About Maria
Maria Stannard is a non-binary counsellor who works with people facing anxiety, depression and trauma. Maria supports clients dealing with relationship and family difficulties, grief, eating and self-esteem concerns, and issues connected to LGBT identities. Maria holds BACP accreditation and practises from the United Kingdom.
Maria uses a person-centred approach that treats each person as the expert in their own life. Sessions aim to be simple and honest, with a focus on listening and reflecting back what matters to the client.
Background and approach
The therapist draws on existential ideas to help clients name values and find direction when life feels confusing. Trauma-focused work is part of Maria's practice, helping people to notice how past distress affects current feelings and relationships. For people on the autism spectrum or with intellectual disability, Maria adapts pace and communication to match how someone prefers to think and talk.
Practical concerns such as caregiver stress, body image and obsessive or self-harming behaviours are also addressed in straightforward ways. Maria has five years of professional experience and is a BACP Therapist - Registered Member MBACP. That registration is noted as part of her UK professional standing.
She encourages a gentle first step and acknowledges the courage it takes to begin therapy. Clients can expect a calm, attentive presence and clear conversation about goals. Maria works to build a collaborative plan that fits each person's priorities and day-to-day life.
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.
- Stress, Anxiety
- Relationship issues
- Family conflicts
- Trauma and abuse
- Depression
- LGBT
- Grief
- Eating disorders
- Self esteem
- Autism and Asperger Syndrome
- Body image
- Caregiver issues and stress
- Communication problems
- Dissociation
- Domestic violence
- Emptiness
- Family problems
- Gender dysphoria
- Guilt and shame
- Intellectual disability
- Isolation / loneliness
- Life purpose
- Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD
- Self-harm
- Self-love
- Sexual assault and abuse
- Sexuality
- Social anxiety and phobia
- Women's issues
- Workplace issues
- Young adult issues
Approaches Maria lists
Listing an approach is not evidence of training in it. This directory copies what each counsellor names and does not check training records.
How these approaches translate to online work
Client-Centred Therapy focuses on listening and reflecting what the client says. The therapist follows the client's lead, offers empathy and helps the person clarify their own goals and choices. This approach can help with anxiety, low mood and everyday relationship worries.Existential Therapy looks at meaning, values and the choices a person faces. It involves talking through what matters, what feels empty and what gives life purpose. This work can be useful for people feeling stuck, lost or questioning their direction.
Trauma-Focused Therapy attends to how past harm shapes current feelings and behaviour. It involves careful pacing, grounding and making sense of distress so day-to-day functioning can improve. This approach supports people dealing with abuse, dissociation or repeated frightening memories.
Finding the right blend of approaches is part of the work. Maria will collaborate with each client to choose methods that match their needs, goals and preferences. That process begins with listening and small, practical steps.
If you are considering online sessions, please confirm available formats before booking as current session options are not specified here. Online therapy can make fitting sessions into a busy life easier, for example by removing travel time or allowing shorter check-ins when schedules are tight. Some people also prefer fewer visual demands during a session, and others like the convenience of joining from wherever their day allows. Registered or accredited professionals can help you decide what will work best in practice.
Questions people ask about Maria
What concerns does Maria commonly help with?
Maria helps people with stress, anxiety, depression and trauma. She also supports those facing relationship and family difficulties, grief, eating and self-esteem issues.
What is Maria's style of therapy?
Her work is mainly person-centred, with existential and trauma-focused elements. Sessions focus on listening, exploring values and gently addressing the impact of past distress.
How much experience does she have?
Maria has five years of professional experience working with a range of concerns including neurodivergence and trauma.
What credentials and country does she practise in?
She is listed as a BACP Therapist - Registered Member MBACP and practises in the United Kingdom.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the UK work with Maria?
International clients are accepted, so people in other countries can enquire about working together.
How are fees handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I begin therapy with Maria?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist's availability.
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