Maria "Ri" Punt , BACP

Maria "Ri" Punt offers support for people facing relationship strain, trauma and abuse, LGBT concerns, family difficulties and coping with major life changes. She provides a calm, warm space where people can talk about what is worrying them. Maria aims to help clients gain clarity and notice their own strengths. She works in an open, respectful way that focuses on what each person needs in the moment.

Maria brings 19 years of experience as a counsellor. She uses an integrative approach that draws on a range of evidence-based therapeutic techniques. That means she adapts methods to suit each person rather than following a single model. Sessions are conversational and practical, with space to reflect and try out new ways of coping.

Her work includes support around sexuality and LGBT issues, BDSM, kink and alternative sex culture, and questions of identity and prejudice. She also helps people dealing with chronic pain, illness, disability and caregiver stress. Trauma-related concerns such as post-traumatic stress and domestic violence are within her remit.

Maria also supports people facing guilt, shame, forgiveness, life purpose questions, and the particular stresses of first responders and veterans. She is familiar with issues related to HIV and AIDS, and non-monogamous and polyamorous relationship structures.

Sessions are offered from the United Kingdom and are conducted in English. Maria works online by video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text messaging, using a subscription model that can be cancelled at any time.

Approaches and how online therapy works

Maria uses an integrative mix of evidence-based techniques adapted to each person. One common approach involves talking therapies that help process traumatic memories and reduce distress by working at a manageable pace; this can help with post-traumatic stress, domestic violence and abuse. Another approach focuses on coping skills and practical strategies to manage chronic pain, caregiver stress and strong emotions; these techniques aim to provide tools you can use between sessions.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. Maria will discuss goals, preferences and what has and hasn’t helped before then suggest a path forward. Clients and therapist make choices together and adjust the plan as progress is made.

Online therapy is offered by video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text-based messaging to give flexibility. Video calls are useful for face-to-face conversation and visual cues. Phone sessions need less bandwidth and can fit into a short break at work. Live chat or text messaging suits check-ins, brief support and for people who prefer typing. These options make it easier to fit therapy around daily life and access a counsellor from different locations.