Resonance Counselling
About Maria
Doctor of Counselling Psychology · BACP Accredited · UKCP Registered Psychotherapist · NCPS Senior Accredited · Relate Accredited Relationship Therapist. Based in Havering, Essex and online.
Hello, I'm Maria
I am a Doctor of Counselling Psychology, BACP Accredited and UKCP Registered Psychotherapist, and NCPS Senior Accredited — based in Havering, Essex. I work with individuals, couples, and fellow practitioners in person at my clinic at 15b Park Mews, Park Lane, Hornchurch, Essex, and online with clients across the UK.
Before training as a therapist, I spent 23 years in child protection — working with partner-on-partner violence and within the criminal justice system. That experience gave me a deep understanding of trauma, resilience, and the courage it takes to ask for help. It shaped my conviction that good therapy must be warm, practical, and genuinely built around who you actually are.
Over the past eight years my academic research and clinical practice have focused on neurodivergent therapy — working with autistic people, those with ADHD, and those who identify as AuDHD. I am also Relate accredited for couples and relationship counselling, EMDR trained, and hold a strong commitment to LGBTQ+-affirming practice.
I am also a qualified clinical supervisor, supporting counsellors and psychotherapists at all stages of their careers.
Qualifications, Accreditations & Memberships
Doctorate in Counselling Psychology
Doctor of Counselling Psychology — the highest academic and clinical qualification in the field, reflecting deep expertise in psychotherapy research and practice.
BACP Accredited & UKCP Registered
Accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and registered with the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) — two of the UK's most respected professional bodies.
NCPS Senior Accredited Psychotherapist
Holds Senior Accredited Psychotherapist status with the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society — recognising advanced clinical experience and professional standing.
Relate Accredited Relationship Therapist
Accredited with Relate — the UK's leading relationship support charity — for specialist couples and relationship counselling.
PG Diploma in Integrative Psychotherapy
Postgraduate Clinical Diploma in Integrative Psychotherapy, alongside BSc (1st Class Hons) and MSc (Merit) in Psychology, and EMDR Parts 1 & 2 trained.
Specialist in Neurodivergence
8+ years of academic research and clinical practice focused on neurodivergent therapy — working with autistic, ADHD, and AuDHD clients including late-diagnosed adults.
LGBTQ+ Affirming Practice
Committed to providing a genuinely affirming space for LGBTQ+ individuals and couples, including those exploring gender identity and transition.
My Approach
I work integratively — drawing on a range of therapeutic approaches and tailoring the work to what is most useful for you. My practice is rooted in person-centred principles: unconditional positive regard, empathy, and congruence. But I also draw on psychodynamic thinking, attachment theory, and — particularly with neurodivergent clients — a strong understanding of how neurotype shapes experience.
I do not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to therapy. Some people want to explore the past; others want to focus on the present. Some find structured sessions helpful; others need more flexibility. I follow your lead.
Above all, I try to create a space where you feel genuinely safe — not just technically confidential, but truly at ease. That means being honest with you, being curious rather than prescriptive, and never making you feel judged for who you are or what you have been through.
Outside the therapy room
The person behind the practice
Outside of the therapy room I am a dog lover, a nature enthusiast, and someone who genuinely believes that the small, everyday things — a walk, a moment of quiet, a connection with an animal — can be profoundly restorative.
I bring that same appreciation for the whole person into my work. Therapy is not just about what happens in the room — it is about how you live, what sustains you, and what gets in the way of that. I am interested in all of it.
What I Believe
The values that shape how I work — and what you can expect from sessions with me.
You are the expert on yourself
I do not come to sessions with a fixed agenda or a predetermined idea of who you should be. My role is to help you understand yourself more deeply — not to tell you what to think or feel.
Difference is not deficit
Whether you are neurodivergent, LGBTQ+, or simply someone who has never quite fitted the mould, I approach your difference with curiosity and respect — never as something to be corrected.
The relationship is the work
Research consistently shows that the quality of the therapeutic relationship is the most important factor in whether therapy helps. I take that seriously. Building trust and genuine connection is at the heart of everything I do.
Therapy should be accessible
I offer a free introductory call, accept insurance from major providers, and offer both in-person and online sessions — because good therapy should not be harder to access than it needs to be.
Insurance Registered
I am registered with all major UK health insurance providers, so you may be able to access therapy through your existing policy.
Please check your policy and obtain an authorisation code before booking. See the Services & Fees page for guidance.
Ethics, Supervision & Confidentiality
I practise in accordance with the BACP Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions. This means I am committed to working safely, ethically, and in your best interests at all times.
I receive regular clinical supervision from an accredited supervisor — a professional requirement that ensures I am working safely and continuing to develop as a practitioner. Supervision is confidential: your identity is protected.
Everything you share in sessions is confidential, with the standard exceptions required by law (risk of serious harm to yourself or others, certain criminal activity). I will always discuss confidentiality with you at the start of our work together.
Ready to Start a Conversation?
A free 15-minute introductory call is the easiest way to find out if we are a good fit. No commitment, no pressure — just a conversation.