Rate Mary Prime

Hello and welcome to my counselling profile.

I am licensed Counsellor, based in Milton Keynes here in the UK. I have over 6.5 years of professional work experience as a qualified Counsellor. I also work in a talking therapies service within the NHS as a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP).

Prior to this I worked as a volunteer Counsellor in local charities and several national organisations - such as Cruse Bereavement Care and Mind.

Since training as a Counsellor, I have worked with many hundreds of clients and supported people with a range of common mental health issues. Issues such as anxiety, low mood and depression. I have supported people who are contemplating self-harm, or suicide due to the difficulties in life that they experiencing and they can see no way forwards in life. I have supported people with relationship-related issues. I have also supported many young people who are managing transitions through life, such as attending University for the first time and learning to live independently. Also, people leaving University and taking the first steps into their professional career. These transitions in life also include losing someone we love through a loss of relationship, or through death.

One of my specialist interest areas is working with people who have chronic pain and other long-term health conditions. I have lived experience of a chronic pain condition myself - so am able to bring an enhanced level of empathy and understanding into my work with others who are on a similar journey. We can talk about how your condition is affecting you and any adaptations that you may be able to make to your routine so that you can manage your condition more effectively alongside your life commitments. I know how hard it can be to be taken seriously by health care professionals, so counselling can be a safe and supportive space where you and your concerns are taken seriously.

I have also worked to support carers. People who are unpaid carers for their family members - who may have long-term health conditions and/ or other disabilities. Therapy can over time help to find your 'self' again and to build coping skills and strategies so that you can give your best to the person you are caring for.

I have lived experience of neuro-diversities - both with my own Autism, ADHD and Dyslexia and being a parent of a child with Autism. These personal experiences enhance my professional work with clients and with the parents of children, who have ADHD, Autism and/ or Dyslexia. I deeply empathise with what it is like to try and live in and succeed in the world that wasn't built for you and your way of being. Whether your difficulties are with your work, study, relationships etc... I will be here to listen to you and support you as you explore your world and learn how to thrive in it. Hopefully with less need to mask and camouflage your Autism.

It is my belief that you can with the right support be able to live a very rewarding and satisfying life alongside whatever the condition is that you are living with, or the life experiences are that you are having.

I will be working with you to adapt the therapy to your specific needs and requirements. I believe that everyone has the right to access appropriate support. To feel empowered to make the changes that you need in your life - at a pace that feels manageable.

I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will work with you to try and discover your values in life and will be encouraging you to implement these wherever possible.

I welcome open and honest feedback throughout our work together. I will regularly ask for your feedback - so that we can make your sessions as helpful as possible.

Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take huge courage and I am proud of you for getting started!