Mary Thomas

I am available from Monday to Thursday 5pm - 8pm online or by phone. 

Please let me know if you need times outside this, as I may be able to find availabiltity.  

I offer Humanistic Integrative counselling, which means I place you at the centre of our work and adapt my approach to suit your individual needs. The therapeutic relationship is at the heart of my practice, and I aim to provide a safe, compassionate, and non-judgemental space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences.

Being integrative allows me to draw on a range of counselling models, including person-centred, psychodynamic, and CBT-informed approaches. This flexibility means we can explore past experiences that may still affect you, focus on current challenges, or develop practical tools to manage difficult emotions.

I have worked with clients facing anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, trauma, relationship difficulties, and identity questions. My professional background includes several years within the NHS in women’s services, and I also volunteer with individuals who have experienced domestic violence and family difficulties. I provide a safe space for LGBTQ+ clients and work with neurodiverse clients in a way that respects and adapts to different ways of experiencing the world.

My role is not to give advice but to walk alongside you, supporting you in developing greater self-understanding and resilience. Whether you come with a clear idea of what you want to work on, or simply know that something doesn’t feel right, we can start where you are and move forward at your pace.

Starting counselling can feel like a big step, especially if it’s your first time. My aim is to make the process as comfortable and supportive as possible. I offer a warm, safe space where you can talk openly and be heard without judgement.

I work in a Humanistic Integrative way, which simply means that I adapt how I work to suit you as an individual. Our sessions are led by what feels most important to you, and we go at your pace. Sometimes that might mean looking at past experiences, sometimes focusing on present struggles, or finding practical ways to manage difficult feelings.

I believe the relationship we build together is at the heart of counselling. Feeling understood and accepted can make it easier to explore challenges and begin to make sense of things. My role is not to tell you what to do, but to walk alongside you as you find your own way forward.

I have experience working with people facing anxiety, depression, low confidence, relationship problems, trauma, and life changes. I have supported clients affected by women’s health issues, domestic violence, and family difficulties. I also work with LGBTQ+ clients and people who are neurodiverse, offering a respectful and inclusive space where all experiences are valued.

Counselling can be helpful whether you know exactly what you want to talk about, or you simply feel something isn’t right. Whatever brings you here, we can start where you are and work together to help you feel clearer, more confident, and more connected with yourself.

Coming to counselling for the first time can feel daunting, so I aim to make the first session as welcoming and straightforward as possible. This initial appointment is an opportunity for us to get to know each other and see if we feel comfortable working together.

During the session, I’ll invite you to share what has brought you to counselling and what you hope to gain from it, although you don’t need to have all the answers right away. Some clients come with a clear focus, while others simply know they want things to feel different. Both are absolutely fine — we can begin wherever you are.

I will explain how I work, including confidentiality, boundaries, and what you can expect from me. You’ll also have space to ask any questions about the process. I don’t carry out a formal assessment, but I may ask some gentle questions to help me understand your situation and needs.

The first session is also about giving you a sense of what therapy with me might be like. There is no pressure to continue after this appointment — the choice is always yours. If we both feel it’s a good fit, we can discuss how often you’d like to meet and agree on a way forward that works for you. At present, my sessions are offered at the same rate, including the first session.

I am available most weekday evenings from 6.30 - 8.30.  I also have availability on Sunday morning from 7am - 11am.  Early mornings can also be arranged.

As a humanistic, integrative therapist, my primary focus is on you—the client. I believe in seeing the world through your eyes, understanding your unique experiences, and working together to address the challenges you're facing.

In my practice, the humanistic approach is central. This means I prioritise empathy, respect, and authenticity in our interactions. I see you as a whole person, not just a set of symptoms or issues. Your thoughts, emotions, and experiences are valid and valuable, and my goal is to create a safe, non-judgmental space where you can explore them freely.

Being integrative allows me to draw from different therapeutic approaches to best suit your needs. Whether it's Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Person-Centered Therapy, or mindfulness practices, I tailor my approach to align with your specific goals and challenges. This flexibility ensures that we are working in a way that resonates with you and supports your growth.

By working phenomenologically, I focus on your subjective experience—how you perceive and make sense of the world. This approach allows us to delve deeper into what might be causing the issues you're facing. Together, we'll explore the thoughts, feelings, and internal conflicts that contribute to how you feel. This deeper understanding can help us identify the root causes of your distress and find meaningful ways to address them.

I believe that therapy is a collaborative process. We will work together to explore your inner world, uncover the underlying issues, and develop strategies to help you move forward. Your insights and experiences are crucial to this process, and I am here to support and guide you every step of the way.

As a therapist, I bring warmth and empathy to our sessions, creating a space where you feel safe and supported in exploring your thoughts and feelings. I understand that the answers to your challenges often lie within you, and my role is to offer a guiding hand as you navigate your inner world.

I believe that therapy should be a place where you can speak freely and without judgment. I provide the time and space for you to explore your emotions, thoughts, and experiences at your own pace. My approach is rooted in empathy and understanding, allowing you to feel truly heard and valued.

I firmly believe that you hold the answers to your challenges, even if they aren't immediately clear. My role is to help you uncover these answers, offering gentle guidance and support as you work through your thoughts and feelings. Together, we will explore the issues that are holding you back, identify patterns, and find new ways to move forward.

Therapy is a journey, and along the way, there will be moments of challenge and growth. These challenges are essential for personal development, and I will be there to support you through them. However, I also believe in the importance of quiet reflection—taking the time to sit with your thoughts and feelings, allowing insights to emerge naturally.

Our work together is a partnership. I will walk alongside you, offering both guidance and space for you to explore, reflect, and grow. Whether you're facing specific challenges or seeking deeper self-understanding, I am here to support you every step of the way.

Our first session is an important step in beginning our therapeutic journey together. It’s an opportunity for us to establish a strong foundation for our work and to ensure that you feel comfortable and clear about what therapy will involve.

We’ll start by reviewing our therapeutic contract. This is a chance for us to discuss the practical aspects of therapy, such as confidentiality, session structure, and any other important details. The contract sets the framework for our work together, ensuring that we both understand and agree on how we’ll proceed.

During this session, I’ll invite you to reflect on your goals for therapy. What are you hoping to achieve? What changes would you like to see in your life? This is your space to think about what you want to get out of therapy, and I’ll be here to help you articulate and refine those goals.

We’ll also take time to summarise what has been going on for you recently. This could include the challenges you’re facing, any significant events, or the emotions and thoughts that are currently on your mind. Sharing this helps me understand where you are right now and allows us to start building a picture of what’s bringing you to therapy.

I’ll explain how our sessions will typically run and how we’ll work together to set the agenda for each session. Therapy is a collaborative process, and I’m committed to making sure it aligns with your needs and goals. We’ll discuss what you can expect going forward, ensuring that you feel informed and involved in shaping our work together.