Maria "Ri" Punt, BACP
Maria "Ri" Punt helps people facing relationship strain, trauma or life changes.
About Maria
Maria "Ri" Punt helps people facing relationship strain, trauma or life changes. She supports those navigating issues linked to LGBT identities, family problems, coping after abuse, and the stress that follows major transitions. Ri aims to make the first step feel manageable and straightforward for a worried parent or individual.
Ri offers a warm, relaxed space where people can talk without judgement. She works in an integrative way, drawing on a range of evidence-based therapeutic techniques to match each person’s situation.
Background and approach
Sessions focus on understanding what is happening now and building practical steps forward. In sessions she listens for the patterns that keep people stuck. Ri helps people identify small changes that reduce distress and improve daily life.
She emphasises building on existing strengths and practical coping strategies that can be used between meetings. Her practice also covers issues that can be sensitive or minority-focused, including kink and alternative sexual cultures, non-monogamous relationships and experiences of prejudice.
Ri can support people dealing with chronic illness, caregiving stress, post-traumatic stress, HIV/AIDS related concerns, and the emotional impact of being a first responder or veteran. Ri is registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, BACP. She is based in the United Kingdom and brings 19 years of experience to her work.
The focus is on respectful dialogue, realistic goals and helping people find greater balance in everyday life.
Registration
| Body | Registration number | Expires |
|---|---|---|
| BACP | 77902 | May 2026 |
Registration details are as listed on the counsellor's public profile. You can check any number with the registering body.
Sessions and payment
Sessions are held online through our partner platform, by video, phone or messaging depending on the counsellor.
Costs are shown on the partner platform before you commit. If cost is a concern, ask about reduced-fee options.
Focus areas and approaches
What Maria works with
Everything Maria lists, in their own terms.
- LGBT
- Relationship issues
- Family conflicts
- Trauma and abuse
- Coping with life changes
- BDSM, kink, and alternative sex culture
- Caregiver issues and stress
- Chronic pain, illness, and disability
- Domestic violence
- Family problems
- First responder issues
- Forgiveness
- Guilt and shame
- HIV / AIDS
- Life purpose
- Veteran and Armed Forces Issues
- Polyamory / non-monogamous relationships
- Post-traumatic stress
- Prejudice and discrimination
- Sexuality
- Traumatic brain injury
- Women's issues
- Workplace issues
- Young adult issues
Online support
Another approach emphasises trauma-informed care, which involves pacing conversations, grounding techniques and processing difficult memories at a manageable rate. This can help people dealing with past abuse, post-traumatic stress or the emotional impact of frontline work.
Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will discuss options and try methods that match the client’s goals, needs and preferences. Decisions are made together and adjusted as progress is observed.
Online sessions use video calls, phone sessions, live chat or text-based messaging. Video calls allow more direct face-to-face contact, phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited, and live chat or messaging can fit short check-ins or ongoing reflection between meetings. These formats make therapy more flexible for people juggling work, caregiving or health issues, and they let clients choose what feels most practical for them.
Frequently asked
What concerns does Ri commonly help with?
She supports people with LGBT-related issues, relationship and family problems, trauma and abuse, and coping with major life changes.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
Ri works in an integrative way and listens closely to each person’s needs, then uses techniques that fit their situation and goals.
What is her experience working with clients?
She has 19 years of experience helping people through a wide range of concerns, including chronic illness, caregiving stress and post-traumatic stress.
What professional credentials and location are listed?
Ri is registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, BACP, and is based in the United Kingdom.
Which languages and international options are available?
Sessions are offered in English and international clients are not currently accepted.
In what formats are sessions offered?
She offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to suit different needs and schedules.
How is cost handled for therapy?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
What are the first steps to begin working together?
To start, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to therapist availability.
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