Maria Connolly, BACP

Maria Connolly is a counsellor registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) with three years of professional experience. She focuses on stress, anxiety, depression, and issues related to LGBT identity, self-esteem and relationships. Maria creates a warm, non-judgemental space where people can talk honestly about what matters to them.

She aims to make sessions feel straightforward and human. Maria listens for what feels stuck and helps people name the patterns behind their feelings. Conversations tend to be practical and paced to suit each person, with space to reflect and try out small changes between meetings.

Her work covers a wide range of concerns beyond the main areas of focus. These include attachment and abandonment issues, body image, chronic illness and disability, codependency, communication challenges, control issues, and feelings of emptiness or isolation. Maria also supports people dealing with guilt, shame, forgiveness and questions about life purpose.

Maria draws on evidence-based therapeutic techniques to guide sessions, tailoring her approach to what each person needs. She describes therapy as a collaborative process and encourages open discussion about goals and preferences. Her own long history of therapy informs how she builds trust and gently challenges unhelpful thinking.

Sessions are offered in English and Maria accepts international clients. The practicalities of sessions and scheduling are arranged after a short matching questionnaire is completed when someone chooses to start therapy.

How evidence-based techniques work in online therapy

Maria uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques to guide her work. One common approach focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thinking and behaviour patterns to reduce anxiety and low mood; this typically involves noticing thoughts, testing them and practising alternative responses. Another approach centres on understanding attachment and relational patterns to improve how someone connects with others and manages intimacy and trust issues.

Finding the right approach is part of the process. Maria will work with each person to choose methods that suit their goals and preferences. She encourages open discussion about what feels helpful and will adjust the approach as therapy progresses so it stays relevant to the person's needs.

The practical benefits of online therapy can include easier scheduling and fitting sessions around work or family life, and avoiding travel time. Because the original biography does not list specific session formats, confirm the exact options before booking. Registered or accredited professionals often tailor session length and style to fit everyday life, for example offering shorter check-ins when time is tight or planning exercises to practise between meetings.