About Maria Arpa

Running parallel to my career, I invested time in developing life skills. I have always been interested in the way we communicate and how we behave and I decided to pursue the study of this subject. I discovered more and more avenues to explore, each more fascinating than the previous.

In all walks of life, our cultural conditioning can have a detrimental effect on our well-being. All to often fear, guilt and shame deters us from compassionate communication. My task is to help remove the judgement, blame and criticism which causes conflict and prevents us from experiencing the fulfilment and joy that comes with being true to ourselves.

I have a tremendous amount of respect for every one of my clients. It is wonderful to be given the opportunity to be involved when someone has decided to improve his or her well-being through the power of compassionate communication.

In terms of practical experience, I worked as a Samaritan volunteer, trained as a counsellor and developed natural healing powers through Reiki. I also trained as a volunteer mediator working in the community on mediation and community conferencing.

I then made a conscious decision to change career and make life skills my life’s work. Since 1990 I have been running my private practice as well as working with community organisations and corporations.

From this base, I went on to create Strategies for Better Living, Sounding Board and the Reiki Studio. Further experience brought about The Mediation Service and the counselling service for couples and families.

I have put this under the umbrella of the Centre for Peaceful Solutions. It is my vision to inspire others to embrace the possibility of peace whatever we may be facing .

My training, work experience and any achievement

Counselling

The Associated Examining Board, Certificate in Counselling Theory 1990

The Associated Examining Board, Certificate in Counselling Skills 1990

The Associated Examining Board, Combined Certificate in Counselling 1990

The Associated Examining Board, Diploma in Counselling 1991

Reiki

Reiki Master 2001 - Usui System of Natural Healing

Mediation

Masters Degree (MSc) Conflict resolution and mediation studies

Mediation training - London SEN Partnership course

Community Mediation training - Brent Mediation Service

Founding Chair, Centre for Peaceful Solutions

Founding Chair, Conflict Practitioners UK