Maria

Dr Maria Thompson

Counseling Psychologist

Consultant counselling psychologist with 26 years experience offering psychological and counselling services for adults and older adults.

About Me

I am a Counselling Psychologist based in Almondsbury, Avon, UK. I hold Chartered Psychologist status and RAPPS Registered Supervisor credentials. I provide trauma counselling, CBT and geriatric psychology to people dealing with abuse, anger, mood disorders or seeking personal development.

Approach

The approaches I utilise are tailored to the specific needs of each client. I tend to adopt an integrative approach which works with the person in a holistic manner. I have received training and prefers to utilize CBT, DBT, Humanistic and Psychodynamic approaches. I am also a fully qualified and EMDR Europe Accredited Practitioner (EMDR is one of the treatment approaches recommended by NICE for the treatment of PTSD).

I consider continuing professional development as a central component to maintaining competence in my clinical work. As such I attend training each year which is designed to meet the needs of my current and future clinical work.

Contact Maria

Ask a quick question or arrange a time to meet.

Basic Information

Services


I assist adults and older adults to reduce distress, improve awareness, connection, functioning and QoL through face-to-face and online counselling and psychological therapy. You can explore and address your concerns safely with session materials to take away for future reference. I offer evidenced approaches. Since 1998 I have worked with many people in their recovery from a range of emotional, behavioural, personality and mental health issues across various settings to Consultant level. Hopefully, I maybe of assistance to you also.

Do you, a relative, a partner, a colleague or employee need to see a Psychologist urgently for a single session, short term therapy (1 - 6 sessions) medium term therapy (6 - 24 sessions) or long term therapy (25 - 156 sessions)? Referrals also accepted from Rehabilitation Services, NHS, Local Authorities, Case Managers, Solicitors & Insurance Clinical Teams.You are welcome to call or email me to outline the issues and pressures you are managing currently. You can discuss the kind of support you are looking for and find out if she is able to assist you. Then decide whether you would like to attend for a consultation session (usual fee applies) to determine if therapy with me is likely to be helpful.

Services Offered:

  • Trauma Counseling

    Counselling specifically for people affected by traumatic events, focused on processing what happened and reducing symptoms like flashbacks and hypervigilance.

    Learn more about Trauma Counseling
  • Wellness Support

    Holistic support focused on overall well-being, including stress management, lifestyle balance, and building sustainable healthy habits.

  • Online Therapy

    Therapy sessions conducted over video call, phone, or secure messaging, using the same professional methods delivered remotely.

    Learn more about Online Therapy
  • Psychology

    The scientific study and clinical practice of understanding the mind, emotions, and behaviour, applied to promote healthier functioning.

    Learn more about Psychology
  • Geriatric Psychology

    A branch of psychology focused on the mental health needs of older adults, including cognitive decline, loss, loneliness, and adjustment to ageing.

    Learn more about Geriatric Psychology
  • CBT

    Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, a structured, evidence-based approach that identifies and changes unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviours.

    Learn more about CBT
  • EMDR

    Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing, a therapy that uses guided eye movements to help the brain process and integrate traumatic memories.

    Learn more about EMDR
  • Rehabilitation

    Structured programmes that help people recover functioning after addiction, injury, or severe mental illness through therapy, skills training, and ongoing support.

    Learn more about Rehabilitation
  • Individual Therapy

    One-on-one therapy sessions between a client and a therapist, focused on that person's specific concerns and goals.

    Learn more about Individual Therapy

Works With:

  • Adults
  • Elderly
  • Individuals

Area of Expertise


Scope of Practice:

  • Abuse

    Emotional, physical, or sexual mistreatment by another person that causes lasting psychological harm and disrupts a person's sense of safety.

  • Anger

    An intense emotional response to perceived threat, injustice, or frustration that, when persistent or uncontrolled, can damage relationships and well-being.

    Learn more about Anger
  • Anxiety

    Persistent worry, nervousness, or fear that is disproportionate to the situation and interferes with daily functioning.

    Learn more about Anxiety
  • Mood Disorder

    A category of mental health conditions, including depression and bipolar disorder, in which a person's emotional state is significantly and persistently disrupted.

    Learn more about Mood Disorder
  • Personal Development

    The ongoing process of self-awareness, self-improvement, and reaching one's potential, pursued not because something is wrong but to live more fully.

  • PTSD

    Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, a condition that develops after a traumatic event, causing flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, and emotional numbness.

    Learn more about PTSD
  • Online Therapy

    Therapy sessions conducted over video call, phone, or secure messaging, using the same professional methods delivered remotely.

    Learn more about Online Therapy
  • Trauma

    The lasting psychological impact of deeply distressing events, such as violence, abuse, accidents, or disasters, that overwhelm a person's ability to cope.

    Learn more about Trauma

Professional Title:

  • Counseling Psychologist

    A psychologist who helps people with everyday life challenges (relationships, work stress, adjustment) as well as mental health conditions.

Qualifications


University of Wolverhampton

EMDR Europe Association

SDS Training (UK)

The Foundation of Infant Loss (UK)

Bristol Community College

Registrations


Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)

Counseling Psychologist

The British Psychological Society

Chartered Psychologist / Associate Fellow / RAPPS Registered Supervisor

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

EMDR Europe Accredited Practitioner

Service Area


Desideratum Psychological & Counselling Services Ltd

In-person & Online

Almondsbury

Patchway, Avon

United Kingdom