I am a credentialed therapist in the UK with four years of professional experience supporting individuals through a wide range of emotional and psychological challenges. I have experience helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties, trauma, abuse, motivation, self-esteem, confidence, and depression. I believe that you are the expert in your own story and that you already have many strengths that can help you overcome the challenges you face. Taking the first step towards a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage, and I am here to support you throughout that process.
Working with BH has given me the valuable opportunity to work with individuals from all over the world, from diverse cultural and personal backgrounds, each bringing their own unique experiences, circumstances, and challenges. This has been an incredibly enriching part of my professional journey. Supporting people with different needs and presentations has allowed me to broaden my clinical experience and develop greater knowledge and understanding of a wide range of mental health difficulties. It has also taught me the importance of approaching every individual with openness, curiosity, cultural sensitivity, and without assumptions.
These experiences have not only strengthened my professional expertise but have also helped me grow as a person. They have taught me to listen more deeply, appreciate different perspectives, and approach each person with patience, gentleness, and empathy. I believe that continuing to learn from the people I work with is an essential part of becoming a better therapist.
I would describe myself as responsible, enthusiastic, and deeply empathetic, with a genuine commitment to supporting others through life’s challenges. At the heart of my work is the belief that every person has the potential to grow, heal, and discover their inner strength. Sometimes, they simply need a safe space, understanding, and the right guidance to begin that process.
In the therapy room, I bring warmth, openness, and curiosity. I see my role as walking alongside you, creating a safe and non-judgmental space where you can express yourself freely and honestly. My approach is person-centred and rooted in empathy, which means I listen carefully, meet you where you are, and work collaboratively with you to find a path forward that feels right for you.
I am particularly passionate about helping people build self-confidence, understand and regulate their emotions, and develop a deeper sense of meaning and purpose in their lives. My background in counselling and positive psychology allows me to support clients in processing difficulties such as depression, anxiety, relationship struggles, trauma, and stress, while also focusing on strengths, resilience, self-awareness, and personal growth.
Beyond therapy, I value connection, communication, and lifelong learning. My varied professional and life experiences, including working as an interpreter and advocate and managing a business, have shaped me into someone who understands that people come from very different walks of life. Combined with my experience at BH, this has helped me develop a flexible and compassionate approach that recognises each person as an individual rather than simply focusing on a diagnosis or difficulty.
My goal is always the same: to empower you to feel heard, understood, supported, and capable of making the changes you want to see in your life. Together, we can work not only on navigating challenges but also on recognising your strengths, building resilience, and creating a future that feels more fulfilling and true to who you are.
Additional areas of focus: Abandonment, Attachment issues, Body image, Communication problems, Control issues, Divorce and separation, Forgiveness, Guilt and shame, Isolation / loneliness, Life purpose, Money and financial issues, Mood disorders, Narcissism, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Post-traumatic stress, Self-love, Sexuality, Social anxiety and phobia, Women's issues
Clinical approaches: Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), Existential Therapy, Imago Relationship Therapy
BACP Therapist - Registered Member MBACP #407938
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Maria Pencheva. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
I think Maria pencheva is very good at her job. She's a great listener. I have found the journal entries very helpful to express what I'm going through. I think I find them easier than actually talking out loud. She always responds quickly taking on board what I have been saying. I feel like I'm being heard and it nice to know that my feelings are valid. She always makes me feel at ease not rushing me for information but excepting what I'm willing to give as an when I'm willing to give it. I'm touched by her concerns about my safety and the compassion she gives so freely.
Written on Oct 02, 2026 after therapy with Maria for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and coping with life changes
I think Maria has been excellent so far. I've only been using Betterhelp for around 3 weeks and I've already noticed a marked improvement in my overall mental health. Thank you Maria!
Written on May 21, 2026 after therapy with Maria for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting issues, and self esteem
A thoughtful and supportive entry into thinking my way through difficult challenges. Meeting Maria is a great relief. She makes me far braver. A great start!
Written on May 19, 2026 after therapy with Maria for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, anger management, and career difficulties
She is an amazing therapist who listens fully and deeply to what I am saying. Her questions really encourage me to look deeper into my challenges and direct me towards clarity.
Written on Nov 07, 2025 after therapy with Maria for 2 weeks on issues concerning family conflicts, trauma and abuse, anger management, and compassion fatigue
Maria Has been a fantastic support. She listens and is able to ask some deep questions that have really helped me reframe a lot of the things I needed to think through. She is a joy to speak with.
Written on Aug 19, 2025 after therapy with Maria for 2 weeks