Hello and welcome
My name is Maria Lonergan (FdA, MNCPS Accred) and I am a qualified counsellor with over 12 years experience offering both face to face and online counselling.
Looking for a counsellor and deciding on who to choose can be quite daunting and overwhelming. You may be asking yourself how can counselling help, I feel too ashamed to discuss my issues, what if I find it hard to open up, can simply talking really help, what happens if I don't like the counsellor? This is quite normal and I hope that you will find some answers on my website to questions you may have about counselling and what you can expect.
“Maria was recommended to me and came at the right time in my life. From the get go, I felt able to confide in Maria, talking about things I'd never really discussed with another human being. Maria is completely non-judgemental and I felt really listened to. Maria manages to help you discuss the issues you have that make you feel confused or ashamed, in such a supportive way. She gently asks pertinent questions, and her words resonate, so much so that your therapy continues even when you're not with her. She is a great guide and I would thoroughly recommend Maria to anyone who needs some help in their life.”
— W, Walton on Thames
Why Counselling?
Many clients find that it doesn't take too long before the benefits of counselling begin to ripple through their daily life. Clients tell me that just talking things through helps them to see their situation more clearly and they begin to naturally feel stronger and gain more clarity and understanding in making decisions that are right for them.
Changes can be brought about when we face our fears, identify feelings and ways of thinking, see problems in a different light and become aware of patterns of behaviour that do not serve us anymore.
Experience
I offer 1-1 counselling to individuals from age 18+ either face to face or online. I have over 12 years experience as a counsellor working with a variety of issues such as:
Narcissistic relationships (childhood and adulthood)
Bereavement and loss
Anxiety/stress
Abuse (childhood, sexual (both historical and present), emotional and physical)
Family Issues
Divorce and separation
Depression
Low self-esteem and low self worth
Isolation and loneliness
Eating problems
Domestic violence
Trauma
Dissociation
Addictions
Relationship issues
Work related issues
How can I help?
I have a good knowledge and understanding of the impact of being in a narcissistic relationship whether it is in the form of parents, friends, work or partners. I can help you understand the signs of this type of abusive relationship and give you coping mechanisms to help support you.
I also have a particular interest in working with survivors of sexual abuse both past and present and clients experiencing relationship and communication difficulties. I am also experienced in working with clients who have been (and still are being) subjected to abuse (either physical, sexual or emotional) in childhood through to adulthood.
I work with complex issues at a deeper level allowing you to explore life events that you may find difficult to address or even understand.
My location
My practice based in Walton on Thames, adjacent to Hersham and Weybridge, provides a safe, supportive and confidential environment in which to explore issues that affect your quality of life. It could be that you have been struggling for some time and have now decided the time is right for you to make changes.
Counselling can be taken on a short or long term basis depending on your needs. I offer both face to face and online sessions via Zoom or Skype. Therapy is adapted according to your individual requirements. When you begin therapy with me you are offered a space for exploration that enables you to deepen your understanding of yourself and simply reconnect. This process usually takes place on a weekly basis and at a pace that provides safety and connection for you.
Questions and fees
A Counsellor aims to help you to gain a perspective about whatever is troubling you. Counselling is there to help you to understand and accept yourself, to change your behaviour to that which is more productive for you, and to help you move towards becoming the kind of person you want to be.
The trust between client and Counsellor is crucial. I treat all information disclosed as confidential, following the guidelines laid down by the National Counselling Society.
It can be quite difficult when beginning Counselling to project exactly how many, or how few, sessions you may require. It is usually recommended we start with 6 weekly, or fortnightly, 50 minute sessions. At the end of Session 5 we can jointly assess progress and decide what further action, if any, may be needed.
- Monday to Friday between 9am - 5pm: £70 for 50 minutes.
- Evening appointments 5pm - 7pm: £75 for 50 minutes
There are a limited number of low-cost sessions available during the day (Monday-Friday 9-4), whereby I offer up to 6 sessions at a lower rate. Please discuss this with me when contacting.
You have already taken the first step by recognising that there are aspects of your life you wish to address. When contacting me, we can arrange an initial consultation to discuss your issues and to see whether you would benefit from counselling. It is important to me that you feel comfortable before embarking on further sessions. This initial session will last between 30-60 minutes.
To arrange an appointment, please either email me using the link below this page or telephone me on 07716 243847, and we can arrange a time that is most convenient for you. If I am unable to take your call immediately, please leave a message on my confidential voicemail and I will return your call as soon as possible. Please confirm whether I am able to leave you a message should you be unable to answer.
How to reach me...
My practice is conveniently located in the High Street, Walton on Thames close to Hersham, Cobham, Weybridge, Esher, Shepperton and Sunbury on Thames. There is ample parking nearby.
Tel: 07716 243847
Email: mlcounselling@yahoo.co.uk
©Maria Lonergan — powered by WebHealer