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I knew Maria a little and admired her greatly. She was a lovely person and did so much for our profession. I will miss her.

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Maria was a dear friend and a valued colleague. She was there when I needed her, she was a dedicated activist and an immense laugh, and the therapy profession is a much, much poorer place for her loss. I am heartbroken for all of us, but most especially for her lovely children. May she always be remembered and honoured in our work and lives. I will miss you, Maria.

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She was practically legendary, one of those figures who I imagined, without really questioning, would always be there. Someone who defined an aspect of our world. And the world is changed by her passing.

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Thank you for all you did for our profession Thank you for your passion, determination, fire and feist. You made me laugh, think and challenge myself.

I am so desperately sorry for those that loved her and for her family. What a loss.

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Maria for me was someone who offered a route between social classes into a very class based profession - my interaction with her was minimal however her impact on me as a student therapist is profound; watching her tireless campaigning towards better pay and conditions for a profession steeped in oppression. She is remarkable and will be hugely missed. Much love to her family and those closest to her - The world desperately needs more Maria's <3

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I am deeply shocked and saddened by the news that María has passed. My heart and prayers got out to her wonderful children and family. She will be dearly missed xxx

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She worked tirelessly for the profession to benefit us all. She was never afraid to stand by what was right. She came across as courageous, warm, knowledgeable and helpful. My thoughts are with her family, friends and all of us who knew her 😔♥️

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A pioneer of the counselling profession 

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A pioneer of the counselling profession 

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Maria was an amazing individual who fought hard for therapist’s rights. She’ll be sorely missed. She was an amazing inspiration, a powerful influence who changed our profession and the people working in it for the better. Her passing is a huge loss to all of us. Rest in peace Maria, you were a shining light to all of us ❤️ love Jen xx

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Thankyou Maria, for sharing your knowledge and experience with so many of us in therapeutic work. Thankyou for believing and striving for better for us all. Thankyou for being a wonderful human being.

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Thankyou Maria, for sharing your knowledge and experience with so many of us in therapeutic work. Thankyou for believing and striving for better for us all. Thankyou for being a wonderful human being.

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I am so saddened to hear this news about Maria. She is and was a real force for good in a profession that is often dominated by personal gain. I admired her ability to be raw and real and share her authentic experience. I'd hoped to be able to meet her on her travels in Scotland sometime and saddened that I won't have the chance.

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I didn't know Maria personally but she was a mighty hand in our profession. I witnessed her fighting tirelessly for what she believed in and supporting colleagues through their own difficulties. I pray that her beautiful children and family will always find people to support them and fight for them the way she did for others.

Rest well beautiful soul ❤️

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Maria gave me some invaluable advice years ago when her activism first began. I have never forgotten it and it has been immensely useful to me in my private practice. I cannot believe that she has gone at such a young age she gave so much to all of us.

She will be much missed in our profession, but so much more by her family and friends.

I would like to send my deepest sympathy to them and everyone who knew her. RIP Maria.

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I am so saddened to hear the news about Maria. I had a free coaching session with her this year where she gave me invaluable advice for my website. She had the kindest heart and the counselling profession was forever greater for having her apart of it. My thoughts go out to her children, friends and family. Rest in power!  

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I am so saddened to hear the news about Maria. I had a free coaching session with her this year where she gave me invaluable advice for my website. She had the kindest heart and the counselling profession was forever greater for having her apart of it. My thoughts go out to her children, friends and family. Rest in power!  

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So very sad to hear of the death of this pioneer. She fought for others and always held them in mind. What a force she was. My thoughts go out to her friends and family.

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Maria was an inspiration and such a lovely lady. She was really supportive. Maria was one of the judges of the Counsellors Together UK in 2020 to give my business Counselling by Jane & Animal Assisted Therapy services an award ‘Best Private Practice, on National Counsellors Day.

This was my first award which I was very proud to receive and I was and still am really thankful to her and her team and for this and all her support.

