
I am so happy that you are here!
Welcome to a space of support, and growth.

Welcome to a space of support, and growth.

I've chosen to name my practice "Creating a Life" because I firmly believe in acknowledging and engaging with the narrative that shapes our lives. It's crucial to wholeheartedly embrace our journey, our potential, our challenges, and our authentic selves. All of this plays a vital role in contributing to the process of crafting a life that's rich with depth and meaning.

My name is Mary Lira and my goal is to provide you with a compassionate environment where you can embark on your journey towards wellness and self-discovery.
I was born and lived in Venezuela, where I studied Psychology. My journey as a therapist has been quite an adventure! I initially set to live in Spain, where I immersed myself in a master's program in Neuropsychology. Along the way, I had the chance to live in Germany and Sweden for some time, adding layers to my experiences. Now, I've found my place in Edinburgh, Scotland. Here, I have trained again and finished my Pluralistic Counselling Diploma.
Currently, I am an Accredited Registrant Member (MNCPS Acc.) of NCPS ( The National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society ), you can find me in their public registry for qualified counsellors and psychotherapists that meet their criteria for safe practice and ethics.

I am a pluralistic counsellor, which means I work alongside you and draw from a range of therapeutic approaches depending on what feels most helpful for you. Rather than following a fixed way of working, I aim to meet you where you are, and gently adapt sessions to your needs and pace. Your feedback and experience in the room really matter to me and help shape the work we do together.
My approach is also informed by experiential and relational ways of working, with a growing focus on embodiment and somatic awareness, where it feels useful. This may involve gently paying attention to what you notice in your body alongside your thoughts and emotions. I also work with parts work, which can support you in getting to know different aspects of yourself with curiosity, kindness, and care.
I aim to offer a compassionate and non-judgemental space where you can feel heard, accepted, and met as you are. I also hold in mind that we are shaped by the wider world around us, our relationships, culture, and social context can all play an important role in how we feel and cope.
I have experience working with a wide range of people across counselling, voluntary, and educational settings, including people experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and life changes, as well as university students, neurodivergent clients, and refugees. I strive to offer an inclusive, affirming, and non-discriminatory space.
Where it feels helpful, I may also bring in creative approaches such as drawing, painting, or writing. These can offer another way of expressing and exploring experiences when words don’t quite feel enough.
Overall, I try to offer a flexible and collaborative way of working, shaped around you, supporting you to move at a pace that feels safe and right for you.

Languages:
I am able to speak and do sessions in both English and Spanish.
Fees:
Face-to-face sessions are available on Tuesdays from 12 p.m. till 8 p.m. from A Quiet Room by The Shore in Leith, Edinburgh. For more information visit A Quiet Room by the Shore
If you would like to chat with me and discuss the possibility of starting to work together, just send me an email. I understand that finding the right counsellor is so important and can sometimes feel daunting. So, if you have any questions about me or the counselling process, I would be more than happy to answer them, without any obligation.
I endeavour to answer all emails in 48 hours. If you have not received a reply to your enquiry, please check your spam folder, as it may have bee there.

