Maria Stride , BACP, NCPS

Maria Stride is a person-centred counsellor with six years of experience supporting people through trauma, hardship, and a range of mental health challenges. She creates a warm, empathic, and down-to-earth environment where each person’s story is treated as unique and explored at a pace that feels manageable and respectful. Her practice emphasises collaboration - she works alongside clients rather than imposing a rigid method - so people can find approaches that feel meaningful and comfortable for them.

Maria integrates creative methods such as art and play therapy when talking about difficult experiences feels overwhelming or words are not enough. These techniques can open different ways to express emotions and process memories. She focuses on supporting people who feel stuck, uncertain, or ready to explore new possibilities, bringing care, patience, and practical support to the therapeutic relationship.

Maria holds BACP and NCPS credentials, indicating professional recognition from established counselling bodies and a commitment to clinical standards. She accepts international clients and offers flexible online options to make therapy accessible for people in diverse situations and locations.

Approaches for online counselling and therapy

Maria draws on client-centred therapy to place the person's experience at the heart of the work, offering empathetic listening and gentle reflection so clients can explore feelings and values without pressure. This approach suits people facing loss, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem, or general emotional overwhelm and supports self-discovery and personal growth.

She also uses mindfulness therapy to help people develop present-moment awareness and practical skills for managing stress and anxiety. Mindfulness techniques are offered in simple, accessible ways that can reduce reactivity and support emotional regulation when daily life feels challenging.

Solution-focused therapy is another tool Maria employs to identify practical steps and build on existing strengths. This short-term, goal-oriented approach can help people who want clear direction and achievable changes around issues like coping with life transitions, career concerns, or relationship patterns.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Maria collaborates with each person to determine what fits their needs, goals, and preferences. She and the client explore options together and adjust methods as progress unfolds.

Online therapy offers flexibility and accessibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These options make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules, reach people in different locations, and continue work between sessions with convenient communication choices. Licensed professionals can adapt these formats to provide meaningful, client-focused care.