or events from your past. Sometimes all we need is someone to just listen and hear our story. Counselling promotes insight, fosters self-awareness & creates a stronger, more resilient sense of self. This powerful combination can be the kick-start for the changes in your life you wish to make - sometimes even the smallest changes can make a huge difference in your well-being.
I found my way to being a Psychologist because I am deeply curious about people and what makes us ‘tick’ and I struggle to see suffering without doing something to help. Until 2022, I worked for the NHS with people who have experienced trauma and who have complex emotional needs. I was also a DBT Therapist in the NHS Trust’s small DBT Service. I work with adults, aged 18 and over, and whether you're struggling with emotion regulation difficulties, interpersonal challenges, depression, anxiety, social anxiety, grief and trauma or with difficulty adjusting to life changes and challenges, psychological therapy can help.
I found my way to being a Psychologist because I am deeply curious about people and what makes us ‘tick’ and I struggle to see suffering without doing something to help. Until 2022, I worked for the NHS with people who have experienced trauma and who have complex emotional needs. I was also a DBT Therapist in the NHS Trust’s small DBT Service. I work with adults, aged 18 and over, and whether you're struggling with emotion regulation difficulties, interpersonal challenges, depression, anxiety, social anxiety, grief and trauma or with difficulty adjusting to life changes and challenges, psychological therapy can help.
At times of feeling low or anxious we often think, “what’s the point of trying it won’t make any difference”, leading to feelings of depression, sadness, fear and tearfulness. This then leads to changes in our behaviour such as withdrawing from others or staying in bed as we mull things over in our heads which makes us feel worse. Additionally, past trauma issues can often leave us feeling overwhelmed or with experiences of flashbacks and nightmares. Relationship issues left unresolved often leave us with a sense of helplessness and relationship breakdown leave us feel confused. Does this sound familiar to you?
At times of feeling low or anxious we often think, “what’s the point of trying it won’t make any difference”, leading to feelings of depression, sadness, fear and tearfulness. This then leads to changes in our behaviour such as withdrawing from others or staying in bed as we mull things over in our heads which makes us feel worse. Additionally, past trauma issues can often leave us feeling overwhelmed or with experiences of flashbacks and nightmares. Relationship issues left unresolved often leave us with a sense of helplessness and relationship breakdown leave us feel confused. Does this sound familiar to you?
I provide counselling from my private practice at my home in Melksham, Wiltshire. This is a private room providing a safe and confidential space for our work together. I can offer various daytime and evening appointments throughout the week. My training helps me to provide you with a reliable, regular, non-judgmental space where you can begin to talk about whatever is on your mind. I work in what is called an integrative way, using a wide range of therapeutic models, but primarily focusing on humanistic counselling.
I provide counselling from my private practice at my home in Melksham, Wiltshire. This is a private room providing a safe and confidential space for our work together. I can offer various daytime and evening appointments throughout the week. My training helps me to provide you with a reliable, regular, non-judgmental space where you can begin to talk about whatever is on your mind. I work in what is called an integrative way, using a wide range of therapeutic models, but primarily focusing on humanistic counselling.
See more therapy options for Thornbury
How does your Counsellor compare?
Number of Counsellors in Thornbury
< 10
Counsellors in Thornbury who prioritize treating:
| 75% | Relationship Issues |
| 75% | Depression |
| 75% | Anxiety |
| 75% | Bereavement |
| 75% | Divorce |
| 75% | Self Esteem |
| 75% | Stress |
Average years in practice
12 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
| 100% | Bupa |
| 100% | WPA |
| 50% | Aviva |
How Counsellors in Thornbury see their clients
| 100% | In Person and Online |
Gender breakdown
| 100% | Female |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counselling
How can I find a therapist in Thornbury?
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.