Therapist listings are provided by BetterHelp. We will earn a commission at no additional cost to you if you use our links to purchase.

Martha Ash

Martha Ash

Therapist · United Kingdom

Compassionate person-centred counsellor

  • Person-centred focus
  • BACP accredited
  • Practical tools offered

About Martha

Martha Ash is a counsellor who helps people untangle anxiety, relationships and the impact of past experiences. She welcomes questions about stress, depression, grief, parenting and many life changes, and aims to provide a warm and grounded place to talk. Martha holds BACP accreditation which she uses to inform her practice in the United Kingdom.

She works from a person-centred perspective that places the therapeutic relationship first. That means she focuses on honest listening, empathy and building trust so people can find their own next steps. Sessions are conversational and guided by what each person brings to the room.

Martha also draws on a background in psychology and practical techniques when they help. She may suggest simple exercises from cognitive behavioural approaches or invite attention to bodily sensations where that feels useful. These are offered alongside the core person-centred way of working rather than replacing it.

Her practice covers a broad range of concerns such as addiction, eating and body image difficulties, trauma and attachment issues, career stress, and caring responsibilities. She can help with specific themes like abandonment, adoption and foster care, blended family pressures, and chronic pain or illness.

Martha aims to be clear about what she can provide and to collaborate on goals. If the working relationship is a good fit she will walk alongside people as they make changes at their own pace.

Person-centred work online and practical approaches

Person-centred therapy places the relationship between counsellor and client at the centre. It involves open listening, empathy and reflection so people can make sense of their feelings and choices. This approach suits issues like anxiety, depression, relationship stress and many life changes.

She also draws on practical psychology techniques. These might include straightforward cognitive-behavioural ideas to challenge unhelpful thoughts or small behavioural experiments to test new ways of coping. Where helpful she may invite attention to bodily sensations and breathing as part of somatic awareness work to support stress and trauma-related symptoms.

Choosing the right approach is collaborative. Martha will help you decide which methods fit your needs, goals and preferences during early sessions. She sees deciding the style of work as something you do together rather than imposing a single route.

Session formats are not specified in the biography, so please confirm current options before booking. Many people find online work helpful because it can fit more easily around work, caring duties and travel, and because it reduces time spent commuting. Others value online contact for shorter check-ins or for not needing to be on camera during parts of a session. Registered or accredited professionals can tailor the practical setup to suit your everyday life and rhythms.

Areas of focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseCoping with life changesAddictionsGriefEating disordersParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepression
AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeAvoidant personalityBDSM, kink, and alternative sex cultureBlended family issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDivorce and separationDomestic violenceEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFertility issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHIV / AIDSHospice and end-of-life counselingImmigration issuesImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsNarcissismPanic disorder and panic attacksPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationSelf-harmSelf-loveSexual assault and abuseSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaVisually impairedWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Frequently asked questions

What issues does this counsellor help with?

Martha helps people with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, addiction and many life transitions. She also works with concerns such as parenting, body image, career strain and trauma-related struggles.

How would you describe her therapeutic style?

Her style is person-centred, meaning she focuses on a trusting relationship, warm listening and empathetic understanding. She also uses practical techniques from psychology when they suit a person’s goals.

What experience does she bring?

She has three years of experience working with people on a wide range of emotional and life issues.

What are her credentials and where is she based?

She is registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, shown as BACP, and practises in the United Kingdom.

Which languages are supported for sessions?

Sessions are offered in English.

Can I work with her from another country?

International clients are not currently accepted; sessions are offered within the United Kingdom context.

How are fees and the subscription arranged?

Costs vary with location and therapist availability and sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.

How do I begin if I want to work together?

Select the Start Therapy button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to the therapist’s availability.

Martha AshContinue with Martha