Such a sad loss. My thoughts are with her family and colleagues. RIP Maria.

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Thank You for being you, your worked so hard for us, she was an amazing inspiration, and her death is a huge loss for us all. Rest in peace Maria, You will continuing shining light for us all.

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So very sad to hear of Maria's death. She was such a wonderful and amazing person who worked tirelessly for our counselling profession. My heart goes out to her lovely children who were her world and to her family who must be heartbroken. Rest peacefully Maria, you will be missed by so many xx

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I have never met Maria in person but we crossed paths ‘online’. I was struck by how much she offered of herself in order to help other counsellors.She gave me some great advice and I admired her generosity and tenacity to strive when something was unjust or unfair.

I am really saddened she is no longer here and that I never met her in person.Rest in peace Maria x

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I am so terribly saddened at the tragic loss of our dear friend, fellow counsellor and pioneer for fairness. Maria, you were a wonderful lady in so many ways. I cannot thank you enough for the battles you took on in the name of fairness within the counselling profession. Even when you were struggling with your own ill health, divorce and hardship you continued to bang the drum for others. You were not afraid to take on anyone or anything, never feeling intimidated by others titles or screens because you were fighting for justice. What you set up in CTUK was amazing, supporting counsellors both individually and collectively. I am eternally grateful for your efforts.

My concern now lies with your 3 beautiful children. You were such a loving and caring Mum always fighting for the best for them whilst simply loving them with the ferocity they deserved. It was so apparent from your posts on social media what your children meant to you. I pray that they have someone to hold them tight now as they learn to live with their loss.

Sending love and huge gratitude to you wherever you are Maria. And my care and compassion go to your children, family, friends and all who mourn your loss. Xx

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I got to know Maria from her work in CTUK and the conference she organised including Counsellors Day. I connected with her wholeheartedly through her intelligence and grounded confidence in the work she did.

She was also a funny, brave, compassionate woman who knew what was fair and unjust in modern society.

I was so excited for her future work and dedication to getting clear answers to the many confusing projects that hit us in the therapy profession. She had our backs. I hope she felt this and that I would have defended her and her integrity no matter who challenged it. And there were some!

I am sad, devastated, shook, angry and grief stricken by her passing. I will remember her forever.

RIP beautiful ❤️🌸🩷

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What a profound loss for so many. Personally, professionally and politically. Maria you were a powerhouse of an activist who brought people together and made things happen.

I will always remember that first National Counsellors Day Conference in Lincoln, how we grew our respective FB groups at the same time and the support,  encouragement and warmth you offered so consistently.

Rest peacefully, precious warrior.

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I came across Maria and her work when I was a student Counsellor.

I sought her out for information and valued opinion. Her insights were so valuable to me.

Immediately trustworthy, gained by her outright determination to help and to do so in such an open and transparent way.

I’m sure in many circles Maria, your impact will keep you in the hearts and minds of those who knew you and respected you.

Sending love to all of her children , her family and friends.

Rest Easy, Maria.

You did good ❤️ xx

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Thank you for your time, your care, your mentoring and your support. We all owe you so much. Most of all thank you for being my friend.

Holding you and your beautiful children in my thoughts.

Jen

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My condolences to everyone's life she touched. Such a loss to our profession. Thoughts are with the family.

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This is such a shock and such sad news. I was inspired by the powerhouse that she was and had connected with Maria a number of years ago. Her determination to fight for her family and her profession was felt. She gave so much to enable voices to be heard, she supported so many who were truely struggling. She was a force of nature. Thinking of her young children, family and those who knew her. RIP Maria

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This is such a shock and such sad news. I was inspired by the powerhouse that she was and had connected with Maria a number of years ago. Her determination to fight for her family and her profession was felt. She gave so much to enable voices to be heard, she supported so many who were truely struggling. She was a force of nature. Thinking of her young children, family and those who knew her. RIP Maria

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I never met Maria, but I have been touched by her campaigning over the years for therapists’ work to be valued. She made a difference and I thank her.

