Maria Stride, BACP, NCPS

Maria Stride is a person-centred counsellor who helps people facing stress, anxiety, grief, relationship difficulties and life changes. She works with concerns such as depression, addictions, self-esteem and ADHD, and also supports issues like caregiver strain, isolation and ageing and geriatric issues. Maria offers a calm, compassionate space where people can talk at their own pace and feel heard.

Her style is warm and down-to-earth. She prefers to work collaboratively rather than follow a strict method. Sessions focus on what matters most to the individual and on small practical steps they can try between meetings.

Maria uses client-centred listening alongside mindfulness and solution-focused ideas. Mindfulness helps people notice thoughts and feelings without judgement. Solution-focused techniques help set short, realistic goals and spot progress.

She often brings creative tools into sessions when words are hard to find. Activities such as simple art or playful exercises can make emotions easier to express and discuss. These techniques are offered as optional ways to deepen understanding.

Maria has six years of practice and holds BACP and NCPS credentials. She works with people in the United Kingdom and accepts clients from other countries when arrangements allow. Her approach suits people who want steady, practical support and a collaborative counsellor to walk alongside them.

How Maria’s approaches work online and in sessions

Maria uses person-centred practice alongside mindfulness and solution-focused ideas. Client-centred work means the counsellor follows the person’s lead, listening closely and reflecting what matters most. This approach helps people feel understood and decide priorities at their own pace.

Mindfulness practices invite simple attention to breathing, sensations or thoughts without judgement. These tools can reduce reactivity and help with anxiety, sleep problems and stress. Solution-focused techniques emphasise small, concrete steps and identifying what already works, which can suit people wanting quick practical changes.

Finding the right approach is part of the process. Maria will talk with each person about their needs, goals and preferences and try different ways of working together. That collaborative planning helps shape sessions so they feel useful and doable.

Specific session formats are not listed in the biography, so please confirm current options before booking. Many people find online counselling helps fit therapy into a busy week, makes it easier to attend from different locations and allows shorter check-ins between in-depth sessions. Talk with Maria when you book to agree how to structure meetings to match everyday life.