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Maria Stannard

Maria Stannard, BACP

United Kingdom

Continue with Maria

BACP therapist - stress and trauma

  • Person-centred work
  • Trauma-focused approach
  • Existential reflection

About Maria

Maria Stannard is a BACP-registered therapist practising in the United Kingdom with five years of experience. Maria is non-binary and works with people facing stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and family tensions, trauma and abuse, grief, eating concerns, LGBT issues, self-esteem and guilt and shame.

Maria uses a person-centred way of working. She treats the person as the expert in their own life and aims to listen without judgement. Sessions focus on what feels most pressing for the individual and on noticing existing strengths that can help with change.

Her background also includes supporting people who are autistic or have Asperger syndrome, and those dealing with body image, gender dysphoria, isolation, caregiver stress, dissociation, self-harm and obsessive-compulsive patterns. She works with issues that overlap, like family problems and communication difficulties, as well as the emotional impacts of domestic violence.

Maria describes trauma-sensitive practice as part of her work. That means looking at how past harm shows up now and moving at a pace the person feels able to manage. She draws on elements from existential thinking to help people reflect on meaning and values when life feels confusing or empty.

Sessions tend to be conversational and focused on practical, manageable steps. People who want to start are asked to complete a short matching questionnaire and then schedule a first session through the online booking flow.

How Maria’s approaches translate to online work

Maria draws on person-centred practice, trauma-focused work and existential ideas. Person-centred work means the therapist listens to what matters most and follows the person's lead, helping them notice their own resources and choices. Trauma-focused work pays attention to how past hurt shows up now and uses careful pacing and supportive techniques to manage distress. Existential approaches help people think through meaning, values and life direction when they feel stuck or empty.

Finding the right approach is part of the process. Maria will work collaboratively to identify which elements suit a person's needs, goals and preferences, and she will adjust the pace and focus as those needs change. This is a shared process of trial and reflection rather than a fixed prescription.

Confirm the exact session formats before booking, as the biography does not list specific options. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life, for example by removing travel time, allowing shorter check-ins or offering quieter surroundings without the need to leave work. Registered or accredited professionals often find that remote work helps people maintain continuity while exploring practical steps and meaning in daily life.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression

Also works with

LGBTGriefEating disordersSelf esteem

Additional focus areas

Autism and Asperger SyndromeBody imageCaregiver issues and stressCommunication problemsDissociationDomestic violenceEmptinessFamily problemsGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeObsessions, compulsions, and OCDSelf-harmSelf-loveSexual assault and abuseSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyExistential TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

5+ years

Listed in

United Kingdom

Languages

English

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of problems does Maria help with?

She works with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and family tensions, trauma and abuse, grief, eating concerns, LGBT matters, self-esteem and guilt and shame.

How would she describe her therapeutic style?

Her approach is person-centred, focusing on listening and recognising the person's own strengths, with trauma-focused and existential elements woven in.

How much clinical experience does she have?

She has five years of professional experience supporting people with a range of emotional and relational concerns.

What are her professional credentials and where is she based?

She is a BACP Therapist - Registered Member MBACP and practises in the United Kingdom.

Can I work with her if English is not my first language?

Sessions are offered in English.

Does she see people outside the UK?

She accepts international clients.

How much do sessions cost?

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

What do I need to do to start a first session?

Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule your first session.

Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger or thinking about harming yourself, use the crisis numbers.

Maria StannardBACP

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