Our Locations - Sittingbourne

Maria Priddey – Adult & Child Therapist

Counselling Sittingbourne

Maria [Surname] — Counsellor for Adults & Children

Location: CBT & Counselling Sittingbourne | BACP Registered | Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling

Quick Summary: Here’s a short introduction to Maria and how she can help — you can read more about her below.

Maria is a warm and down-to-earth therapist offering counselling for adults and children (ages 3+). She helps with a wide range of challenges, including anxiety, stress, depression, panic attacks, loss, grief, and relationship difficulties. Maria draws mainly on a person-centred approach, while integrating other methods such as CBT and creative therapies to suit individual needs. With experience in private practice, schools, and fostering services, Maria provides a safe and supportive space for clients of all ages to explore their feelings, build resilience, and make positive, lasting changes.

More from Maria

Hello, my name is Maria and I am a fully qualified Person-Centred adult and child therapist (working with clients aged 3+) based at CBT & Counselling Kent’s Sittingbourne practice. I hold a Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling and I am a registered member of the BACP (British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy), following their professional code of ethics.

I understand that reaching out for help can feel like a big step, but I will be here to support you every step of the way. In my experience, no one regrets speaking to a professional therapist — it always feels better to talk things through.

At the start of our first session, I will gently explore what you hope to achieve from therapy, although it’s completely okay if you don’t yet know. Together, we will work to find clarity and help you move forward in a positive way.

Therapy for Adults

My core approach is Person-Centred, which means I believe everyone has the capacity to fulfil their potential. I also work integratively, drawing on other approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to help clients who may feel stuck. This means sessions are tailored to your unique needs and offer the best chance for lasting change.

I provide a safe, confidential, and non-judgemental space where you can explore your feelings at your own pace. I will listen carefully, encourage you gently, and support you to gain insight into yourself. My clients often describe me as warm, down-to-earth, and easy to talk to. My aim is always to help you feel heard, valued, and comfortable, so you can explore change and move towards a more positive way of being.

I work with common issues such as anxiety, stress, depression, panic attacks, loss, grief, and self-esteem, but I can help with any problem you may be facing — no issue is too big or too small.

Therapy for Children & Young People

I work with children aged 3+ and young people who may be feeling overwhelmed by challenges such as loss, bullying, relationship problems, anxiety, or changes at home or school.

In sessions, I help children and young people build resilience and express themselves more effectively. By using creative approaches such as play therapy, art, and storytelling (tailored to their age), I create a space where they can safely process difficult feelings. I’ll support them in developing coping tools and decision-making skills for the future.

I have worked extensively in schools and with fostering services, supporting children who have experienced trauma, separation, and loss. I always ensure the work is child-friendly, safe, and nurturing.

My Approach

My approach is warm, compassionate, and always centred around you or your child. I believe that therapy can be life-changing and empowering, and I will work collaboratively with you at a pace that feels right. Whether you are an adult or a young person, I am here to help you feel supported, understood, and equipped to face life’s challenges.

Ethical Standards

I am a registered member of the BACP, working within their ethical framework. I receive regular clinical supervision and ongoing training, and I hold full professional indemnity and public liability insurance.

If you would like to make an appointment to see Maria at Counselling Sittingbourne then please use this link to book or click the ‘book now’

Jo Walmsley – Adult & Child CBT

CBT and Counselling Sittingbourne (Teynham)

Jo Walmsley — Integrative Counsellor & NHS-Trained CBT Therapist (Adults & Children  7+)

Location: CBT & Counselling Sittingbourne | BACP Registered | NCS Accredited

Quick Summary: Here’s a short introduction to Jo and how she can help — you can read more about her below.

Jo is a warm and down-to-earth therapist offering counselling and CBT for adults and children aged 7 and over. She helps with issues such as anxiety, depression, OCD, anger, low self-esteem, phobias, intrusive thoughts, and relationship difficulties. Jo works integratively, tailoring therapy to your needs and drawing from a range of evidence-based approaches. With over 15 years experience — including six years working as a CBT therapist in the NHS IAPT (Improving Access to Psychological Therapies) service — Jo provides a safe, welcoming space where both adults and young people can feel supported, gain insight, and begin building healthier patterns for the future.

More From Jo

Hello, 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 my therapy can help

My aim is to always 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  (Disclosure Barring Service)  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 Counselling Sittingbourne please use this link  or the ‘Book Now’ button below.