Why Work With Me ?
People who’ve experienced spiritual abuse or religious trauma often hesitate to seek counselling. Nuance is important and you might worry that your counsellor won’t understand the cultural context, the depth of your experience or that they might dismiss it, minimise it, or try to steer you toward a particular belief system.
I understand those fears, because I’ve been there myself. In my practice, you won’t be judged, fixed, or pushed toward any spiritual or non-spiritual path. You get to make sense of your experience in your own time and in your own way. My role is to walk with you — with compassion, curiosity, and respect — as you explore what has shaped you and what healing might look like now.
I work both online and face to face. I currently rent a small artist studio 10 minutes walk from the railway station, and with free on street parking. I also work online using google meets or zoom. I can also offer walk and talk sessions if that would be preferable.
Our sessions last 60 minutes and my fees are £60 per session.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What issues do you work with?
I work with a range of concerns, including spiritual abuse, religious trauma, low self-esteem, anxiety, family dynamics, identity struggles, and the emotional impact of high-control environments.
2. What is spiritual abuse?
Spiritual abuse can involve manipulation, control, or harm in the name of religion or faith. This might come from individuals, groups, or systems that use faith to shame, silence, or dominate others. If your experience involves confusion, fear, or a loss of self within a spiritual context, you're not alone — and it's something we can explore together in a safe space.
3. What can I expect from a counselling session?
Our sessions will be client-led and paced by you. I offer a calm, non-judgemental space where you can explore whatever is on your mind — whether that’s processing past trauma or navigating current challenges.
4. Do you offer online or in-person sessions?
Yes. I offer both online sessions and in-person sessions in Dunbar. You're welcome to choose the format that feels safest and most accessible to you. My face to face sessions are available between 9-3 on Monday and Tuesdays and 9-12 on Fridays. I work online until 8pm on Mondays, and 5pm on Tuesdays and Fridays.
5. How long is each session, and how often will we meet?
Sessions are 60 minutes long. Most clients find weekly sessions helpful, but we can work together to find a rhythm that suits your needs.
6. How much does it cost?
My fee is £60 per session.
7. What is your approach to counselling?
My approach is pluralistic, relational, and client-led. That means I draw on a variety of therapeutic methods and tailor my approach to fit you — not the other way around. I believe there’s no one-size-fits-all path to healing, so we’ll work collaboratively to find what helps you feel heard, supported, and empowered. I meet every client with respect, compassion, and gentle curiosity.
8. Do you work with people from all faith backgrounds — or none?
Absolutely. Whether you identify with a particular faith, are deconstructing, have left a religion, or don’t associate with any spiritual belief system, you're welcome here.
9. Is everything I say confidential?
Yes, your privacy is deeply respected. What you share stays between us, except in very rare cases where there’s a legal or safeguarding requirement to break confidentiality. I’ll explain this clearly in our first session.
10. How do I get started?
You can reach out via my contact page or email me at mary@thehopefulcounsellor.co.uk and I will get back to you within 24 hours.