Dr Maria Valkovskaya

HCPC-Registered Practitioner Psychologist
Psychological therapy for chronic illness (including cancer), grief, trauma, anxiety, and eating difficulties. Culturally sensitive therapy.

HCPC-Registered Counselling Psychologist offering psychological assessments and integrative psychological therapy, including, CBT, Psychodynamic therapy, Existential therapy (Irvin Yalom-informed), and Narrative Exposure Therapy for complex trauma.

I am a Counselling Psychologist and a Clinical Supervisor with a Doctorate from City, University of London, and a Master’s degree in Psychology and Neuroscience of Mental Health from King’s College London. Alongside my private practice, I work within the NHS and at Arthur Rank Hospice in Cambridge, supporting people across different stages of life and with a wide range of psychological and health-related challenges. Before training as a psychologist, I developed extensive experience as a Montessori teacher working with young children and their families. In this role, I also supported parents and carers in navigating attachment difficulties and building closer, more secure relationships with their children.

In my current work, predominantly with adults, I offer a thoughtful, curious, transparent, confidential, and kind therapeutic space in which individuals can explore their anxieties, experiences, and relationships, and work towards meaningful and lasting change.

I am passionate about you feeling seen and valued for who you are in therapy, and about supporting you to achieve a fulfilling and meaningful life, whatever challenges you might be going through.

How I work

My approach is integrative, drawing on a range of evidence-based therapeutic models, including:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), including third-wave approaches

• Principles of Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT)

• Psychodynamic therapy

• Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET) for complex trauma

I tailor my work to each individual, considering their personal history, current context, and what they would like to achieve. I am particularly attentive to how maladaptive relational patterns might play a role in present-day difficulties.

Following an initial assessment, we will discuss together which approach will be most helpful for your presenting concerns and therapeutic goals. We will agree on a set number of sessions from the outset to help keep the work focused and purposeful, while also allowing you to plan practically and financially.

My work is grounded in curiosity, collaboration, and respect. Your confidentiality is very important to me. We will discuss openly any concerns that you might have about therapy and our relationship.

Areas I support

• Chronic illness and life-limiting conditions (including cancer)

• Relationships and interpersonal difficulties

• Anxiety, including work stress

• Parenting and family dynamics

• Body image concerns

• Trauma and complex trauma

• Grief and loss, including:

  • Bereavement

  • Perinatal loss

  • Loss of identity

  • Relocation and life transitions

  • Changes in health and functioning

Therapies offered

• CCognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), including third-wave approaches

• Psychodynamic therapy, including principles of Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT)

• Existential therapy (Irvin Yalom-informed)

• Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET) for trauma

Who I work with

• Adults of all ages

• Teenagers and their families

• Couples

• People living with chronic or life-limiting conditions

• Psychologists, psychotherapists and counsellors seeking supervision

• Trainees

I offer therapy in both English and Russian, supporting a diverse and international client group.

Professional background & experience

I am:

• HCPC-registered Counselling Psychologist

• Doctorate in Counselling Psychology, City, University of London

• MSc in Psychology and Neuroscience of Mental Health, King’s College London

Alongside my private practice, I work clinically during the week within the NHS and in the charitable sector. I have a wide range of NHS experience, working across the lifespan with children, young people, adults, older adults, and families. I have worked with people experiencing a variety of mental health difficulties, including different forms of anxiety, such as generalised anxiety, health anxiety, social anxiety, and specific phobias, as well as depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, eating disorders, personality disorders, and cognitive difficulties associated with brain injuries and different forms of dementia.

I also have a track record of published research:
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Maria-Valkovskaya

My professional background and strong interest in research mean that I regularly draw on the latest evidence to inform my clinical work.

Professional registration & memberships

• HCPC-registered Counselling Psychologist (PYL048037)

• Member of the British Psychological Society (BPS)

Qualifications include:

• Doctorate in Counselling Psychology

• Master’s in Psychology and Neuroscience of Mental Health at King’s College London

Practical information

• Sessions: In-person and online

• Location: Cambridge Therapy Rooms, 11B Kings Parade, Cambridge, CB2 1SJ

• Availability: Saturdays, 8am – 3pm

• Fees: £130 for ongoing sessions. £150 for a psychological assessment (an initial assessment session that includes a detailed letter and a tentative plan for treatment)

• Concessions available

• Languages: English and Russian

Contact & booking

If you feel my approach may be a good fit, you are very welcome to get in touch via Cambridge Therapy Collective to arrange an initial conversation.