Maria "Ri" Punt, BACP

Maria "Ri" Punt provides a calm, warm place for people to talk about difficult issues. She creates time to listen without judgment and helps people find more clarity about what matters to them. Maria believes trusting the relationship between counsellor and client makes it easier to face painful memories and big life changes.

Her approach is integrative, which means she draws on a range of therapeutic techniques to suit each person. Sessions tend to focus on understanding what is happening now, looking at how past events affect daily life, and building small, practical steps that feel manageable. She pays attention to feelings, relationships, and the ways people cope when life gets hard.

Maria has 19 years of experience and is a BACP professional, working in the United Kingdom. She sees people concerned about relationships, family issues, trauma and abuse, and coping with life changes. She also supports people with LGBT questions, sexuality, and issues connected to chronic pain, illness and disability.

Her additional focus areas include care-giver stress, domestic violence, first responder challenges, veteran and armed forces issues, and matters linked to prejudice and discrimination. She has worked with people navigating complex intimate relationships such as polyamory and kink, and with those affected by HIV and post-traumatic stress.

Maria aims to help people reconnect with inner strengths and practical resources. She encourages gentle, steady steps rather than sudden fixes. Before booking, check the available session options and choose what fits your life and needs.

Practical therapeutic approaches for online and in-person work

Maria uses an integrative approach that blends practical, evidence-based techniques to meet individual needs. One common element focuses on understanding how past events shape current patterns and reactions; this helps when working through trauma, relationship difficulties or long-term stress. Another element emphasises skills and small behavioural changes to reduce day-to-day distress and improve coping for chronic pain, illness or caregiver strain.

Finding the right approach is part of therapy. The therapist works collaboratively, discussing goals and testing methods to see what helps. Clients are invited to give feedback so the plan can be adjusted to fit changing needs and priorities.

The profile does not list specific session formats, so please confirm the available options before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions around work, caring responsibilities and medical appointments. It also allows for shorter check-ins when needed, and can reduce travel time so therapy fits into a busy week. Registered or accredited professionals can offer a range of approaches remotely, and Maria will help identify which methods best match each persons situation and goals.