Maria Stride
Counsellor in Weston-Super-Mare

My name is Maria, and at Taking Strides Counselling, my goal is to provide a warm and compassionate space where we can explore your inner world together. We will work on ways to cope with difficult thoughts, feelings, emotions, and situations you may be struggling with.

My approach to counselling is tailored to you.

We will proceed at a pace that suits you, whether it's short-term or long-term, with no time limit on when you might feel ready to conclude counselling. By getting to know who you are, we can move forward to where you want to be, whether it's self-acceptance or managing specific emotions or situations.

I believe there is no one-size-fits-all solution. By working this way, I can adapt to your needs and offer the type of counselling that suits you, which may include creative work, worksheets, and mindfulness. You are the expert on what you need to bring to our sessions, and you will guide me through your inner world.

By searching for a counsellor, you have taken a step toward healing yourself or learning coping strategies. Whatever your reason, counselling can help. I bring a wealth of personal life experience, and while I may not know exactly how you feel because each of us experiences things differently, this helps me understand more of what you bring to our sessions.

Throughout my professional career, I have learned the importance of developing a relationship with my clients. Once established, this relationship helps you open up and explore your world, knowing that you are not judged and that I am right beside you.

Background & Counselling Qualifications

With a wealth of personal life experience, I can empathize deeply with you. While we each navigate our own unique experiences, I can genuinely understand and view situations from your perspective. I've stood where you are now—uncertain, perhaps hesitant to open up to a stranger—but it was the most liberating decision I've ever made.

I have worked with a range of people from all walks of life and this has helped to shape the way I approach my clients. I believe this has helped me understand how important the relationship is within the counselling room and how important you are.

I currently hold a Degree in Counselling through Bath Spa University/University Centre Weston and to further educate myself I undertake training which allows me to learn new skills and to further my knowledge.

I currently work on an Employee Assistance Helpline which allows me to gain further experience. I talk with those who are struggling with a variety of concerns from work difficulties to complex life choices/experiences and this has helped me to gain an even wider understanding of how certain events and even work can affect our daily lives.

My Specialisms

In my approach to counseling, the client is at the heart of everything. I strive to understand their unique needs to guide them on their healing journey. Together, we use a blend of conversation, worksheets, play, art, and mindfulness both during and between sessions. The beauty of incorporating art and play lies in the freedom they offer, allowing for self-expression even when words fall short.

I have a wealth of experience both lived and learned in anxiety, stress and depression as well as in relationships, mood disorders, self-harm and attachment amongst other areas.

Mental health is wide and varying with each clients experience being different regardless if this is the same difficulty.

Approach to Counselling & How I Work

I work with clients from diverse backgrounds, helping them craft a personalized roadmap for their life's journey. In our initial sessions, we'll focus on building coping strategies and achieving stability before delving into deeper, more ingrained challenges and the healing process. I follow my client's lead, ensuring they feel both supported and truly heard every step of the way.

Therapies & Rates

Please note the rates detailed below are there to give you an idea of the therapists standard rates, we strongly advise you contact the therapist for more detailed rates and any offers they may have.

Therapy	Appointment Type	Rate
Counselling	In Person	£45 per 60 minutes

Additional Rate Information

£15 initial session up to 50 minutes £45 per one hour session £240 for a block of 6 sessions I believe that counselling should be available to everyone, if you need support whilst on low income please contact me to discuss this further