About Maria
Maria "Ri" Punt offers support for people facing LGBT-related concerns, relationship strain, family difficulties, trauma and abuse, and major life changes. She writes plainly and listens with warmth. Her approach aims to help people feel heard and better understand their experiences.
Ri works in an integrative way, which means she draws on a range of therapeutic approaches to suit each person. Sessions focus on talking through problems, noticing patterns, and building practical ways to cope.
Background and approach
The aim is to help people reconnect with inner strength and resilience. She creates a relaxed space where trust and safety are emphasised. People can bring whatever they are facing and the pace is set by their needs.
The counsellor encourages exploration without judgement and supports clearer thinking about next steps. Over 19 years in practice, Ri has helped people deal with complicated issues such as domestic violence, post-traumatic stress, caregiving stress, chronic illness, and the impact of prejudice and discrimination. She also supports those navigating sexuality, kink and non-monogamous relationships, and HIV / AIDS related concerns.
Sessions are offered in English from the United Kingdom. The service uses a subscription model that can be cancelled at any time. To start, people complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule according to the therapist's availability.
What Maria works with
Everything Maria lists, in their own terms. LGBT is the reason Maria is listed here; the rest shows what else Maria works with.
- LGBT
- Relationship issues
- Family conflicts
- Trauma and abuse
- Coping with life changes
- BDSM, kink, and alternative sex culture
- Caregiver issues and stress
- Chronic pain, illness, and disability
- Domestic violence
- Family problems
- First responder issues
- Forgiveness
- Guilt and shame
- HIV / AIDS
- Life purpose
- Veteran and Armed Forces Issues
- Polyamory / non-monogamous relationships
- Post-traumatic stress
- Prejudice and discrimination
- Sexuality
- Traumatic brain injury
- Women's issues
- Workplace issues
- Young adult issues
Approaches that guide online work
Maria "Ri" Punt describes an integrative way of working, which means she blends therapeutic tools to suit each person. Two common, evidence-based techniques she may draw on are person-centred talking and trauma-informed ways of working. Person-centred talking focuses on listening closely, reflecting back what is said, and helping people make sense of their own thoughts and feelings so they can find their own solutions. Trauma-informed approaches attend to the effects of past harm and support pacing, safety and coping skills while working through painful memories.Finding the right approach is part of the work. Ri collaborates with each person to decide which methods suit their goals, needs and preferences. This means the plan can change over time as new priorities emerge and people try different ways of coping.
Session logistics should be confirmed before booking, as the biography does not list specific formats. Online therapy can make it easier to fit counselling into a busy week, reduce travel time, and allow people to meet from wherever they are based. Some formats are also useful for shorter check-ins or for times when being on camera is difficult, so ask about available options when you arrange your first session.
Questions people ask about Maria
What kinds of problems does this counsellor help with?
She supports people with LGBT issues, relationship and family difficulties, trauma and abuse, and coping with major life changes.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
She offers a warm, relaxed space and works in an integrative way, combining different approaches to fit each person's needs.
How long has she been practising?
She has 19 years of experience working with a range of concerns and life challenges.
What credential does she hold and where is she based?
She is recorded with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, labelled BACP, and works in the United Kingdom.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people from other countries access her work?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are sessions arranged and how much do they cost?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
What do I need to do to begin?
Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to the therapist's availability.
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