Maria Priddey – Adult & Child Therapist

Counselling Sittingbourne

Hello, my Name is Maria and I am a fully qualified ‘Person Centered’ adult and child therapist (from the age of 3+ based at CBT and Counselling Kent’s Sittingbourne practice. I have a Level 4 Diploma in ‘Therapeutic Counselling ’and I’m registered with the BACP (British Association Counsellors Psychotherapists). Which means I abide by their code of ethics.

I understand that it might it can be difficult to take the decision to reach out for some help. However, rest assured, I will be there to support you every step of the way. In my experience, no one ever regrets coming to talk to a professional therapist about their problems. Because it always feels better to talk things through.

At the beginning of our first session I will ask you what you hope to achieve out of the therapy; that’s if you know of course. At this point, you might feel unsure and that is okay, we will work together to help you find clarity so you are able to move forward more positively.

Adult therapy

My core approach to therapy is “Person Centred”. Which emphasises the belief that every person has the capacity to fulfil his or her own potential. I also practice the ‘integrative’ approach, which means I draw upon different theoretical approaches to allow me to tailor my work to suit your individual needs. This will enable you the greatest opportunity to gain insight into your history, thoughts, feelings and needs. I use the more practical tools of ‘Cognitive Behavioural Therapy’ (CBT) to help you move forward if you are feeling ‘stuck’.

I offer a safe, confidential space in order for you to work through your feelings. Through me encouraging you to look at your feelings will help you find answers to any questions you might have. Alongside finding a greater understanding of yourself. You will be empowered to explore change and in turn find a way of moving forward, in whichever way you choose.

Each session will be guided by you. Which means you will be in control of  when you are ready to talk about the areas of your life you may be struggling with.

I consider myself warm, down to earth and non-judgemental. Which will hopefully enable you to feel comfortable enough to talk freely, openly and honestly with me. I will ensure you feel heard, valued and comfortable during our sessions. Which will hopefully enable you have a better understanding of yourself and how you can achieve a more positive way of being going forward.

Anxiety, stress, depression, panic attacks, loss and grief are the more common issues I deal with. However, I provide support for any kind of problem and no issue is too big or too small. If you wish to talk, then I will help you find your way

Young person therapy

Young people already have to cope with many stressors in everyday life. However, sometimes other problems such as loss, bullying or relationship difficulties can lead them to feel overwhelmed and unable to find a solution.

Together we will talk things through and I will help them to build resilience. This is achieved by providing tools for them to be able to better cope with the challenges they are facing, now or in the future. I will support them so they are able to be express themselves more effectively. By empowering young people to make decisions, they will feel better equipped to cope with change and making life choices in the future.

I  have experience working within schools providing counselling and play therapy for primary school aged children. Alongside experience in fostering, offering support to children who have experienced trauma and separation.

For younger children, I work creatively, using play therapy, art and writing, depending on their age. This will allow them the opportunity of self-discovery. I keep the therapy fresh and fun, whilst allowing the young person space to talk about what is troubling them.

Ethical Standards

I am a member of the BACP, working within their ethical framework.  I also attend monthly clinical supervision and further training in specific areas as required. My professional indemnity and public liability insurance are up to date.

If you would like to make an appointment to see Maria at Counselling Sittingbourne then please contact her via CBT and Counselling Kent today – Clink Request an appointment

Jo Walmsley – Adult & Child CBT

CBT and Counselling Sittingbourne

My name is Jo Walmsley and I’m a fully qualified ‘Integrative Counsellor’ and Clinical Supervisor based at CBT and Counselling Sittingbourne. I am registered member of the BACP (British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists). Alongside holding professional accreditation with NCS (National Counselling Society). I provide CBT and counselling for both adults and children age 7+ years.

Being an integrative counsellor is at the heart of my work. This means, once the relationship is in place I draw upon a range of different “tools” from specific therapies. Depending on your individual needs.  I will tailor your therapy so it’s personal to your specific goal and personality. I don’t believe that one single approach can treat each person in all situations.

Experience

I have gained counselling experience in many different fields over the last decade. Alongside my own private practice I also worked within the NHS for 6 years. Providing short term counselling and CBT therapy on the IAPT (Improving Access to Psychological Therapies) service. At Step 2, Step 3 and Step 3a High Intensity levels.

In addition to this, my work with a domestic abuse agency, led me to develop a real passion for helping survivors of abuse reclaim their lives and take back control. I am also the sole counsellor providing treatment to children in the Swale area for ‘Mind’.

How I can help

At CBT and Counselling Sittingbourne, I aim to provide a safe, warm and confidential space for you to explore your difficulties. I understand that reaching out for help might feel quite daunting. However, I will strive to put you at ease and make your counselling experience as positive and effective as possible.

I have a down to earth, friendly approach and believe that someone completely neutral is a great help  investigating your needs are and what’s required in order to achieve them.

Just taking the time to talk things through can be eye-opening experience, because it’s very easy to get “stuck” inside our own head. Let’s face it, sometimes we are not our own best friend and our brains can be incredibly unkind to us. Therefore, we will start by getting any unhelpful thoughts in order, so you are able to think more rationally in order to achieve the life you want.

The person we grow up to become has been heavily influenced by our “care givers” and our early life experiences. Therefore, this sometimes means it has left us with thoughts processes and patterns of behaviour which are possibly unhealthy or unhelpful.

By helping you understand why you are the person you are it allows you to choose which “bits” you would like to keep and which you would like to change. This is where our work together begins. We will explore the skills or “tools” that will be most effective in helping you to move forward.

Counselling for children

When working with children or young people, therapy is offered in a very different way, depending on the age of your child. I aim to build a friendship with them at first. Then, where relevant I may use a playful approach to begin counselling. Prior to meeting with your child, I will request a short phone call with you to understand the background of your child’s difficulties.

Ethical standards

I have an advanced DBS, indemnity insurance and abide by the code of ethics set out by the BACP and NCS. I’m in regular clinical supervision and ensure that learning is an ongoing process through training and continuing professional development.

I am experienced in problems such as phobias, intrusive thoughts, OCD/OCT, anxiety, depression, anger, jealousy or relationship problems.

If you would like to make an appointment with Jo for face to face sessions at CBT and Sittingbourne Practice. Or for an online session. Then then please contact her via CBT and Counselling Kent today. Request to see Jo