Welcome to BrighterDays Therapy
A confidential space to find a positive way forwards
Welcome, and thank you for visiting BrighterDays Therapy. My name is Maria Goodin and I am an experienced counsellor working with adult individuals in Welwyn Garden City and across the UK either face-to-face, online or by telephone.
Counselling when and where it suits you
If you're struggling, just reach out.
Get in contact today and set up a FREE consultation over the phone where we can decide the best way forward for you. Even if you're unsure whether counselling is right for you, I am happy for you to contact me and discuss the options open to you.
Whether you choose to have counselling in person, online or over the phone, I can provide you with a safe, confidential, supportive space where we can explore your problems, make sense of them and bring about the changes you would like to see.
About me
I am a fully qualified, accredited and experienced counsellor working in Welwyn Garden City and remotely across the UK. I have been working as a counsellor for over fifteen years and have worked in a range of settings such as GP surgeries, charities and universities. I currently work in the NHS and private practice. I also provide mentoring to university students with mental health issues and work as an assessor for a counselling training course. I am a fully accredited member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy and abide by their code of ethics.
My qualifications include:
- Post-Graduate Diploma in Contemporary Therapeutic Counselling
- University Diploma in Counselling
- Primary Certificate in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Training
- Certificate in Person-Centred Experiential Counselling for Depression
- Certificate in Counselling Skills: Loss and Bereavement
- Certificate in Online and Telephone Counselling
- Certificate in working with anxiety
- Certificate in autism awareness
- Certificate in ADHD awareness
What to expect...
Before our first meeting, I will send you some details about how the counselling sessions work. This will include things such as how to rearrange an appointment should you need to, how to contact me and how to make payments. I will also send you a brief questionnaire to complete about yourself and your problems - or if you prefer we can complete this together in the first session.
In our first session, we will discuss what has brought you to counselling and what you want to get from our time together. To start with, you might not feel entirely sure what you want from counselling, other than a general sense that you want to feel better and that's perfectly fine. You may feel a little nervous coming to counselling for the first time which is natural. In my experience, by the end of the first session you will feel at ease and experience a sense of relief at having spoken about your problems.
If for any reason I do not think I am the right person to support with your problems, I will support you in finding an alternative source of help.
How does it work...
I work in an integrative way, which means I use a range of therapeutic methods depending on your needs. I am trained in psychodynamic and person-centred counselling, cognitive behavioural therapy and solution-focused therapy, so these are the methods I mainly use.
First and foremost, counselling is a safe space where you can experience the relief of talking about your thoughts, feelings and behaviours without feeling judged. Being heard, validated and understood is the first step towards healing.
Where appropriate, we will take a look at your past and how this has shaped who you are today. Often people are unaware that they are caught in out-of-date patterns of thinking and behaving until they come to counselling. Understanding what we do and why we do it allows us to make happier, healthier choices.
In some cases, people know what they are doing and why, they just don't know how to change it. I will help you develop some practical techniques to support your wellbeing that you can start using outside of our sessions.
How long will it take...
How long counselling lasts will vary on the problem you are bringing and what you want you want to get from counselling. We will regularly review our work together to make sure we are on the right track and that you are getting what you need from the sessions.
Throughout counselling, I will help you develop ways of supporting your own wellbeing, so that once counselling has finished you have techniques and resources you can draw on to continue to move forwards. Some clients choose to return to counselling with me as and when they hit difficult patches in their lives.
What issues can counselling help with?
People come to me for help a wide range of issues. Here are a few of the more common difficulties that can be supported through counselling. If you're unsure whether I'm the right person to help, just reach out and I'll be happy to guide you.
Depression
Anxiety
Social anxiety
Stress
Relationship problems
Grief, loss or bereavement
Lack of confidence
Low self-esteem
Trauma
Loss of direction
Issues relating to sexuality
Difficulties at work or in retirement
Problems with family
My location
I work from a comfortable therapy room in Welwyn Garden City and see clients for counselling from Welwyn, Hertford, Hatfield, St Albans, Hitchin, Stevenage, Knebworth and surrounding areas.
In addition to providing face-to-face therapy, I also offer telephone counselling and online sessions (Zoom) to clients anywhere in the UK. Online counselling is an effective and convenient way of accessing therapy . All you need is a stable phone or internet connection and a quiet, confidential space where you can talk freely.
Fees & availability
Counselling sessions last 50 minutes and cost £55 per session.
I offer a FREE 15 minute telephone consultation for anyone considering coming for counselling where we can discuss your needs and any queries.
Face-to-face sessions are available:
Wednesday and Friday daytimes
Telephone or Online Zoom sessions are available:
Wednesday and Friday daytimes
Weekday evenings
Get in touch
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about how counselling works, or to arrange an initial assessment appointment. This enables us to discuss the reasons you are thinking of coming to counselling, whether it could be helpful for you and whether I am the right therapist to help.
You can also call me on 0776 6032321 if you would prefer to leave a message or speak to me first. I am happy to discuss any queries or questions you may have prior to arranging an initial appointment.
“I found my sessions with Maria hugely beneficial. I felt heard and understood and never felt judged. I was able to think more clearly and make more confident decisions about my future.”
Ali, Online Counselling
“I had never had counselling before and wasn't sure what I would get out of it. But seeing Maria was the best thing I could have done. I feel like a weight has been lifted and I have gained skills I can use again in the future if I ever find myself having similar problems.”
Alex, Hertford
“My experience of counselling with Maria was extremely positive. She is very easy to talk to and I was surprised at how quickly I felt I could open up. I wouldn't hesitate to return to her if I ever needed support again in the future.”
Steph, Welwyn Garden City
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