Maria "Ri" Punt

• LGBT concerns
• Trauma and abuse
• Integrative approach

About Maria

Maria "Ri" Punt works with people facing relationship difficulties, LGBT-related concerns, family problems, trauma and abuse, and major life changes. She uses an integrative approach and draws on a range of therapeutic techniques to suit the person and the situation. Maria is registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and has 19 years of experience.

Maria offers a straightforward, calm way of talking through difficult experiences. Sessions are conversational and focus on building trust so a person can talk about what matters most. She encourages practical reflection and clearer choices rather than jargon or lengthy theory.

Her practice includes support for people affected by domestic violence, chronic illness or disability, and those dealing with guilt, shame or forgiveness. Maria also works with matters relating to sexuality, BDSM and alternative sex culture, polyamory and non-monogamous relationships. She offers help with adjustment to life changes, caring responsibilities, and pressures faced by first responders and veterans.

Where trauma is involved, Maria uses methods that help people put difficult memories into perspective and manage overwhelming feelings. She also offers assistance around issues connected to HIV and prejudice or discrimination. Work can cover both emotional coping and practical steps to relieve stress and improve day-to-day functioning.

Sessions are conducted in English from the United Kingdom. Maria does not accept international clients. Getting started involves a short matching questionnaire and booking a first session through the website.

How therapeutic approaches are used in remote sessions

Maria uses an integrative approach which means she selects techniques suited to the person and the problem. That might include approaches focused on processing traumatic memories to reduce their intensity and disruption. It could also include methods that help people recognise unhelpful thinking and develop more useful ways of coping with stress and difficult feelings.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Maria discusses goals and preferences with each person and together they choose techniques that fit those aims. This is a collaborative process and can be reviewed as therapy progresses.

The biography does not list specific session formats, so please confirm current options before booking. Online sessions can help fit counselling around everyday life, for example making it easier to attend without travel, or choosing shorter check-ins when time is limited. Many people find remote work useful for maintaining continuity when schedules or location change, and for focusing on practical steps between sessions.

Topics Maria lists

• 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 and AIDS
• Life purpose
• Veteran and armed forces issues
• Polyamory and non-monogamous relationships
• Post-traumatic stress
• Prejudice and discrimination
• Sexuality
• Traumatic brain injury
• Women's issues
• Workplace issues
• Young adult issues

Questions about Maria

Does she work with anxiety or trauma?

Yes. She supports people with trauma and post-traumatic stress as well as related anxiety and stress.

What kind of counselling does she offer?

She works in an integrative way, drawing on a range of evidence-based techniques to suit each person.

How long has she been practising?

She has 19 years of experience working as a counsellor and therapist.

Is she registered with a professional body in the UK?

Yes. She is registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).

Can I have sessions in another language?

Sessions are offered in English only.

Can I see her from outside the UK?

She does not accept international clients and works with people in the United Kingdom.

How much do sessions cost?

Cost varies with location; sessions use a subscription model that can be cancelled at any time.

How do I begin with her?

Use the Talk to a counsellor online button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule the first session.