And my heart goes out to her friends and family xxxx

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Sending my love to Maria's family and friends and a Big thank you to you in no doubt supporting Maria in her enduring mission to make things better for counsellors and to enable us to do this crucial work. Take care of yourselves. Xx

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Maria, you have been a phenomenal light within our profession. You used your voice to speak up for inequality, to call out unjust practice, to hold people and organisations to account. You showed me what activism can look like - how it can affect change and make our profession a better place. To say your determination, warmth and calm fierceness will be missed is an understatement. Thank you for everything you’ve done. I will miss you.

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May Maria’s soul rest in peace as her legacy and generosity live on in this world. A massive loss to the therapy field and to our society.

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Maria was one of the bravest people in our profession. She did a huge amount to raise counsellor's morale in the face of institutional indifference. Her passing is a huge loss.

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Maria was one of those people that inspired so many. She was a true hero and her determination shone through. My thoughts are with her family and friends 💔

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Maria introduced me to many important ideas through her work, and is one of those people you can truly say helped you see the world in a different way.

Always incredibly generous with her time, I can't thank her enough. I hope her ideas and her energy continue to ripple out into a community she helped build and cared so much about.

My deepest condolences are with her family and friends.

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I only knew of Maria though her work and campaigning but am shocked and saddened by her death especially at such a young age. Her hard work and dedication to promote counselling and to challenge those who hold power

within the profession was an inspiration and she is a massive loss to our profession.

My condolences to her family and friends.

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I knew Maria a little professionally, and greatly admired her work and her dedication to making things better in the counselling and therapy space, especially ensuring counsellors were properly paid and valued. Maria could be a force to be reckoned with and held fast to what she deeply held to be right. She will be greatly missed for her passion and energy.

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I met Maria many years ago on Facebook and we quickly connected with very similar political views, our outlook on life and we even shared a birthday. We became firm friends and would regularly chat offline, sharing our experiences and it was a safe place for both of us to vent.

I hugely admired her. She was such a strong woman despite at times not wanting to have to be strong. She always fought for her children and I feel immense sadness for them. They were lucky to have such an amazing female role model and they will of course feel the weight of her loss for a long time to come.

I am so deeply saddened but feel privileged to have shared time with her, and her family and close friends will be in my heart.

Goodbye Maria, I will always remember you xx

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Thank you for your leadership, for your vision and incredible contribution to the counselling world. For one person to contribute so much is truly inspiring. I was involved on the admin team in Counsellors Together FB group when Maria first set it up and am thankful to have experienced Maria's tenacity and determination to make a positive contribution to the field. What a sad loss, I'm sending love to her family and loved ones ❤️

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I will never forget Maria’s generosity and warmth towards me.

She leaves a legacy of compassion and strength. Of gentle spirit, but a voice that demanded to be heard. She made a difference. To me, and to thousands of others.

I’m devastated that we’ve lost Maria way too soon. I know I will strive to continue to do my part in continuing the incredible legacy she has left. If I can be just a fraction of the activist and advocate that she was, I’ll be happy.

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I was shocked to see this news this morning.

I met Maria once and had several conversations on line.

She was always generous with her knowledge and time.

Personally, she helped me find a specialist counsellor in Newcastle for a friend's relative.

A truly inspiring woman who achieved so much for so many.

My thoughts are with her children; they had such wonderful times together.

