Mareike Coakley, BACP

Mareike Coakley is a counsellor who helps people facing grief, low self-esteem, depression and big life changes. She also supports those dealing with parenting strain, feelings of emptiness, and the questions that come with midlife. Mareike aims to create a calm space for people to pause and make sense of difficult emotions.

She adopts an integrative style, tailoring sessions to each person rather than using one fixed method. Mareike draws on person-centred ideas to focus on the person's own pace and priorities, and also uses Transactional Analysis and cognitive behavioural techniques where helpful. This mix is used to look at thought patterns, explore relational dynamics, and build practical ways to manage day-to-day struggles.

Her background includes work in education and several years supporting children, young people and adults. Mareike brings that experience into conversations about identity, family of origin issues and parenting pressures. She describes the therapeutic relationship as the central part of change and invites all feelings into the room, including anger and shame.

Practical concerns such as coping with a new diagnosis, relationship rupture, or isolation are common topics in sessions. Mareike also supports people facing abandonment issues, attachment difficulties, chronic illness, divorce and multicultural concerns. She works with those questioning life purpose and navigating painful transitions.

Mareike is a BACP member, which is the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. She practises from the United Kingdom and conducts sessions in English. To begin, users follow the site Start Therapy button and complete a short matching questionnaire before scheduling.

Approaches that shape online conversations

Mareike uses person-centred practice to place the person's experience at the heart of sessions. This approach involves careful listening and reflecting so people can follow their own priorities and feel heard. It is useful for identity questions, grief and feeling lost.

She also works with Transactional Analysis ideas, which look at patterns in how people relate to themselves and others. This can help make sense of recurring relationship difficulties and family of origin issues. Cognitive behavioural techniques are used to spot unhelpful thoughts and try small practical changes that reduce anxiety or low mood.

Deciding which approach to use is a shared process. Mareike will discuss options with the person and agree what fits their needs, goals and preferences. She adjusts methods over time as issues change or new priorities emerge.

If you are considering online therapy, please check the current session options before booking as formats are not specified here. Many people find remote sessions save travel time, let them fit therapy around work or childcare, and make it easier to keep regular contact during difficult transitions. Remote work can also allow shorter check-ins when time is tight or avoid needing camera use if someone prefers audio only.