PUBLISHED ON MS-UK
Living alongside MS – How counselling can help
Exploring the emotional impact of MS, changes in identity and the value of feeling heard.
Markus Flaherty ·
Read on MS-UK ↗Counselling in Woking, Surrey
Available online and in person
A safe, confidential space to slow down, feel heard and explore what’s on your mind.
Arrange a free introductory call
About me
Hi, I’m Markus, a qualified counsellor and psychotherapist. I work with people facing a wide range of life challenges, offering a supportive space where you can slow down, feel heard and make sense of what’s happening for you.
I work with adults aged 18 and over.
I have a particular interest in supporting people through life transitions, including changes in health, diagnosis and ongoing illness, as well as shifts in identity, relationships and work.
My qualifications and experience
- FdSc Integrative Counselling — Middlesex University
- NCFE Levels 1, 2 and 3 — Guildford College
- Currently an in-house bereavement counsellor at Woking & Sam Beare Hospice
- Specialist MS counselling training
- Regular supervision and professional development
I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), registration number 414842, and my work is guided by its Ethical Framework.
Fully insured and DBS checked.
FACE-TO-FACE COUNSELLING
My practice in Woking
This is where we meet for face-to-face sessions, a comfortable, confidential space to reflect and explore what’s on your mind.
Why counselling?
Sometimes there is so much going on in your mind that it is difficult to know where to begin. Thoughts overlap, worries compete for attention, and you may find yourself carrying feelings you haven’t had time to understand.
Counselling offers a confidential, non-judgemental relationship with a qualified professional outside your everyday life. You can speak openly, be met with empathy and compassion, and explore your experiences without having to manage another person’s reaction.
It is time to slow down, untangle your thoughts and give attention to what matters to you.
How it can help
Being listened to with empathy and compassion can help you hear yourself more clearly. Together, we can bring some order to what feels crowded or confusing, explore what needs your attention and understand the feelings beneath your thoughts.
Counselling can add depth to your understanding of your experiences, helping you notice patterns, recognise your needs and approach yourself with less criticism. Through this shared exploration, you may find greater clarity about your relationships, choices and ways of responding to difficulties.
My approach
I work integratively and relationally, which means I draw on different therapeutic ideas while keeping you and our relationship at the centre. I offer warmth, empathy and curiosity, alongside a commitment to understanding your experience without judgement.
Our work is collaborative. I listen carefully, ask questions and help us explore connections that may be difficult to see alone. We might look at what is happening now, how earlier experiences continue to influence you, or the expectations you hold about yourself. You have a say in the pace and direction, with space to reflect rather than pressure to reach a particular answer.
We will review our work regularly to make sure it remains helpful and in line with your therapeutic goals, allowing these to evolve as we go.
COUNSELLING SUPPORT
Areas I work with
I work with adults facing a wide range of life challenges. These may involve how you feel about yourself, your relationships, or changes in your health, work and everyday life.
- Anxiety, stress and overwhelm
- Low self-esteem and self-confidence
- Self-criticism and perfectionism
- Grief, bereavement and loss
- Relationship difficulties and loneliness
- Life transitions and changes in identity
- Work-related stress and burnout
A PARTICULAR INTEREST
Chronic illness & MS
I have a particular interest in supporting people living with chronic illness and MS, including those adjusting to a diagnosis or changes in their health. I also work with carers and family members affected by illness.
Our conversations can make room for uncertainty, loss and the impact on your identity, relationships and work.
More about counselling for chronic illness and MS ↗SESSIONS & FEES
Sessions & fees
£60 per 50-minute session
Concessionary rates may be available—please enquire.
Face-to-face in Woking, Surrey, online or by telephone.
I offer both short-term and long-term counselling.
Payment is by BACS bank transfer.
I am currently accepting new clients. Please get in touch to discuss available appointment times.
Please provide a minimum of 24 hours’ notice if you need to cancel a session.
A free introductory conversation
I offer a free 20-minute consultation by telephone or video call so we can talk through what you’re looking for and see if I’m the right person to support you.
I’m happy to talk through any questions you may have, so you can get a feel for how I work and decide whether therapy with me feels right for you. There is no obligation to book.
Arrange a free introductory call ↗Common questions
Do I need to know what to talk about?
No—you don’t need to arrive with a clear plan or know exactly what to say. We can begin with whatever is on your mind and take time together to explore what you need from counselling.
Can we meet online or by telephone?
Yes. I offer face-to-face counselling in Woking, as well as online and telephone sessions.
What happens in the introductory call?
I offer a free 20-minute consultation by telephone or video call so we can talk through what you’re looking for and see if I’m the right person to support you. I’m happy to talk through any questions you may have, so you can get a feel for how I work and decide whether therapy with me feels right for you. There is no obligation to book.
Is counselling confidential?
Yes. What you share in our sessions is treated confidentially, so you can speak openly about what’s on your mind. There are some exceptions, including certain legal obligations or serious concerns about your safety or someone else’s. Wherever possible, I would discuss any need to share information with you first.
I also receive regular professional supervision, where your identity is protected. We’ll talk through confidentiality before we begin, and you’re welcome to ask questions at any time.
ARTICLES & REFLECTIONS
Articles I’ve written for MS-UK
Writing about living with MS and the support counselling can offer. These articles were published by MS-UK and can be read on its website.
PUBLISHED ON MS-UK
What you can expect from counselling
What happens in counselling, how to begin and why you don’t need to know exactly what to say.
Markus Flaherty ·
Read on MS-UK ↗Get in touch
If you have a question or would like to arrange a free introductory call, please get in touch.
You only need to share enough for us to make contact. Please use this form for contact arrangements, availability or general questions only. Do not include health information, diagnoses or details of your difficulties.
Privacy & confidentiality
I use your enquiry information to respond to you and discuss counselling. The privacy notice explains how it is handled and retained.
Counselling is confidential, with certain legal and safeguarding limits. We will discuss confidentiality and its limits before beginning our work together.
Prefer to email directly?
markusflahertycounselling@gmail.com
If you need urgent support
Enquiries are not an emergency service and messages may not be read immediately. If someone is in immediate danger, call 999 or go to A&E. Samaritans can be reached on 116 123, free, at any time.