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I'm so shocked and saddened to hear Maria has died. I came across CTUK as a student and continued to follow her activism, her passion for fairness, and the right to paid work. She fought hard for so many people and for the cause, and gave so much of her time and energy, with compassion, diligence and care. I'm thinking of her children and family and what a huge loss it is. You were an extraordinary woman Maria. X

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I'm so shocked and saddened to hear Maria has died. I came across CTUK as a student and continued to follow her activism, her passion for fairness, and the right to paid work. She fought hard for so many people and for the cause, and gave so much of her time and energy, with compassion, diligence and care. I'm thinking of her children and family and what a huge loss it is. You were an extraordinary woman Maria. X

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I am really shocked and deeply saddened to hear the news of Maria's passing. I had no idea that she was sick. She was a huge help to me during my counselling training, i spoke to her privately about the struggles i was facing during training and she encouraged me to keep going. I was lucky enough to be sent some sea glass in a jar from her earlier in the year which takes on a more profound meaning now. A huge advocate for changing the face of what counsellors look like, tirelessly campaigning for fair pay and the ending of free work. I am struggling to wrap my head around it. What an absolute loss for our profession. Sleep peacefully Maria.

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Such devastating news. She was truly an inspiration and advocate for so many in our profession. Always striving for our recognition. Such a tragic loss. Her legacy will live on through National Counsellors Day. My heart breaks for her beautiful children and all impacted by her loss. RIP Maria x

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Maria, You made such a difference to me. I was a burned out therapist taking time off work and was so low and anxious that I didn’t think I would ever return to work.

Well that was until I went on a counsellors retreat you organised, it was so amazing and so healing and I returned to work and when things get tough I think of the retreat and tell myself this will pass. So thank you Maria for noticing what was needed, you made an impact to others. Thinking of your loved ones. Fly high beautiful xxx

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I am a Counselling Psychologist in training. I joined Counsellors Together UK for morale support, facing years of unpaid clinical placements for the NHS and 3rd sector which angered me. It was unethical, unsustainable, and unfair. Especially when trainee Clinical Psychologists got paid Band 6 and course fees paid from day one of training. Yet we were doing similar work in the NHS, sometimes in the same placement. Maria was an inspiration encouraging me to challenge this injustice. Her support behind the scenes, her unwavering commitment and belief in the power of therapy and therapists, her courage and sense of justice, equity and fairness, challenging unjust systems, will always be remembered, and I hope her work is furthered by all that follow. Sleep well Maria.

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An inspirational and brave woman who fought for the rights of all in our profession. A lady whose values seemed to align with my own and who I wish I could have met in person. RIP beautiful lady x

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I'm very sorry to hear of Maria's death. I didn't know her personally but joined CTUK as a student therapist and we exchanged messages about National Counsellors Day - she was compassionate and supportive. I was very aware of her activism and voice - she made the counselling profession and the world a better place through her work and presence. My thoughts are with her family and friends

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A huge loss. I’ll never forgot the frank and refreshingly honest conversation we had about your work and the challenges of it.

You have been a huge force in the counselling profession and I find my self quoting you.

A very sad loss. RIP.

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My heart was sad to learn of your death the world has lost a truly inspiring woman who I found to be so compassionate and giving. Even though we never met in person Maria reached out to offer me a space on a counsellors retreat when I was caring for my partner, I was only one of many that Maria helped. Her tireless work to help end exploitation a real warrior. You will be so missed by many. Sending love to your beautiful family and friends.

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R.I.P strong and beautiful Maria.

I followed you on social media and admired your sharing life and work experience, energy you had for our profession, love & care you gave ❤️

Zekiye

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Maria, you did so much to help so many people and always demonstrated such commitment to equality in the counselling profession. So many people have benefitted from your work. The thing that stood out to me about you was your belief that you could make things happen - and you did. RIP.

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Maria was a fearless powerhouse, challenging institutional and organisational injustice and offering voice and advocacy for many. When I was Chair of BACP, I had regular contact with Maria: some of it supportive, much of it questioning and pushing for a better profession. I admired her hugely, respected her immeasurably and was always, and will always be, in awe of her endless intelligence, dignity and integrity.

We last worked together on the Open Letter sent to BACP in October 2023. As always, Maria was generous, thoughtful and kind. I am shocked and saddened in equal measure at this most awful news and send my thoughts to her family and friends.

