Maria Howell, BACP

Maria Howell is a UK-licensed therapist with seven years of professional experience supporting children, young people and adults. She practises with BCS Counselling Service in South Wales, an ethical integrative organisation committed to making counselling accessible. Maria is accredited with the BACP - the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy - a recognised professional body for counsellors and psychotherapists.

Her practice addresses a wide range of difficulties including anxiety, social and health-related worries, depression, trauma, bipolar conditions, OCD, autism, self-harm and suicidal thoughts, substance use, eating and sleeping problems, grief, family and relationship challenges, intimacy-related concerns, LGBTQ+ issues, bullying, exam and work stress, low self-esteem and general wellbeing. She also works with clients facing abandonment and attachment difficulties, codependency, communication and control issues, dissociation, body image concerns, and sexual and kink-related matters among other areas.

Maria aims to offer an open, nonjudgmental space where thoughts and feelings can be explored honestly. She supports and empowers people to take steps toward a more fulfilling life, working collaboratively to identify goals and pathways for change. Maria accepts international clients and conducts sessions in English.

Evidence-based approaches and flexible online support

Within her practice of evidence-based therapeutic techniques, Maria draws on structured, skills-based approaches that help people learn practical tools for managing anxiety, mood and stress. These methods focus on identifying unhelpful patterns and building coping skills to improve day-to-day functioning and wellbeing.

She also uses trauma-informed approaches that prioritise safety and pacing when working with past abuse, dissociation or overwhelming experiences. This work helps people process difficult memories and develop stability over time. In addition, Maria offers relationship-focused work that explores communication, attachment and intimacy to support healthier connections with partners, family and others.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Maria works with each person to understand their needs, goals and preferences and adapts techniques accordingly so the therapy fits the individual rather than the other way around.

Online therapy by video call, phone, live chat or text-based messaging makes it easier to access consistent support from home or while travelling. These options offer flexibility around scheduling, reduce travel time and allow people to continue therapy across locations and time zones with registered professionals who can guide and support progress.