Maria Howell , BACP

Maria Howell is a UK-licensed counsellor with seven years of professional experience working with children, young people, and adults. She practices under the umbrella of BCS Counselling Service in South Wales, an ethical integrative organisation focused on providing accessible counselling. Maria is also a member of the BACP - the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy - which is a recognised professional body for counsellors and psychotherapists in the United Kingdom.

Her practice addresses a wide range of difficulties, including anxiety in its social and health forms, depression and low mood, trauma, bipolar conditions, obsessive-compulsive tendencies, autism, self-harm and suicidal thoughts, substance use concerns, bereavement, and relationship or sexual issues. She also supports people experiencing family difficulties, school or work stress, low self-esteem, and a variety of challenges related to identity and intimacy. Maria’s work encompasses support for LGBQ+ clients and people facing issues such as eating or sleeping problems, anger, parenting struggles, and coping with significant life changes.

Maria aims to create an open, nonjudgmental environment where thoughts and feelings can be explored safely. She emphasizes empowerment and collaborative work, guiding people through the courageous steps toward greater wellbeing and more fulfilling relationships. Her approach is informed by evidence-based therapeutic techniques and tailored to each person’s needs and goals.

Evidence-based approaches and flexible online access

Maria uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques that focus on understanding and changing unhelpful patterns in thinking and behaviour. These approaches are practical and skills-oriented, helping people manage symptoms like anxiety, low mood, stress, and difficulties with daily functioning by building coping strategies and new ways of responding to challenges.

She also employs approaches that support emotional processing and exploring relational patterns, which can be especially helpful for trauma, grief, attachment concerns, and relationship or intimacy-related issues. These methods help people make sense of difficult experiences and work toward more satisfying connections with themselves and others.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic journey. Maria collaborates with each person to identify techniques that suit their needs, goals, and preferences, and she adapts the work as progress unfolds.

Online therapy with Maria is available via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, offering flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These options make it easier to access support from home or while travelling and to choose formats that fit practical needs and communication preferences.