Welcome.

I believe there is no reason for anyone to continue to feel anxious or depressed and also believe that negative situations can be used as a catalyst to push you forward and even motivate you toward achieving the lasting changes you desire.   As a person with epilepsy, I had to learn how to turn a disability into an advantage and how to cope with stress and anxiety.    

Prior to my training as counsellor, I spent several years in investment banking.  Later, I retrained as a teacher and started my counselling career as a volunteer with Victim Support and counselling teenagers in inclusion units. 

I started working with counselling charities and private organisations over 7 years ago.  I am now a counsellor registered by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).   

It's important for me to be able to offer my clients 'cutting edge' aspects of therapy hence I develop my skills on an ongoing basis so in addition to the above list of qualifications I am now studying couple counselling as I believe that at the root of most issues is relationships, relationships, relationships.

Other issues often focus on anxiety and confidence, for this reason I often write my insights and suggestions for these areas which you can read on my blogs on www.m-mcilroycounselling.co.uk

Testimonials

"I came to Mary with self confidence issues and anxiety, particularly in social situations. During my sessions with Mary I was able to confront the reasons for my feelings of anxiety and develop new ways of thinking that have helped me immensely in moving forward in a positive direction. Mary's calm and patient approach was exactly what I needed and I'm extremely grateful for her help in working towards a better me" 

"Mary helped me through a difficult period of my life. I had twelve sessions with her, which helped me to see more clearly and to overcome some grief and relationship issues I had. She is easy to talk to, very kind and wise. I would recommend her to anyone with similar problems".