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Repeating what I have said in the Union forum:

I am deeply shocked by this news. Maria was a driving force in and a champion of the counselling community, a true leader. Her death is a huge loss to all of us. I didn't ever meet her in person, which I now regret, but I have valued her contributions hugely as a member of Counsellors Together and I consider the Counsellors' Day Conference to be a must-attend event.

My thoughts and good wishes go out to all who knew her personally,

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I feel so sad for the loss of Maria. She was an incredibly special human being and irreplaceable. My thoughts and love go to her family and friends. The ripples Maria created in her life have touched many and will continue to be felt. Rest well lovely Maria 💔

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Maria, I will always remember you for your passion and tireless fight for the profession. You brought so many together and you fought for us all. We both attended one your many zoom meetings and it turned out to be just us two. We talked about the profession and life in general and i often fondly remember that. I'm so sad to hear you are no longer with us. May you forever rest in eternal peace. 🙏

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Maria was a beautiful generous woman who connected with others in such a genuine way. She once offered me a sailing holiday because she knew I was struggling such generosity and kindness was clearly what she stood for. Be at peace Maria and sending condolences to her family ❤️❤️

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I have only encountered Maria online but I have been impressed and inspired by her leadership, bravery, passion and commitment to our profession. She will be sorely missed. Many condolences to all who loved her.

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I didn't know Maria very well, but have been in contact with her through social media since my training years, and had the privilege to chat and work with her last year. She now won't know what an inspiration she has been for me since I took my first timid steps into this profession. Her courage, openness and determination in speaking out against inequalities in mental health gave many of us the strength to do so ourselves.

Her initiatives with Counsellors Together UK and her tireless work also paved the way for many to enter this field feeling more secure in our belonging. Without her public presence and sometimes quiet encouragement, I wouldn't be the therapist I am today. I am grateful our paths crossed, and heartbroken to know she's been taken from us so soon. She will be missed. My heart goes out to her family and friends, especially her daughters.

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I got to know Maria when I worked at BACP. She had strong opinions and an unwavering sense of what was right and wrong. But when I reached out to her, I discovered she was also warm, engaging and very funny.

She helped me see things through a critical lens and made me better at my job. She was hugely supportive when I was made redundant and outside of BACP we formed a friendship.

She had so much passion for her profession and was excited for her future plans. She had great ideas - all with the end result of making things better for others.

She spoke with me often about her children. Shared her son playing guitar and how proud she was. We compared notes on raising strong daughters.

The world will be a lesser place without Maria. I hope her family know what an impact she had and what a legacy she leaves.

I will miss her very much.

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So many people you touched

Fought so many battles stood up for what you beloved in

Very lucky to have met you and support the work you did, xxx

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I first met Maria through various social media groups and was blown away by her passion for fighting for fairness for others within the counselling profession, providing much needed challenge to membership bodies. Her integrity and energy was formidable but most of all, she embodied the very best of the profession - authenticity, courage and kindness, and a fearless warrior for justice. My sincere condolences to her family 

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I first met Maria through various social media groups and was blown away by her passion for fighting for fairness for others within the counselling profession, providing much needed challenge to membership bodies. Her integrity and energy was formidable but most of all, she embodied the very best of the profession - authenticity, courage and kindness, and a fearless warrior for justice. My sincere condolences to her family 

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Maria will be so very missed. Her willingness to learn and grow from others, to show up for people when they aren't in the room is something that is not common enough. She was an trailblazer in our profession and she leaves a legacy that she can be proud of.

She worked hard to make the world a better place than she entered it and that is something we should all aspire to.

A life cut short far too soon.

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So sad to hear of your passing....you was a Voice for soo many...I send my deepest condolences to your family...🫂

My thoughts and prayers 🙏🏼 are with them..You will be missed my lovely.

