Maria Stannard, BACP

Maria Stannard is a person-centred counsellor who aims to make the first step easier for people feeling overwhelmed. Maria names themself as non-binary and approaches sessions with a straightforward, respectful style. They invite people to talk about stress, anxiety, depression, grief and relationship worries in a way that feels manageable.

Maria uses a person-centred perspective that treats the client as the expert on their own life. Conversations focus on everyday thoughts and habits, trusting the client's insights while gently guiding new ways of coping. Sessions are geared towards practical changes rather than abstract theory.

With five years of experience and membership of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), Maria has worked with people dealing with trauma and abuse, family problems, eating and body image concerns, and issues linked to neurodivergence such as autism and Asperger syndrome. They also support people facing loneliness, caregiver stress, and difficulties with self-esteem.

Maria describes their role as listening first, then helping people notice patterns in thinking and routine. They draw on trauma-focused methods when past events continue to cause distress, and existential ideas to help people think about values and meaning. The focus is on short, clear steps that can fit into daily life.

People interested in beginning therapy are asked to use the Start Therapy button and complete a short matching questionnaire. Scheduling then happens according to the therapist's availability and the subscription terms that apply.

How Maria's approaches fit into online therapy

Maria uses a person-centred approach that focuses on the client's own perspective and strengths, helping people notice unhelpful thought patterns and everyday habits. This approach suits people who want a listening environment and practical steps they can try between sessions.

When past events cause ongoing distress, Maria draws on trauma-focused work to look at reactions and coping strategies. This helps when memories, flashbacks or strong emotional responses are getting in the way of daily life. Existential therapy is used to help clients consider values, meaning and choices when they feel stuck or uncertain about life direction.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Maria will collaborate with each person to decide which methods fit their needs, goals and preferences. That conversation helps set priorities and match practical techniques to day-to-day routines.

Session formats are not specified in the biography, so please confirm current options before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions around work, caring responsibilities or travel, and it can reduce time spent getting to appointments. It also means some people can choose shorter check-ins or sessions that do not require being on camera, depending on what the therapist and client agree will work best.