Maria Stannard
Non-binary person-centred counsellor
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About Maria
Maria Stannard welcomes people feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, relationship strain or the fallout from trauma. They present a calm, down-to-earth approach that helps people talk through what matters most. Maria is a BACP therapist - Registered Member MBACP and draws on five years of professional experience to guide sessions.
Maria works in a person-centred way, so conversations start with what the client knows about their life. They listen first and follow the client's lead while offering observations that can bring fresh perspective.
Background and approach
This makes it easier to put small, practical steps in place between sessions. They also use existential ideas to look at questions of meaning, choice and direction when people feel stuck. This can help when life feels empty or when big decisions bring anxiety.
Trauma-focused approaches are used where past harm affects daily life, with attention to safety and pacing. Maria has personal experience of autism and understands how neurodivergence can shape how someone experiences the world. This background informs their way of working without assuming one single solution fits everyone.
They aim to adapt sessions to each person's communication style and needs. The initial step is simple: complete a short matching questionnaire and choose a time to meet. Maria encourages honesty about what has worked before and what hasn't, so therapy can be shaped around realistic goals.
They aim to make sessions steady, straightforward and relevant to everyday life.
At a glance
- Years practising
- 5
- Registered with
- BACP
- Registration number
- 398442
- Languages
- English
- Approaches include
- Client-Centered Therapy, Existential Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy
- How sessions happen
- Online, by video, phone or messages
Details are as listed on Maria's public professional profile. You can check any number with the professional body.
What Maria works with
Everything Maria lists, in their own terms.
- 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 Maria works online
Existential Therapy looks at meaning, choice and values. It helps people who feel stuck, empty or unsure about life direction to clarify what matters and take steps that align with their priorities. Trauma-Focused Therapy concentrates on the impact of past hurt and on pacing work so people do not feel overwhelmed; it aims to reduce the ways trauma keeps showing up in daily life.
Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will discuss different methods and tailor sessions to the client's needs, goals and preferences. Decisions about focus and pace are made collaboratively so therapy feels relevant and manageable.
If you are considering online sessions, please confirm which session formats are offered before booking as the biography does not specify formats. Many people find online appointments help fit therapy into busy lives, reducing travel and making it easier to attend during work breaks or between other commitments. Online work can support steady progress by keeping appointments regular and focused on practical steps that suit day-to-day life.
Questions and answers
What issues does Maria support people with?
Maria helps people with stress, anxiety, depression and the effects of trauma and abuse. They also focus on relationship and family problems, grief, eating and self-esteem concerns.
How would sessions feel in practice?
Sessions are conversational and person-centred, starting from what the client brings. Maria listens first and then suggests practical steps and perspectives to try between meetings.
What experience does the counsellor have?
Maria has five years of professional experience working with people facing depression, anxiety, neurodivergence and trauma-related concerns.
What credentials and location are listed?
They are a BACP therapist - Registered Member MBACP based in the United Kingdom.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English and international clients are accepted.
What session formats are available?
The original biography does not list specific session formats; please confirm current session options with the booking process before scheduling.
How are fees and payment handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I start working with Maria?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.
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