Thank you for the support u gave and advocated...thank u for our chats!!.....💜

Lesley-Anne. X

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I was in touch with Maria around the time she was setting up CTUK. I was stuck deep in the fallout from whistleblowing. Her bravery and courage to keep fighting to improve the system for everyone on all sides of mental health were so impressive. I had to step away from the "politics" side of the work to save myself and remained in awe at her bravery and all that she managed to achieve. I am so sad to learn that she suffered ill health at too young an age and that she is no longer with us. She has though left a lasting legacy in instilling into the culture an aspiration to better the wellbeing of counsellors (financially and emotionally) which ripples through to beter services for those that use them. That legacy will live on; she was exceptional.

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my heart goes out to Maria’s family, her children especially and all those who loved her.

I knew of her tireless work, campaigning and the retreats she helped create. She worked tirelessly for the profession. She will be greatly missed. Gone too soon x

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The most genuine and generous of souls, tirelessly fighting for fairness, justice, and a better system. Shocked to hear the news of Maria's passing. May she rest in peace. May her nearest and dearest find solace and comfort in their grief. May the beautiful scent that she couldnt help but sprinkle on each individual she touched be multiplied by them all in touching others 🌼🪷🌹🌿

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I never had the pleasure of meeting Maria, I have been a member of CTUK since 2018 though, when I started my counselling training. I joined the paid for membership as soon as it was available. Maria's content, advice and posts were the background of my training and the development of my private practice. It was Maria who sparked my interest in SCoPed and the politics of counselling. And it is this interest that I have taken forward into my teaching. This is a massive loss to the profession. My love and wishes go out to her friends and family. ❤️

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Life is cruel. This wonderful lady gave so much and has been taken too soon. Deepest condolences, especially to her children. RIP.

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Such a shock. I knew Maria through the CTUK arty groups and more recently through her coaching. She was so supportive of me, and fought so hard for counsellors. My thoughts are with her children and family.

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Heartbroken reading this tragic news, so sad, such a huge loss to her family and friends and the counselling community. I can only think of her beautiful children whom she adored, she was an inspirational leader and activist. Incredible patience and strength when asking for help on anything. Helpful kind and so caring. My sincere condolences to the family. Rest In Peace Maria. 💔 Cliodhna

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The light in this world will shine less brightly now Maria isn’t here to shine her amazingly beautiful brightness 🔆. Rest in peace Maria ♥️

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The light in this world will shine less brightly now Maria isn’t here to shine her amazingly beautiful brightness 🔆. Rest in peace Maria ♥️

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I just cannot believe that Maria has died. How can someone so lovely, full of love, energy and drive not be here with us any longer? Maria was such a force of inspiration for me and countless others. I remember finding her CTUK Facebook when I was in my counselling training and immediately thinking, "This is a strong woman who I want to follow and look up to" and I did. I had the privilege to know her, to speak and work with her. She cared so much for our profession and was always there when I had a question or indeed when I asked her support to submit resolutions to the BACP. Maria challenged many of the systems that exploit trainee and qualified counsellors. She worked tirelessly to raise awareness of many of the issues that affect us all. She spoke for all of us with strength and fairness. She really understood the hardships and challenges within our profession and genuinely wanted to do something positive about it. I will always remember her being on the right side, advocating and fighting for our rights. She was fair and honest and she was just a beautiful and kind soul. Our profession has lost a great activist, advocate and human being. I'm sending love to all who are also sad and devastated by her death, especially her beautiful children.

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What a legacy Maria has left, of being known for her passion, her principles, and her open hearted kindness. She was a warrior. Rest in peace.

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The authenticity, kindness and relentlessness of Maria's work touched me deeply. Whenever I saw that she was involved in something it gave me a sense of safety, a sense of rigour, a sense of careful thought and wisdom. Today I find that the secure base she gave to my counselling has been removed. I am heartbroken.

