Marie Varney during a consultation

About me

I am an experienced Counsellor and Psychotherapist - I am friendly, empathic and supportive. I understand that the decision to come for counselling is an important one, and that finding the right counsellor is key. I believe in the transformative potential of counselling to improve mental and emotional wellbeing. My practice is trauma-informed and also neuro-affirming.

My hometown is Sheffield, and I have also lived in London and Manchester, before finding my way back to Yorkshire. I love walking in the Dales and exploring new places. I used to work in publishing and now edit the newsletter of a local theatre. I love the arts! Storytelling is such a powerful way of expressing and exploring what it means to be human, in all its complexity.

Experience

I previously worked as a Counsellor within Student Support at Leeds Trinity University, and in a staff and student counselling service within a Further Education college. I volunteered for many years with Cruse Bereavement Care (Craven & Bradford). Prior to this I worked in the voluntary sector for a national mentoring organisation.

I’m an accredited member (106638) of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP); my work is guided by its Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions which puts client wellbeing at its heart. This means you can be assured that I work to professional standards.

I attend regular training and development days to ensure that my practice continues to evolve and develop. I also receive monthly clinical supervision and am fully insured.

BACP Logo - 106638

Qualifications

  • Supervision Diploma Course, Leeds CPD
  • Post-graduate Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy, Leeds Beckett University (BACP-accredited course)
  • Post-Graduate Certificate in Person-centred Counselling, Salford University

Additional training includes:

  • Certificate in Online and Telephone Counselling, ACTO
  • ADHD in Therapy - A Neuro-Affirming Approach - Aspire Training
  • Counselling Clients on the Autistic Spectrum, Aspire Training
  • Working with Domestic Violence and Abuse, Behind Closed Doors
  • Complex Trauma Work (Stage 1), Complex Trauma Network
  • Working with Adult Survivors of Childhood Trauma (Stage 2), Complex Trauma Network
  • Bereavement Care with Children & Young People, Cruse Bereavement Care
  • Trauma, Dissociation and Recovery, Carolyn Spring