Maria Howell , BACP

Maria Howell is a UK-based counsellor with seven years of professional experience and membership of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), the main UK body for counselling and psychotherapy standards. She provides support to children, young people and adults and brings experience working across a wide range of emotional and relational concerns.

Working from the BCS Counselling Service in South Wales, an ethical integrative organisation committed to accessible counselling, Maria supports clients facing anxiety, depression and stress as well as trauma, bipolar and personality-related difficulties. Her practice also covers issues such as OCD, autism, substance use, self-harm and suicidal thoughts, bereavement, relationship and sexual matters, LGBQ+ allied concerns, family dynamics, bullying, school and work stress, low self-esteem and general wellbeing.

Maria aims to create an open, nonjudgmental environment where thoughts and feelings can be explored safely. She collaborates with clients to identify goals and build practical strategies for change, acknowledging the courage it takes to seek a more fulfilling life. Her background in evidence-based therapeutic techniques informs a tailored approach that responds to each person’s needs and circumstances.

Evidence-Based Approaches and Flexible Online Support

Maria uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques that are tailored to each person's needs. She offers skills-based work that helps people identify and shift unhelpful thoughts and behaviours, teaching practical tools for managing anxiety, mood and everyday stress. She also applies trauma-informed strategies when past experiences are affecting current wellbeing, focusing on pacing and safety to help people process difficult memories and reactions. Where attachment or relationship patterns are present, she explores those dynamics to improve connection and communication.

Finding the right therapeutic approach is part of the process. Maria works collaboratively with clients to clarify goals, review what is helping and adjust methods as needed, so the plan reflects each person’s priorities and preferences. That collaborative stance helps ensure therapy fits the individual rather than forcing a single method.

Online therapy offers practical benefits for people with busy lives or limited local options. Sessions by video call, phone, live chat or text-based messaging make it easier to access care from different locations and to fit appointments around work, family and other commitments. These options support continuity of care and make regular work on goals more achievable for many clients.