Hello! I’m Mary Francis, a fully qualified and registered counsellor with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), who is deeply passionate about supporting people through challenging and difficult times in their lives.

I pride myself on being a kind, compassionate person with variety of life experiences that endeavours to offer non-judgemental support to anyone who approaches me and can honestly say I have no “typical” client – I have experience working through a wide range of issues, a very diverse age range (18-80), and from all sorts of backgrounds, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and gender identities. My approach is rooted on seeing each client as a unique individual, and my goal is to provide a safe, supportive space where we can explore whatever challenges you may be facing in confidence. For more information see My Services.

Please note that as a counsellor, I don’t have all the answers, and I don’t promise a “quick fix” for any issue. However, I firmly believe that by working together, drawing on my experience and knowledge of different counselling theories, we can explore your inner world and help you gain a deeper understanding of yourself. Then from this self-awareness you can begin to make the changes you want to see in your life, develop greater self-acceptance, and work on reducing the inner criticism and self-judgment that often hold you back. For more information see Why Counselling?

Brief Work Experience: I have several years of counselling experience in-person, online and over the phone through my private practice and at a community counselling service, hold an advanced Diploma in working with Trauma (Level 6 – Specialising in Rape & Sexual Abuse), worked at a local hospice as a bereavement counsellor and a rape/sexual abuse centre as a trauma counsellor, volunteered at The Samaritans, and currently work as a supervisor/tutor for Trauma Informed Schools. For more information see About Me.

Support for University Students: Having worked in a university city, I understand that student life is advertised as a new exciting experience but for many is filled with academic stress and social challenges. Combined with the additional economic pressure on students I therefore offer discounted rates upon proof of current student status (i.e. Letter from University of Study). For more information see Fees.