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 calm, compassionate space where individuals are invited to explore their experiences at a pace that feels comfortable and manageable. Maria’s manner is warm, empathic, and down-to-earth, and she places collaboration at the centre of the therapeutic relationship so clients can shape the work according to their needs and goals.

Alongside a listening-based approach, Maria draws on creative methods such as art and play therapy to help express feelings that may be difficult to put into words. She holds professional credentials including BACP, the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, and NCPS, a recognised credential in counselling and psychotherapy. These qualifications inform a reflective practice that balances professional knowledge with human understanding.

Whether someone feels stuck, is processing loss, or is ready to explore new ways of living, Maria aims to walk alongside them with steady support and practical empathy. Her practice emphasises respect for each person’s unique story and fosters a gentle, goal-focused path toward greater clarity and resilience.

Person-centred, mindfulness, and solution-focused online support

Client-Centred Therapy places the person at the heart of the process, offering a non-directive, empathic environment where individuals can explore their feelings and values. This approach is useful for people navigating grief, relationship concerns, low self-esteem, or moments of life change because it honours each person’s pace and perspective.

Mindfulness Therapy encourages present-moment awareness and gentle acceptance of thoughts and sensations. It can be helpful for managing anxiety, stress, sleep difficulties, and emotional overwhelm by teaching practical attention and breathing skills that reduce reactivity.

Solution-Focused Therapy concentrates on identifying strengths and small, achievable steps toward chosen goals. It works well for people seeking practical change in areas such as coping strategies, relationship patterns, career decisions, or managing addictive behaviours.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic journey and will be decided collaboratively. Maria will work with clients to identify which methods feel like the best fit based on their needs, goals, and personal preferences so the work remains practical and meaningful.

Online sessions - via video calls, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging - offer flexibility for busy schedules and for those who prefer remote support. These options make it easier to access licensed professionals from different locations and to maintain continuity of care while balancing everyday commitments.