Marilyn Hawkes, BACP

Marilyn Hawkes helps people who are feeling overwhelmed by stress and anxiety. She supports those struggling with addictions, eating concerns, depression, grief and relationship strain. Parents who are under pressure and people dealing with family problems can also find a practical listening ear. Marilyn aims to make taking the first step feel less daunting.

She works in a warm, non-judgemental way so clients can talk openly about what is worrying them. Conversations focus on understanding patterns that keep difficulties going and finding small, manageable changes. Sessions are shaped around each person's priorities rather than a fixed agenda.

Marilyn draws on attachment-based ideas to look at how past relationships affect present reactions. She also uses client-centred methods to follow what matters most to the person in the room. Cognitive behavioural techniques are used where thoughts and behaviours are getting in the way.

Motivational interviewing supports people who feel stuck or unsure about change, especially around addiction or behavioural habits. With three years of professional experience and BACP registration, Marilyn combines practical tools with empathetic listening.

People meet to set realistic goals and to practise ways of coping between sessions. The focus is on steady progress rather than quick fixes. Marilyn aims to help people build more confidence, improve communication and reduce daily stressors.

Working online with clear approaches and flexible sessions

Marilyn uses attachment-based ideas to help people understand how their early relationships shape current reactions. This approach looks at patterns of closeness and distance and can help with anxiety, relationship strain and feelings of isolation.

She also draws on cognitive behavioural therapy, which focuses on the links between thoughts, feelings and actions. CBT offers concrete strategies to reduce panic, manage mood swings and change unhelpful habits.

Choosing the right approach is part of the work together. Marilyn will talk through what feels most important, try different techniques and adjust the plan to fit personal goals and preferences. The process is collaborative and paced to each person's readiness for change.

Online sessions are offered by video call, phone, live chat or text-based messaging to make therapy easier to fit into daily life. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation, phone sessions can be simpler when bandwidth is limited, chat is useful for brief check-ins, and messaging supports ongoing reflection between meetings. These options aim to give practical flexibility while keeping the focus on steady progress.