Maria Stannard

• Person-centred approach
• Trauma-focused therapy
• Neurodivergence support

About Maria

Maria Stannard works with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, relationship and family concerns, and issues linked to neurodivergence such as autism. Maria is person-centred in their approach and has five years of professional experience. They are a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).

Maria uses a person-centred way of working that treats the client as the expert in their own story. Sessions focus on listening, reflecting what matters to the client, and helping people notice their strengths. This approach is clear and practical rather than directive. It suits people who want to be heard and to find their own solutions at a steady pace.

They also draw on existential ideas to look at meaning, choice and values. This can help when someone feels stuck, is questioning life direction, or is coping with isolation and emptiness. Trauma-focused methods are used when past events continue to cause distress, helping people to process what has happened in ways that feel manageable.

Maria has particular experience with neurodivergence, including autism and Asperger syndrome, and with issues such as eating concerns, body image, gender dysphoria, grief, and self-harm. They support people dealing with caregiver stress, communication problems, dissociation, domestic violence and obsessive-compulsive patterns.

Sessions are offered in English and Maria accepts international clients. Practical matters such as cost vary by location and use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time. To start, a short matching questionnaire is completed before arranging the first session.

How her approaches are used in online sessions

Maria uses client-centred work to focus on the client’s priorities, listening and reflecting so people can find their own solutions; this helps with stress, relationship concerns and low mood. Existential therapy looks at questions of meaning, choice and values and can be useful for people feeling stuck, isolated or uncertain about life direction. Trauma-focused therapy concentrates on addressing the effects of past harmful events and helping people process difficult memories in manageable steps.

Deciding which approach to use is part of the early work. Maria will discuss goals, preferences and what feels most helpful, and will work with the client to try methods that fit their needs. This is a collaborative process where plans can be reviewed and changed as therapy progresses.

Session formats are not specified in the biography, so confirm current options before booking. Online sessions can help fit counselling into a busy life by avoiding travel time, allowing shorter check-ins when needed, and making it easier to attend from different locations. Registered or accredited professionals, including therapists, often find that remote work lets clients maintain continuity of care across time zones and commitments.

Topics Maria lists

• Stress and 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 and 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

Ways of working

• Client-Centred Therapy
• Existential Therapy
• Trauma-Focused Therapy

Questions about Maria

Does she work with anxiety and depression?

Yes. Maria works with anxiety, depression and related stress reactions.

What kind of counselling does she offer?

She practises person-centred counselling and also uses existential and trauma-focused approaches.

How much experience does she have?

Maria has five years of professional experience in counselling and psychotherapy.

Is she a registered professional in the UK?

Yes. Maria is a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).

Can I have sessions in languages other than English?

Sessions are offered in English.

Can international clients work with her?

Yes. Maria accepts international clients.

How much do sessions cost?

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

How do I begin working with her?

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