Mary Schrider
About Me
Hello! I’m Mary, a qualified relational counsellor and psychotherapist, working with adults and young people over the age of 18. In addition to my private practice, I am a counsellor at Cancer Support Yorkshire, working with clients facing issues such as long-term illness, end of life care or bereavement.
You may be reading this because you have experienced a personal challenge, or perhaps you want to better understand aspects of yourself or your relationships with others. Whatever the reason, I am committed to providing a warm, compassionate and curious space where we can explore these issues together.
But what does that mean practically? My training and experience have taught me that the relationship between therapist and client is the key ingredient to success in therapy and that it can be a powerful tool for healing. This has been confirmed by my work with clients on issues such as low mood, depression, stress, anxiety, transition, loss and trauma.
I understand that choosing the right therapist can feel like a daunting task, and I aim to make this easier by outlining the way I work below. If you decide I might be a good fit, I am happy to offer a no-obligation complimentary 15-minute chat online or by telephone, which may help guide your decision.
What therapy is like with me
My approach is inherently relational and client-led, meaning that you set the pace and the agenda, whilst I provide a secure space where you will feel genuinely seen, heard, and understood. I call upon various therapeutic models to better meet your individual needs or goals, aware that we all have different needs at different times.
The foundation of my approach is built on the principles of humanistic-existential therapies, which means I am happy to help you explore questions around meaning or the challenges of being human. You set the pace and the agenda, whilst I provide a safer space for you to feel seen, heard, and understood, without fear of judgement.
My practice is also informed by attachment theory, which looks at how early relationships impact how we form and maintain relationships throughout our lives. Our work together can help you explore your relational patterns and look at any changes you would like to make going forward.
I have also undertaken additional training in Transactional Analysis, which I use as tool in the therapeutic space to help you identify patterns of communication which may hinder your potential and explore alternative path forward.
My intention is that by the end of our time together you will gain deeper insight and understanding of yourself and your relational patterns, empowering you to recognise your inner tools, trust your instincts and make meaningful change in your life.
Training, Qualifications and Experience
- Level 3 Certificate in Peer Support – Cellar Trust
- Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies – Yorkshire Counselling Training
- PGDip Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy – Leeds Beckett University
- Introduction to Transactional Analysis – Northside Training
- MA Integrative Counselling – Leeds Beckett University (currently studying)
- Peer support volunteer at Parents Online (Cellar Trust)
- Counsellor at Grange Park Surgery, Burley-in-Wharfedale
- Counsellor at Cancer Support Yorkshire
Outside of counselling and psychotherapy, I have significant experience providing communications design support for charities and NGOs in the United Kingdom, the United States and internationally.
Sessions & Fees
Sessions are available in person, online or by telephone.
My standard price is £55/session. I offer a limited number of concessionary places, for which there may be a waitlist. Please feel free to speak with me about this.
Sessions last 50 minutes and are typically weekly or fortnightly based on client need and preference. Please get in touch to discuss current availability.