About Maria Apiafi | Counsellor & Psychotherapist.
My professional background
I am a fully qualified, professionally insured and BACP Registered counsellor and psychotherapist, offering individual counselling and psychotherapy to adults. I hold a First-Class BSc (Hons) in Counselling & Psychotherapy, having trained at the Sherwood Psychotherapy Training Institute, with my degree awarded by Staffordshire University. Alongside my private practice, my clinical experience includes supporting people through NHS staff wellbeing services, the voluntary sector and Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs). These settings have given me experience of working with people facing a wide range of personal, emotional and professional difficulties. Before training as a therapist, I spent many years working in aviation and other professional environments. This background has given me an understanding of the pressures that can come with demanding roles, responsibility and change. I bring these experiences to my therapeutic work, alongside a genuine interest in understanding you as an individual and how your experiences, relationships and circumstances may have shaped your life. Working with counselling students I welcome counselling and psychotherapy students who are undertaking personal therapy as part of their training. I recognise that training to become a therapist can bring its own questions, challenges and opportunities for personal growth. I offer a space where you can explore these experiences, alongside anything else that may be important to you.
How I work
My approach is Humanistic and Integrative, grounded in a positive belief in our capacity for growth and change. I draw on different therapeutic perspectives according to what may be helpful for you, with particular attention to how our experiences and relationships can shape the way we understand ourselves and relate to others. At the heart of my work is the relationship we build together. I bring warmth, understanding and a willingness to meet you where you are, offering a confidential space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings and experiences openly, without judgement or pressure. I don't believe therapy is about telling you what to do or how you should feel. Instead, I'll work alongside you, helping you explore and clarify different ways of looking at your life, while respecting your own values, experiences and choices. Together, we can work towards greater insight and understanding, recognise strengths and resources you may already have and consider new ways of responding to life's difficulties and relating to yourself and others. My hope is that our work will support you in making decisions that feel right for you, developing greater resilience and finding ways of living that support your emotional wellbeing, both now and in the future.
Professional registration
I am a Registered Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and work in accordance with its Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions. I am committed to ongoing professional development, regular clinical supervision and reflective practice.