Maria Stannard

Maria Stannard is a counsellor who focuses on helping people manage stress, anxiety, depression and the effects of trauma. Maria also supports people coping with relationship and family difficulties, grief, eating concerns, self-esteem and issues related to intellectual disability. She works in English and has five years of professional experience in the UK.

Maria practises from a person-centred perspective that treats the client as the expert on their own life. Sessions aim to create space for people to tell their story at their own pace and to build on strengths already present. Maria describes herself as autistic and brings that lived experience into her work.

Her approach also draws on existential ideas that help people think about meaning, choice and values when life feels confusing or stuck. Trauma-focused methods are used when past events are affecting daily life, focusing on manageable ways to address distress and reduce upsetting symptoms.

Maria is a BACP Therapist - Registered Member, MBACP, and works with people across a broad range of concerns including gender identity matters and neurodivergence. She accepts international clients and works with individuals who want help thinking through difficult feelings and decisions.

People who choose Maria can expect a calm, direct style and an emphasis on collaboration. She encourages practical steps alongside reflective conversation to help people move toward clearer choices and small, steady changes.

How these approaches work in online sessions

Client-Centred Therapy focuses on listening and understanding the person's view of their life. The counsellor reflects back what is said and helps the person notice their own strengths and choices, which can help with anxiety, low mood and relationship stress.

Existential Therapy looks at meaning, values and decisions when someone feels stuck or unsure about purpose. It encourages people to consider what matters to them and to make clearer choices in line with their values.

Trauma-Focused Therapy concentrates on reducing the ongoing impact of past events through careful, paced work that aims to help people feel less overwhelmed by memories or symptoms.

Finding the right approach usually happens together. The therapist will work with the client to choose methods that match needs, goals and preferences, and may adjust the focus as progress is made. This is a collaborative process where the person's experience guides the plan.

Practical benefits of online therapy include easier fitting of sessions around daily life and fewer barriers to meeting someone who understands specific concerns. The original profile does not list which session formats are offered, so confirm available formats before booking. Online work can make it simpler to have shorter check-ins, regular appointments and ongoing support without long travel times.