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I never met Maria but had a few conversations online. She was always so kind and thoughtful in her responses. Was lovely to be in a group with such a strong woman with drive and passion. Sending love to all her family and friends x

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I did not know Maria well but worked together with her on Partnes for Counselling and Psychotherapy. She was indispensable.

https://www.partnersforcounsellingandpsychotherapy.co.uk/

She was a visionary and a leader – and a brilliant organiser. Courageous and kind. I have really not met anyone like her in our field before. This is a tragic loss, when a young

person dies at the height of their powers.

Andrew Samuels

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So very sad to see the news of Maria’s passing. Full of admiration always for her dedication, activism, vision and support for the counselling profession. I had no idea that she was suffering illness that has taken her life. RIP Maria and fly high with the other Angels. With heartfelt condolences to her family.

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God bless Maria.

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Never actually met you Maria, but I loved you all the same. Thank you for the chats, advice & for touching my heart with your story.

Graham xx

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I'm so deeply saddened to hear such heartbreaking news. Maria will always be remembered for her supportive, compassionate and hugely transformative actions within the counselling profession. My heart goes out to her loved ones at this time. I really hope they get to know just how admired and respected she really was.

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I didn’t know Maria personally but admired her work greatly. If we are valued because of the courage we have and the difference we make, then Maria was admired, valued and will be deeply missed by our profession and the individual counsellors whose lives she touched. Condolences to her friends and family

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I experienced Maria as authentic, unselfish, highly skilled in critical analysis, open-minded, hard-working, warm, empathic - & I only had a few exchanges of dialogue with her! Clearly a positive influence in counselling. Thank you for being you. RIP

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Maria was my friend... and she was just so so kind, and compassionate, with a terrific sense of humour and lived her principles. I had hopes of getting together with her- and we spoke of meeting up... I will miss her. I miss her now. I loved her writing- her voice was incredibly authentic and genuine, and what she wrote really needs to be read by a wider audience- her message was so very important. She truly was one of the best people I've ever known- with a heart as big as the sky. Our profession will be much the worse without her tireless activism and the example she set with it. My heart goes out to her beloved children... Vale, Maria...

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Thank you Maria for coming into my life. It was brief. It was through social media. It was real. It was authentic. It was too short . It wont be forgotten. RIP

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What a shining light and inspiration to so many of us working in the profession of counselling and therapy. Sending heartfelt condolences to her children and family. I will miss her tenacious determination and sense of humour. She fought hard for us and I am so so very grateful for that ~ Maria was a rare and determined woman Sending love xx xx

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Shocked and saddened at the loss of Maria who I only knew through CTUK.

I was constantly amazed at her drive, commitment and compassion at the same time as single handedly raising her family.

Maria you were one incredible lady and the world is poorer without you in it.

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Anything I could say about Maria has already been said, far more eloquently, by the numerous people paying tribute on this page. Instead, I hope that her family and close friends can feel how deeply treasured Maria was within our therapist community, and that this offers some small solace in this difficult time.

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Thank you for opening my eyes to activism and what can be done with passion and determination. Thank you for showing us how we can be in communication with others and building relationships whilst still representing our values.

Thank you for caring so deeply about us and the profession. You have made such a positive impact on so many lives.

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Maria, has been a constant support to me from student to qualified counsellor and then setting up my website and supporting me into private practice. Such an inspirational lady who will be missed by so many. Thank you Maria, thoughts and prayers to all family , friends and colleagues alike xx

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So sorry to hear that you have died. You inspired many of us freshly graduated counsellors to believe that Counselling was a respectable career that deserved respect. Fare thee well Maria. My sincere condolences to family and friends 🧡

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When we met for the first time, it felt like we would be friends for a lifetime. Maria had this way about her with so many people who she crossed paths with. It really sucks that the lifetime we had together was so short.

She loved and was loved xx i will miss you so much xx

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Inspirational. Such a role model.

