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Ivy Counselling

Photograph
Maureen Williams
Counsellor & Psychotherapist 

BACP & ACTO Registered
BACP
BACP
ACTO
ACTO

MY STORY

 

Hello and welcome.

 

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about me and how I work.

 

I am Maureen, the founder of Ivy Counselling, a small, welcoming private practice in central London. I offer therapy online and through walk-and-talk sessions, so we can work together in a way that feels most comfortable and supportive for you.

 

I am a qualified and experienced integrative humanistic therapist, registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and the Association for Counselling and Therapy Online (ACTO). I hold an MA in Humanistic Counselling and Psychotherapy from York St. John University.

 

I work with adults and young people aged 16 and over, supporting clients with a wide range of issues, including anxiety, depression, loss, grief, trauma, and relationship difficulties. My experience in both private practice and mental health services has deepened my understanding of the many ways people suffer and the many ways we can begin to heal.

 

Before training as a therapist, I worked for over 20 years as a school teacher. That experience gave me a deep understanding of the emotional pressures we face at different stages of life. Whether it is young people navigating identity, parents balancing work and family, or professionals feeling overwhelmed by constant demands. Life can be deeply challenging, and I have seen how lonely or heavy it can sometimes feel.

 

It was my own experience of being in therapy that brought me to this work. I know what it is like to sit in that space, to feel unsure, and to slowly begin untangling what’s going on inside. Therapy gave me space to breathe, reflect, and make sense of my experience. I discovered just how powerful that space can be and how transformative it is to feel truly heard and supported. It was that healing experience that inspired me to offer the same compassionate support to others.

 

Whether you are feeling stuck, lost, or carrying pain that is hard to name, my aim is to offer a warm, compassionate, and non-judgmental space where you can explore your inner world with curiosity, care, and courage. Together, we can help you reconnect with yourself and begin to build a life that feels more grounded, meaningful, and aligned with who you are.

 

My therapeutic approach is integrative humanistic, which means I tailor each session to your unique needs and experiences. I draw from a range of models, guided by what feels most helpful to you, moving at your pace and staying focused on what matters most to you.

 

Over time, our work together can help you identify and release old patterns, rebuild your self-worth, and make space for new ways of being that feel more authentic and free. This kind of deep self-exploration can lead to better self-awareness, greater clarity, resilience, and a more compassionate relationship with yourself and others.

 

If something here resonates with you and you are considering therapy, I would be honoured to walk alongside you.

 

Life can feel overwhelming at times, and you don’t have to walk it alone.

 

When you're ready, I’m here.

 

Warmly,

Maureen

When I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.
Carl Rogers (1902-1987)

EXPERIENCE, QUALIFICATIONS, TRAINING & MEMBERSHIPS

EXPERIENCE

I am a qualified and experienced Integrative humanistic counsellor and psychotherapist.

 

I studied at York St John University, where I completed a Master of Arts in Humanistic Counselling and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Integrative Humanistic Counselling and Psychotherapy, both accredited by the BACP. 

I have experience in working with both adults and young people, with a variety of complex and diverse needs. My experience includes working in areas of anxiety, depression, loss & grief, trauma and relationship issues, among others.

 

I engage in monthly supervision for my client work and keep updated on developments in the field through continuous professional development (CPD) training.

QUALIFICATIONS

MA in Humanistic Counselling

PostGrad Diploma in Integrative Humanistic Counselling & Psychotherapy 

Bachelor of Education (Hons) Degree (QTS)​

Certificate in Bereavement Counselling

Certificate in Cruse Bereavement Care

Advanced Pregnancy & Infant Loss Practitioner

Certificate in Counselling Children & Young People

Advanced Certificate in Online & Telephone Therapy

​Certificate in Walk and Talk Therapy

ADDITIONAL TRAINING

ASSIST: Applied Suicide Intervention Skills

Child Sexual Abuse: Hope for Healing

Dissociation and Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)

Safeguarding for Vulnerable Adults & Children

Supporting Parents after Baby Loss

Trauma & The Body: Dissociation & Somatisation

​Working with Shame

Working with Relational Trauma: Dealing with Disorganised Attachment

MEMBERSHIPS

I am a registered member of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP) and a senior professional member of the Association for Counselling and Therapy Online (ACTO), and follow their standards and guidelines.  

I hold an enhanced DBS certificate.

 

I comply with GDPR and data protection regulations and am registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). Please see my Privacy Policy.

Stacked Stones Near Waterfall
BACP
BACP
ACTO
ACTO

Free 15-Minute Telephone Conversation

BACP
BACP
ACTO
ACTO
Online Counselling
Walk and Talk
Carolyn Spring
Baby Loss
Infant Loss
Cruse
YSJ
DBS
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