In the UK, psychologists are trained to a high professional standard, usually to doctoral level, and work as scientist-practitioners. This means they aim to ground their work in research, clinical guidelines, and evidence-based approaches, while also tailoring therapy to the individual person in front of them.
Welcome
Dr Maria Valkovskaya
HCPC-registered Counselling Psychologist
Chartered Psychologist (British Psychological Society)
I am passionate about you feeling seen and valued for who you are in therapy, and about supporting you to achieve a fulfilling and meaningful life, whatever challenges you might be going through.
Why seek therapy?
You may be seeking therapy because…
You might be seeking therapy because you are feeling overwhelmed or going through a particularly stressful time. You may have a particular issue, dilemma, or topic that you would like to explore in a confidential and safe space, separate from friends and family. Or it may be that things feel less clearly defined, but you have noticed that you have not been feeling quite like yourself lately.
Whatever the reason, reaching out for support can often feel difficult. No matter what the reason is, it is important that you feel safe, seen, and able to trust the person you are working with.
I care deeply about building trust and safety within the therapeutic relationship, and about working together to make sense of your difficulties. I offer a kind, supportive space where you can feel safe to be yourself, talk about what is going on for you, and feel supported in moving towards where you want to be.
I have experienced therapy myself, and I believe this helps me better understand what it might feel like to be in your shoes. I understand how difficult it can be to open up to a stranger, and how vulnerable it can feel to share parts of yourself that you may have preferred to keep private. I also understand how important it is to feel safe enough to be vulnerable.
This is why I believe it is very important to find the right person to work with — someone with whom you feel safe enough to do the work, even when it feels difficult. My personal experience of therapy serves me as a reminder that, although therapy can be a supportive space, it can also be hard work and a real commitment to yourself. It can mean standing up for yourself, prioritising yourself, and staying with difficult feelings as you move towards where you want to be.
“Whatever the reason, it is important that you feel safe, seen, and able to trust the person you are working with.”
Why psychologist?
Why choose therapy with a psychologist?
The breadth of psychologists’ training means they are often able to work across a range of therapeutic models and approaches. This allows them to integrate different ways of working depending on your difficulties, your personality, your preferences, and what may be most helpful for you.
If there is a particular therapeutic modality you are curious about or hoping for, you are very welcome to raise this with me. We can explore together what feels important to you and what approach may be most helpful.
For professionals
Supervision and training
I am a Clinical Supervisor offering supervision to a range of healthcare professionals.
Outside of my private practice I regularly provide training days and workshops for health and social care professionals on how to offer psychological support to patients, including basic CBT techniques grounded in a person-centred approach. I also facilitate reflective practice groups and debriefs following complex cases.
Please feel free to contact me with any enquiries about supervision, training, or groups you would like me to deliver.
How I work
Therapy tailored to you
I work with adults of different ages, both individually and as couples. I am passionate about working with difference and offering a respectful, affirming space for neurodivergent clients.
My area of specialty is providing tailored, compassionate support for people navigating chronic and life-limiting illness, including cancer, as well as those going through grief and bereavement, and individuals whose lives have been affected by a close relationship or friendship with someone with a life-limiting condition.
As a psychologist, I have extensive training and clinical experience supporting individuals with a wide range of emotional struggles and mental health difficulties. Alongside my specialist area, I also work with clients experiencing a range of emotional and psychological difficulties, including:
- Relationships and interpersonal difficulties
- Anxiety, including work-related stress
- Parenting and family dynamics
- Body image concerns and eating disorders
- Trauma and complex trauma, including PTSD
- Chronic illness and life-limiting conditions, including cancer
- Grief and loss, including bereavement, perinatal loss, loss of identity, relocation and life transitions, and changes in health and functioning
Are you in crisis?
Crisis support
Please note that I am unable to offer a crisis service. If you feel that you may not be able to keep yourself safe, it is important to contact your GP, local A&E, or local crisis team for immediate support.
Key Mental Health Crisis Numbers (England)
- NHS Urgent Mental Health Support: Call 111 and select the mental health option.
- Emergency Services: Call 999 or go to A&E if there is an immediate risk to life.
- Samaritans: Call 116 123 for free, 24/7 support.
- PAPYRUS HOPELINE247: Call 0800 068 4141 or text 88247. This service is for children and young people under 35 experiencing thoughts of suicide, or for anyone concerned about a young person under 35.
Availability
Face-to-face and online appointments
I offer face-to-face sessions on Saturdays in central Cambridge at Cambridge Therapy Collective (11B King’s Parade, CB2 1SJ). I also offer online appointments to support accessibility.
About me
About me
I am a Counselling Psychologist, Psychotherapist, and Clinical Supervisor with a Doctorate from City, University of London, and a Master’s degree in Psychology and Neuroscience of Mental Health from King’s College London.
Alongside my private practice, I work within the NHS and the charitable sector, supporting people across different stages of life and with a wide range of psychological and health-related challenges.
My clinical work is informed by my background in research and published academic work. My interests have included mental health, psychological wellbeing, and the emotional impact of health-related difficulties. You can find a record of my publications and research activity on ResearchGate.
Before training as a psychologist, I worked as a Montessori teacher with young children, also supporting parents and carers in navigating attachment difficulties and building closer, more secure relationships with their children. You can read more about my professional journey here.
On a more personal level, I was born in Moscow, Russia, where I spent my childhood, and later studied Classics at Moscow State University. I left Russia in 2014, following the invasion of Crimea, as it no longer felt possible to stay, and I was privileged enough to be able to leave and begin building a new life in a new country. Since then, I have not been back, and I do not imagine I will.
I believe that my personal experience of loss, guilt, and building a new identity in a different country helps me connect with many of the themes people bring to therapy. My approach is shaped both by my professional training in the UK and by personal experiences across different cultures, careers, and relationships. I offer therapy in English and Russian.
Fees
Sessions and payment
The initial session costs £150. Ongoing sessions cost £130 and last 50 to 60 minutes. Payment is made by bank transfer. My fees may also be covered by AXA, Aviva, and Vitality health insurance policies.
First session
In the initial session we will discuss what brought you to therapy and your goals as well as a tentative treatment plan.
Subsequent sessions
I usually offer 6 sessions and then we review our work together and discuss whether more sessions are needed. Together, we will determine the frequency of your sessions. For some people it is beneficial to meet weekly at the beginning and spread the sessions out towards the end. Some people prefer different frequency.
Review session
At the review session, we will consider together whether it feels right to move towards ending our work or to schedule the next review date. This allows any ending to be expected, talked through, and planned for together.
Letters and reports
If you require any letters or reports, there may be an extra charge. Please let me know ahead of time if you would like anything provided in writing.
Contact me
Get in touch
Please send me an email or complete the form below to let me know what you’re looking for. I aim to reply to you within 48 hours. Please indicate whether you would prefer a telephone or video consultation. If you choose a video consultation, you will receive an MS Teams link within 24 hours of booking, or sooner if you book at short notice.
Alternatively, you are welcome to book a free consultation of up to 20 minutes now to secure a time for an introductory consultation.
Free consultation times
Contact details
- Telephone: 07377705596
- Email address: maria@drmariavalkovskaya.co.uk
- Address: Cambridge Therapy Collective, 11B King’s Parade, Cambridge, CB2 1SJ