Real. Raw. Revealing.
In this eye-opening interview, we speak with respected Counsellor and one of The Business Centre’s newest business customers, Marie Vaile, about the challenges new mums face, breaking the stigma around mental health in pregnancy (and after), and what it means to hold space for others.
Meet Marie: Approved Mental Health Professional Making Space for Self-Journey
Marie Vaile Counselling officially opened its doors in July 2023, when Marie, a devoted mum of one, began seeing clients in the evenings while continuing to work full time. From the moment we met Marie, her warmth, honesty, and passion for supporting people on their mental health journey truly stood out.
As an approved mental health professional, qualified as an Integrative Counsellor with a Level 5 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling, Marie is trained to use multiple approaches tailored to each client’s needs. But at the heart of it all is her person-centred ethos:
“My clients are at the centre of the work I do and they take the lead in sessions. I walk alongside them on their journey of self-discovery and help to facilitate growth.”
A Passion for Mental Health in Pregnancy and Motherhood
Although trained to work across a wide range of presenting issues, Marie’s heart lies in mental health in pregnancy and overall maternal mental health.
“My mission is to provide a safe and non-judgmental space for women to talk about their thoughts and feelings around motherhood.
“There’s an immense amount of pressure on women to ‘love every second’ of motherhood, when in reality, that’s not physically possible.
“Because of societal expectations, many mothers carry shame, guilt, embarrassment, and even fear — simply for not feeling what they’ve been told they should.
“My mission is to help women understand that what they are feeling is actually normal and to break down that stigma and shame they are holding.”
Why Maternal Mental Health Matters: “I Didn’t Enjoy Motherhood in the Beginning”
Marie’s passion for this work is deeply personal. Her interest in supporting mothers stems from her own lived experience and struggles with motherhood and mental health.
“I fell into a dark place after giving birth because I felt a way that society made me feel awful for. I had a difficult pregnancy and openly admit I didn’t enjoy motherhood in the beginning. But I couldn’t say that at the time.”
This honesty and vulnerability now shape her work with clients, offering hope and healing to those navigating mental health in pregnancy and motherhood.
Pregnancy and Mental Health: Bringing Darkness into the Light
Marie combines professional training with real-life experience, offering a rare kind of empathy that resonates with her clients.
“I believe it’s important for my clients to see me as a human being, who also suffered like they are. My approach in a person-centred manner is to explore what they are feeling, bring it out of the darkness and bring it into this safe space where we can look at it in the light, together.
“A crucial element for this work is for new mothers to see themselves not as a monster and unworthy to be a mother, but as a woman whose world has been turned upside down and inside out. And of course after such a huge life transition, it’s going to take some time to adapt to and settle into.”
Motherhood and Mental Health: A Hopeful Vision for the Future
Marie is optimistic about what the future could hold for mental health in pregnancy and motherhood—if society listens.
“My hopes for the future are that new mums will feel comfortable openly expressing how they feel, without fear of judgment. I hope they no longer feel they have to lie about enjoying motherhood because they’re worried about what others might say or think if they’re honest.
“I’d like to see more support networks made available for women during this difficult time — both privately and through the public sector. Right now, there’s very limited care for new mums through the NHS, so seeing improvement in this area would be a huge step forward in tackling isolation and poor mental health during and after pregnancy.”
Beyond the Therapy Room
Marie’s work extends beyond the walls of her practice. She was recently invited to London by Mind Friend, an organisation that works with approved mental health professionals to raise awareness on particular situations.
“I spent the day filming multiple short and long interviews with them.
“Since I often speak openly about taboo topics, like poor mental health in pregnancy, on my social media as a way to break stigma and raise awareness — Mind Friend asked me to collaborate with them.
“I feel incredibly honoured to be given such a large platform to speak on these issues, not just for the many women I’ve already worked with, but also for those who are still living with their darkness. I hope these interviews reach someone who finds the courage to seek help. I’m doing this for women everywhere, as a step toward breaking down the stigmas that still exist.”
Mental Health Support for Mums, by Mums
Marie has also been featured in the third edition of Motherhood & Co., a local Cardiff and Vale magazine for mums, by mums.
“All businesses featured are mum-owned, which feels incredibly special to be a part of. The magazine is a space where you can find many services you might need, that are local.
“These magazines have been placed in areas where other mums will go, such as cafes, soft play centres etc to ensure they are getting to the intended people.
“My hope from becoming involved in this, is for women to take that crucial first step into therapy to explore some of those feelings they may have.”
Choosing the Path to Help and Heal
Marie always knew she wanted to help people. But it was her own experiences in therapy—both positive and negative—that led her to this work.
“I always knew I wanted to be in a helping profession of some sort. I spent a few years exploring what that looked like and after having my own therapy, both good and bad over the years, I felt this is where I belonged.”
Marie Vaile Counselling: Tackling Taboo Subjects and Breaking Stigmas
While Marie Vaile Counselling is still in its early stages, her vision for the future is bold and inspiring.
“My business is still in its infancy right now and I’m busy spreading the word of what I do and why I do it.
“I’d like to see Marie Vaile Counselling become the brand that everyone will think of when the subject of Mental Health in Pregnancy and overall Maternal Mental Health comes up, and for me to be known as the person who talks about the taboo subjects and in breaking down the stigma that unfortunately, still exists today.”
A Safe Space to be Accepted Without Judgement
In the end, it all comes down to the connection for Marie.
“The most fulfilling part of my work is the trust that my clients place with me. When a client allows themself to be vulnerable in my presence, it shows me that I have achieved what I set out to do with each client, in giving them a space where they can be true to themselves, they understand they are not judged and accepted exactly as they are.”
Mental Health Support for Pregnancy and Beyond
If you’re searching for mental health support during pregnancy or navigating mental health issues after pregnancy, you’re not alone — and you don’t have to go through it alone either. Whether you’re expecting your first baby or adjusting to life as a new mum, Marie Vaile Counselling offers a safe, supportive space for anyone struggling with mental health in pregnancy, motherhood and mental health, or simply asking, “Why is pregnancy so difficult?
Marie supports women through every stage — from the emotional highs and lows of pregnancy and mental health, to the often unseen challenges of mental health after pregnancy. If you’ve found yourself searching for Mental Health Professionals Near Me, know that compassionate, expert care is closer than you think.
For more information on Marie Vaile Counselling, browse her website: https://www.marievailecounselling.com/ or social media pages:
Joining The Business Centre’s Flexible Workspace
Marie says The Business Centre was an instant fit.
“From the very first time I walked into The Business Centre to view my room, I knew these were my kind of people. Everyone was kind, friendly and the atmosphere was exactly what I wanted for when my clients are coming in for their sessions. So I knew as soon as I got here that this is where I wanted my business to be.”
And while she works independently, she doesn’t feel alone.
“I love that there is a real ‘community’ feeling here and that even though I’m a sole worker, I feel part of something. I see Alison often around the building and we always stop to have a little chat, which is so lovely.”
The Business Centre Barry: The Leaders in Flexible Office Rental Space and Professional Office Services
If you’re a small business owner looking for a supportive, professional, and welcoming place to grow your business—just like Marie—you’ll feel right at home at The Business Centre. With flexible office spaces, an inspiring community of entrepreneurs, and a team that cares, it’s more than just a workplace. It’s a place where people and businesses thrive together. Come and see for yourself—we’d love to welcome you.