Mariana
MBACP (Accred.)
BACP Registered Counsellor and Psychotherapist in Banbury
I believe in the power of working together – not as an expert handing out answers, but as a partner in exploration. My approach is both compassionate and direct, offering a space where you can be honest with yourself, uncover what’s keeping you stuck, and discover your own resilience.
Rather than forcing change, I trust in your natural ability to grow when the right conditions are in place. Using an integrative approach, including Person-Centred Therapy, Gestalt, and Transactional Analysis, we’ll work together to recognise patterns, challenge old narratives, and create meaningful shifts in how you see yourself and your relationships.
If you’re ready to explore, gain new insights, and move forward in a way that feels true to you, I’m here to support you every step of the way.
True transformation happens when we are fully seen, understood, and supported as we navigate life’s challenges. My work isn’t about forcing positivity or avoiding discomfort – it’s about facing it with honesty, making sense of it, and uncovering the resilience that’s already within you.
With a compassionate approach, I offer a space where you can explore your thoughts, emotions, and patterns with curiosity rather than judgment. I hold up the mirror so you can see your potential, recognise what’s keeping you stuck, and move towards the life that feels true to you.
If you have any questions or would like to connect, feel free to email me – I’d love to hear from you!
Issues We Help With
Common Issues Psychotherapy Can Support
Psychotherapy can support you through a wide range of emotional, psychological, and relational challenges. It provides the time and space to explore what’s beneath the surface — not just immediate symptoms, but the deeper feelings, patterns, and experiences that may be shaping your life today. At our Banbury practice, we work with individuals facing many different issues, including:
- Anxiety, panic, or persistent worry
- Depression and low mood
- Trauma and post-traumatic stress (PTSD)
- Repeated negative patterns in relationships
- Emotional numbness, confusion, or disconnection
- Low self-worth or self-esteem
- Difficulty expressing or regulating emotions
- Feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unfulfilled
- Identity, purpose, and existential concerns
- Grief, loss, or unresolved sadness
- Childhood abuse or neglect
- Relationship and attachment difficulties
Frequently Asked Questions About Psychotherapy in Banbury
Understanding what to expect from psychotherapy in Banbury
Starting psychotherapy can feel like a big step, especially if you’re not sure what to expect. Whether you’re considering it for the first time or returning after a break, it’s natural to have questions about how it works, how it’s different from counselling, and whether it’s the right form of support for you. Below, we’ve answered some of the most common questions people ask about psychotherapy at our Banbury practice.
What is psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy is a form of talking therapy that focuses on helping you explore deep-seated thoughts, emotions, behaviours, and patterns that may be affecting your life. It often looks beyond surface-level symptoms to understand their emotional roots — including past experiences, unconscious beliefs, and relationship dynamics.
At Banbury & North Oxfordshire Therapy Practice, our psychotherapists offer a safe, confidential space for this kind of in-depth exploration. Over time, psychotherapy can support healing, improve emotional awareness, and help you feel more connected, whole, and grounded in yourself.
How is psychotherapy different from counselling?
Both psychotherapy and counselling aim to support your mental and emotional wellbeing, but they often differ in depth and duration. Counselling is usually shorter-term and focuses on specific issues or life situations, such as a recent loss or relationship difficulty. Psychotherapy, on the other hand, is often longer-term and explores deeper emotional patterns, internal conflicts, and unconscious influences that may have developed over time.
At our Banbury practice, many of our therapists are trained in both counselling and psychotherapy and will tailor their approach depending on your needs. You don’t have to choose one or the other upfront — we can help you decide what’s most suitable for you.
What issues can psychotherapy help with?
Psychotherapy can support a wide range of emotional and psychological challenges, including:
- Anxiety, panic attacks, and persistent worry
- Depression, low mood, and emotional numbness
- Low self-worth and inner criticism
- Trauma and unresolved past experiences
- Difficulties in relationships and attachment
- Grief, loss, and unresolved sadness
- Identity concerns and self-exploration
- Emotional overwhelm or disconnection
- Repeated negative patterns or life choices
- Feeling stuck, lost, or out of control
In Banbury, people seek psychotherapy for both specific issues and general feelings of unease or emotional discomfort. You don’t need a diagnosis or crisis to begin — just a willingness to explore what’s going on for you.
