Maria Howell , BACP

Maria Howell is a counsellor who helps people facing stress, anxiety, depression and relationship concerns. She also supports those coping with trauma, addictions, grief and issues linked to identity and intimacy. Maria works with adults and young people and welcomes conversations about LGBT matters and neurodiversity. Maria uses straightforward, compassionate listening to make it easier to talk about difficult things. She aims to create an open space where clients can say what they think and feel without judgement. Sessions focus on practical steps and clearer thinking, not on labels. Her background includes seven years working in therapeutic settings across the United Kingdom. She has practised within an ethical integrative counselling service that aims to make counselling accessible. Maria draws on a range of evidence-based techniques to match the pace and needs of each person. Clients often bring concerns such as eating and sleeping difficulties, anger, parenting strains, career stress, low self-esteem and questions about sexual or relationship choices. She also supports people facing complex issues like bipolar disorder, attachment and abandonment wounds, dissociation and substance use. Maria holds registration with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, commonly known as BACP. This reflects her commitment to professional standards and ongoing development. Her style is collaborative and down-to-earth. People are helped to set realistic goals, build coping skills and plan small changes to improve day-to-day life. The emphasis is on steady progress and on finding approaches that fit each person.

How evidence-based approaches fit online therapy

Maria uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques that are easy to adapt to online work. One approach focuses on practical coping skills and behaviour change to reduce anxiety and improve day-to-day functioning. This helps with panic, worry and sleep problems by teaching concrete strategies and step-by-step practice.

Another common thread is work on relationships and attachment. This involves identifying patterns in how people relate to others, practising clearer communication and building safer ways of connecting. It can be useful for intimacy issues, abandonment worries and family dynamics.

Choosing the right approach is a team effort. The therapist will talk through your goals and preferences and try different ways of working until a good fit is found. That collaborative process aims to make sessions feel relevant and focused on what matters to you.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility. Video calls let you see facial cues and have longer conversations. Phone sessions help when a video call is difficult or bandwidth is low. Live chat and text-based messaging suit quicker check-ins, shorter reflections and people who prefer writing. These options make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life and to keep continuity between sessions.