Hi, I’m maria
My commitment to my personal growth and relationship with others is the cornerstone of my life. I value integrity and respect for myself and others. I strive to attain love, balance, harmony, peace, joy and compassion in every moment of my life and in every interaction I have with others.
I am deeply passionate about being in service to others and helping them navigate life’s challenges. Being a witness to clients’ transformation is a most fulfilling and rewarding experience.
The more I continue my own personal growth, the better equipped I am to support and guide others on theirs. It is an honour to be called to do this work because learning about oneself and healing one’s pain is our highest priority.
MY GUIDING PRINCIPLES
SAFETY
A sacred space created with uplifting thoughts, words, and right actions.
INTEGRITY
All my interactions aligned with my highest values.
RESPECT
Honour all that emerges moment to moment—feelings, thoughts, beliefs and actions.
LOVING KINDNESS
Friendliness, sensitivity and warmth towards others.
COMPASSION
Maintain an open heart and accept each individual as they are.
SUPPORT + GUIDANCE
Compassionate support and practical guidance to help you move through life's challenges with greater confidence and clarity.
RESOURCES
Build on the resources that already exist within the individual to foster confidence and resilience.
MY STORY
Becoming a Counsellor and Psychotherapist
My own journey into psychotherapy began after a serious car accident over 25 years ago, an experience that brought unresolved childhood trauma to the surface. Through my own therapeutic work, I came to understand how early experiences shape the beliefs we hold about ourselves, others, and the world. As those beliefs began to change, so did my life.
That experience transformed not only who I was, but also the direction of my career. It inspired a lifelong commitment to understanding human behaviour, emotional healing, and helping others create meaningful change in their own lives.
First Encounter as a Helping Professional
My first experience as a helping professional began in 1996 when I became a Group Facilitator with Holyoake (Centacare). As I listened to other peoples stories I was deeply touched by their pain and hopelessness. I watched each client transform in their own way as they progressed through the program. They learned from others and from sharing their own stories and pain.
After years of not sure what I really wanted to do, I had finally found my passion and pursued a Post Grad in Counselling. After graduating, I completed a two-year internship at Centacare, where I realised I particularly enjoyed working with the deeper aspects of personality and emotional healing. I wanted to accompany others on their own journey of healing and growth and undertook a Post Graduate in Emotionally Focused Therapy while I set up my private practice where I am today.
My Approach
I believe therapy is about creating a safe, collaborative relationship where you feel heard, understood, and supported. Together we'll explore the patterns that may be keeping you stuck, helping you build greater self-awareness, emotional resilience, and lasting change.
My Philosophy
I believe every person has the capacity to heal, grow, and live more authentically. Therapy isn't about fixing what's "wrong" with you. It's about understanding your experiences, reconnecting with your strengths, and creating a life that feels more aligned with who you truly are.
