Maria Van Vreden , BACP

Maria Van Vreden is a counsellor who supports people struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, self-esteem and the effects of trauma and abuse. She also helps with family concerns and life-stage challenges. She speaks English and Spanish and practises with a UK-based credential, BACP. Maria keeps sessions straightforward and calm. She aims to build an honest space where people can say what’s on their mind without judgement. Conversations focus on what matters to the person and on practical steps to feel steadier day to day. Over a decade she has worked with adults, children and young people. That experience has included helping with panic attacks, post-traumatic stress and mood difficulties. She also supports people facing concerns such as abandonment, attachment and issues around body image. In sessions Maria addresses relationship strains, communication problems and the stress of caregiving. She helps people navigate divorce and separation, guilt and shame, and feelings of isolation. She also works on life purpose and midlife transition questions. Her approach balances listening with clear, goal-focused work. People can explore forgiveness, control issues and ways to rebuild confidence. Practical tools and steady conversation are used to make change feel manageable. To begin, clients complete a brief matching questionnaire and then schedule sessions. Therapy is offered online, by phone or by chat and messaging, so people can choose what fits their routine.

Approaches and online therapy that fit your life

Maria uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques that focus on practical change and emotional insight. One common approach helps people understand patterns from past attachments and how those patterns affect current relationships and feelings. This can be useful for people dealing with abandonment, attachment issues and difficulties trusting others.

Another approach concentrates on short-term tools to manage anxiety and panic. It teaches simple breathing, pacing and thinking strategies that reduce intense worry and make daily life feel more manageable. That kind of work is often paired with steps to improve mood and self-esteem after trauma or loss.

Choosing the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will talk things through with each person and agree on methods that fit their goals and preferences. It is a collaborative process and adjustments can be made as needs change.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility. Video calls let people meet face to face when a deeper conversation is needed. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited or a shorter check-in is needed. Live chat and text-based messaging work well for quick reflections, ongoing support between sessions or when someone prefers typing over speaking. These options make it easier to fit therapy around work, caring duties and other commitments.