At Willow & Heart, we offer more than therapy. Here, healing meets creativity through integrative counselling, holistic therapies, and handmade gifts that nurture the mind and spark connection.
Who I am
Hi, I’m Marissa — an integrative counsellor and holistic therapist, and the heart behind Willow and Heart.
I'm passionate about holding space for people — whether you're navigating emotional overwhelm, relationship struggles, or just feeling a little lost. I believe that healing isn’t one-size-fits-all, which is why I offer a gentle, flexible approach rooted in connection, creativity, and care.
I hold a Foundation Degree in Integrative Counselling for Adults and am Relate-trained in relationship therapy, with additional qualifications in holistic therapies that support emotional and physical wellbeing. My practice weaves together a range of therapeutic models — from person-centred and gestalt to psychodynamic, systemic, solution-focused, and a little CBT — always tailored to you and your needs.
I work with both individuals and couples, offering a calm, non-judgmental space where you can feel heard, seen, and supported.
I’m an outgoing and enthusiastic person, and I bring my full, authentic self into the work I do. As someone with dyslexia (hello neurospicy), I’ve come to see the world through a unique and creative lens. This neurodivergence is a strength — it helps me connect in more intuitive, imaginative ways, and approach each client with fresh, curious eyes.
When I’m not working with clients, I love to get creative — especially crafting handmade wire trees by hand. These little trees feel symbolic of my work: rooted, growing, and unique to each person’s journey. I also have a deep appreciation for nature, art, and all things handmade and meaningful.
I also offer a space for children to come and be just creative, see Creative Well-beings Community.
My Qualifications and Experience
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Foundation degree in Integrative Counselling
Relate/CPCAB Post-Qualification in Relationship Therapy
NCFE Cache Level 2 Certificate in Mental Health
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The Relationship Therapy April 2024- August 2025
-Individual and Relationship Counsellor
Relate Feb 2024- April 2024
-Individual and Relationship Counsellor
The Meridian Centre
-Student Counsellor
Mentor-Link
-Emotional support for children
Reach Out Wyre Forest
-Emotional support for Children
HomeStart-Wyre Forest
-Emotional support for families.
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VTCT Level 2 in holistic therapies
Zone Therapy
Holistic Facials
VTCT Level 3 diploma in Complementary Therapies
Aromatherapy
Reflexology
Swedish
PBT Hot and Cold Stone Therapy
PBT Indian Head Massage
Behind the name
So why Willow and Heart…What does this mean?
The Willow tree has many symbolic meanings which represent what the therapy journey can feel like.
Grief and Sadness: The "weeping" aspect of the willow tree, where raindrops run down its leaves, has led to its association with mourning and sorrow, whether you are grieving the loss of a loved one or a part of yourself that you’ve had to move on from.
Flexibility and Resilience: Willows are known for their ability to bend without breaking, symbolising adaptability and the strength to withstand life's pressures. Through therapy, understanding your story and realising you’ve had the strength and resilience all along can be empowering.
Healing and Renewal: Willow bark contains properties that can be used for healing, and the tree's ability to grow new trees from cuttings symbolises renewal and vitality. Understanding our wounds and attending to them with self-love can help heal them.
Fertility and New Life: Because a cutting from a willow can easily grow into a new tree, it has become a symbol of new beginnings and fertility. Once therapy has come to an end, hopefully, you will go on in life with a fresh perspective and the tool to live life to the fullest.
And Heart simply represents my passion for wellness and kindness for all of us, so this brings together Willow and Heart.
Contact
We understand that reaching out for support can feel like a big step. That’s why I offer a free, no-obligation 15-minute consultation — a space to ask questions, get a feel for how we work, and see if it feels like the right fit for you.