Integral Sound Healing Practitioner, Reflexologist and Reiki Master in Church Stretton, Shropshire.

Hello, I’m Maria. For nearly two decades, I’ve been helping people find rest, calm and space to feel more like themselves. I’d love to share a little about how I got here, because it explains a great deal about the way I work.

Where my story began

Years ago, I had a busy Reflexology practice. I loved my work, and many of my clients came back to see me regularly. They often left feeling much better, but a few weeks later some would return feeling as though they were back where they’d started.

I found myself asking a question that has stayed with me ever since: how can I help people create lasting change, rather than temporary relief?

At the same time, life was asking a lot of me. I was caring for my mum, who had dementia, raising my two daughters and running my business, trying to keep every plate spinning. If I’m honest, there were days when I felt like a bystander in my own life, watching it unfold as though someone else had written the script. I was surviving, but I wasn’t really living.

Finding sound when I needed it most

Then, almost by chance, I discovered sound healing. Those sessions became my sanctuary. They gave me resilience, and they helped me let go of feelings I hadn’t even realised I was carrying.

Little by little, something shifted. Life didn’t suddenly become easy, but I finally had ways to care for myself, settle my nervous system and make the changes I wanted to see. I stopped feeling like an extra in my own story.

That experience led me to train as an Integral Sound Healing Practitioner. Today, I live and work in beautiful Shropshire, in a way that feels truly aligned with who I am.

Why my story matters to you

I believe a practitioner can only take someone as far as they have travelled themselves. Every challenge I’ve faced has deepened my understanding, my compassion and my ability to hold space for others.

So if you’re the one who looks after everyone, if you find it hard to switch off, or if rest feels like something you have to earn, I understand. I’ve been there.

What I value in the way I work

You’re always in control. Everything happens with your consent. We talk first, we agree together what feels right, and you’re never pushed further than you’re ready to go. You can trust that your session belongs to you.

You don’t have to explain everything. You’re welcome to share as much or as little as you like. Sound doesn’t need you to find the right words, and many people find that’s exactly what makes it feel so different.

You’ll leave with ways to look after yourself. I’ll help you understand how stress affects your nervous system, and share simple practices to bring yourself back to calm when life feels overwhelming. My aim is for you to feel more able to care for yourself, not reliant on me.

I keep learning and growing. My own healing is ongoing, and so is my training. I continue to attend courses, do the research and regularly connect with other Practitioners to enable me to offer a high level of professional service to you.

What “holding space” means

You’ll often hear me talk about holding space. In everyday language, it simply means this:

In a one-to-one session, I give you my full, unhurried attention, without judgement, so whatever comes up is welcome.

In a group, I create a calm, safe space where you can let go, knowing someone steady is there with you. I also check in afterwards to see if you need extra support following the session.

Either way, I take care of everything around you, so the only thing you need to do is rest.

What a 1-to-1 session is like

You arrive at my private treatment room, we begin with a conversation about how you are and what you’d like from the session.

Then, with your agreement, I bring together the approaches that feel right for you that day. That may be Sound, Reflexology or Reiki, and often a combination of two or three. Because every session responds to how you are on the day, no two are ever quite the same.

When I talk about transformational support, I don’t mean a quick fix. I mean a gradual shift in how you feel, rest and look after yourself, at a pace that feels right for you. That’s why I often recommend a series of sessions.

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Working with groups

Alongside one-to-ones, I hold space for groups of all kinds. I run regular sound baths in All Stretton and Tenbury Wells, and I offer private sound baths for celebrations and gatherings.

I’ve also brought Sound into workplaces, family homes and several charity events. I create sessions for retreats and yoga teachers, and I host my own retreats too.

Whatever the setting, my aim is the same: to create a warm, welcoming space where everyone can simply arrive as they are.

Jean’s Feedback

“I was lucky to have the beautiful experience of a 1 to 1 at Healing in the Hills. From the moment of meeting Maria, I knew it was going to be a worthwhile event. The atmosphere felt calm, welcoming, and a safe space. The session was led by Maria, a truly wonderful lady whose warmth and gentle guidance made it easy to relax and fully immerse in the experience. The sounds were incredibly soothing, creating a deep sense of peace and stillness. It completely resets my mind and body. I leave feeling lighter, grounded, and deeply relaxed. Maria puts in care and attention to every client, offering advice and guidance on the way.
I would highly recommend this truly amazing experience to anyone who is looking for a moment of calm, reflection, and healing. I attend these sessions regularly now and can’t rate them high enough.

Thank you, Maria, for guiding me on my journey. X“

Training and Qualifications

Level 1 Integral Sound Healing Multi Instruments and Level 2 Diploma in Integral Sound Healing with individual clients, Sound Healing Academy*

Ongoing mentorship with one of the Sound Healing Academy’s founding teachers

Reflexology, trained with the Kent School of Reflexology in 2008; fully qualified, insured and a member of the Association of Reflexologists (MAR)

Diploma in Fertility, Pregnancy and Post-pregnancy Reflexology, plus further training in advanced spinal techniques, aromatherapy for the feet, resiliency skills, reflexology for the menopause and Men’s Health.

Reiki Master, with June Meagher

Reiki 1 and 2 with Hannah MacKintyre

Public liability insurance

*The Sound Healing Academy has provided professional sound healing training since 2003 and is an approved training provider with the International Institute for Complementary Therapists (IICT).

Let’s Talk

If something here feels familiar, I’d love to hear from you. A free 30-minute phone call is a relaxed way to talk about what you’re looking for and whether working together feels right. There’s no pressure and no obligation.

Book a free discovery call