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Maria, you will be missed by so many, and although I am deeply, deeply sadden to hear of your death, I am so glad to have known you albeit, in the scheme of things, briefly. You inspired me and gave me much needed support at a time when I was struggling both professionally and personally. I will never be able to thank you enough. I send my heartfelt love and condolences to all your family, friends, colleagues and those like me who only met you in virtual world, but who's world you had a huge impact on none the less. May you rest in enteral peace Maria 💜 love forever Joycey B

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Maria was an amazing role model who stood up and challenged the culture of unpaid work in our profession.  She spoke up, when others feared. She pushed against power and fought for justice for us all. I will always have so much love and respect for Maria. Rest in Power Maria!

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I never met Maria in person but felt I knew something of her through her tireless work for CTUK. I enormously valued her courage and determination in shouting out about the values which I hold dear and organising to make those voices heard. She was a powerhouse and role model for many.

Sending love to her family and friends in their loss.

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I have only known Maria a couple of years, but I’d been watching the development of CTUK in the background, before interacting, and was mega proud that she was a fellow North East lass tackling inequality, in the Therapy world, with such drive, intelligence and humility.

We began corresponding to organise yearly counsellor retreats and our zoom calls and messages were precious and inspiring to me. She was incredibly supportive and incredibly knowledgeable and shared her time and experience so graciously.

She was certainly a force of nature with her entrepreneurial zest and channelled activist outrage and action, but she often talked more softly of families, motherhood and backgrounds. In her authenticity as a human, she was one of the best of us.

Sadness doesn’t touch the sides of how devastated I am for her 3 beloved children. She deserved longer and she will not be forgotten. I hope wherever she is, she is feeling the depth of love she inspired.

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What an inspiration you have been to so many. I’ve read hundreds of comments from people sharing how much you meant to them. How much they valued the work you have done to challenge this profession. You held the profession up to a higher standard and you did something about it, in a big way. You were one of kind - you made people listen and all the time full of humility.

The times we talked will always hold a special place in my heart. You offered your guidance so generously, allowing me to learn from your wisdom. You gave me a space to rant, swear, and cry, as well as to joke, laugh, and release the heaviness of the work.

My heart goes out to your family, friends, and all those whose lives you touched.

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I never knew you but you sound like such a wonderful person. The sort of person this world needs now more than ever. Sending loving thoughts to family and friends.

Steve

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The world has lost a voice that spoke what so many were unable to say. Go well Maria - you leave a legacy.

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I felt inspired the first time I met you, many years ago at a conference... Your vision, caring and seemingly limitless drive and passion for improving the lives of others was incredible.

Go well Maria, your legacy lives on through your beautiful children and the amazing work you did. My thoughts are with your family 🪷 x

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I am deeply saddened about Maria's passing. She was a warrior who fought so many hard battles for our profession. She has left a lasting legacy that will live on in all of those still talking about valuing therapists and the work we do.

Sending love and strength to her children, family and everyone affected by this loss. Rest in power, Maria. You are missed.

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Maria - such a loving vibrant compassionate person 

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Maria - such a loving vibrant compassionate person 

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I was so shocked and sad to hear this horrendous news - it doesn't seem possible that Maria has died.

Sometimes it feels like I met the lovely Maria in person (even though I unfortunately didn't get a chance to)...But this surely speaks to her vibrant, warm, revolutionary and dynamic presence in her online work at her exceptional National Counsellors' Day webinar that I attended, as well as the very many times I had the good fortune of chatting with her over Facebook counsellors' groups.

I recall joining those online groups and noticing that Maria was one of the counsellors on there who very openly, willingly (and always with so much humility) welcomed those of us who were trainees...to me there were times that it was even like having a big sister in Maria!

From early on I experienced her as so brave and authentic to herself, even (and perhaps Especially) during potentially challenging group debates. She was frequently the voice of reason and social justice.

I felt incredibly proud to be treated as a peer by her too. I'm grateful to have learnt from Maria lessons and insights that will stay with me, and I know I'm not alone in that.

Sending warmth, love and light to Maria's children. Thinking of you all x