What happens in a typical psychotherapy session?
A typical psychotherapy session lasts around 50 minutes and takes place weekly. You’ll meet with the same therapist each time, which allows a trusting, consistent relationship to develop. Sessions are usually open-ended, meaning you bring whatever feels important each week — whether it’s current feelings, past memories, dreams, or recurring patterns.
Your psychotherapist will listen with care, offer insights, and help you reflect — without judgment or agenda. The goal isn’t to “fix” you but to help you understand yourself more deeply and find your own way forward. At our Banbury practice, we go at your pace and create a space where you can feel safe to be honest and explore what truly matters to you.
Is psychotherapy confidential?
Yes — confidentiality is a cornerstone of psychotherapy. What you share in sessions remains private between you and your therapist, with a few legal exceptions. These include situations where there is serious risk of harm to you or someone else, or where required by law.
At Banbury & North Oxfordshire Therapy Practice, all therapists follow the BACP Code of Ethics, and we will always explain the boundaries of confidentiality clearly during your first session. Our goal is to provide a space where you feel completely safe to speak freely.
How long does psychotherapy last?
Psychotherapy is typically longer-term than counselling and can last for several months or even years, depending on your goals and needs. Some people choose open-ended therapy to explore deeper emotional patterns and develop greater self-awareness over time. Others may work through specific issues and end when they feel ready.
At our Banbury practice, we review your progress regularly and support you in deciding when therapy feels complete. There’s no fixed timeline — it’s a collaborative process guided by what feels most helpful to you.
How often will I have sessions?
Psychotherapy sessions usually take place once a week, on the same day and time each week. This regular rhythm helps create a stable, reliable space for emotional work to unfold. Weekly sessions are standard, but some clients in Banbury may request more or less frequent appointments depending on their circumstances, goals, and availability. We’ll discuss this together during your initial consultation.
Is psychotherapy right for me?
Psychotherapy may be right for you if you’re looking to understand yourself more deeply, explore emotional patterns, or work through long-standing challenges. It can be especially helpful if you’ve tried other forms of support and still feel stuck or dissatisfied.
It’s also a good option if you’re unsure exactly what’s wrong but feel disconnected, emotionally overwhelmed, or out of touch with yourself. At our Banbury practice, we welcome anyone who is curious about personal growth and open to engaging in the therapeutic process. You don’t need to have everything figured out — we’ll explore it together.
Where is your psychotherapy practice located?
Our therapy rooms are located in North Bar House, a Grade II listed Georgian building near Banbury town centre. The setting is quiet, calm, and ideal for the reflective work of psychotherapy. We are easily accessible by public transport, with local parking nearby.
Whether you prefer to attend in person or would rather have sessions online, we aim to make therapy as comfortable and accessible as possible. Many of our clients in Banbury appreciate the peaceful, grounding nature of the space — a welcoming environment to begin your therapy journey.
It’s also a good option if you’re unsure exactly what’s wrong but feel disconnected, emotionally overwhelmed, or out of touch with yourself. At our Banbury practice, we welcome anyone who is curious about personal growth and open to engaging in the therapeutic process. You don’t need to have everything figured out — we’ll explore it together.
Our Banbury Location
Address
North Bar House
43-44 North Bar Street
Banbury
Oxfordshire
OX16 0TH
Directions on How to Find Us
By Car
North Bar House is conveniently located on North Bar Street, just off Banbury town centre. If driving, you can reach us via the M40 motorway (Junction 11), following signs for Banbury town centre. Once in town, North Bar Street is easily accessible from the main routes.
Parking
There is limited on-street parking available near North Bar House (time restrictions may apply). For longer stays, the nearest public car park is North Bar West Car Park, a short 3-minute walk away. Additional parking options include Bolton Road Car Park and NCP Car Park Banbury, both within a 10-minute walk.
By Train
Banbury Railway Station is well connected by major rail routes, including direct services from London Marylebone, Birmingham, and Oxford. North Bar House is approximately a 15-minute walk from the station. Alternatively, taxis are readily available outside the station for a short ride to the location.
By Bus
Banbury is served by several bus routes connecting the surrounding areas. The nearest bus stops to North Bar House are on North Bar Street and Southam Road, just a few minutes’ walk away.