Maria "Ri" Punt, BACP

Maria "Ri" Punt helps people facing LGBT issues, relationship stress, family problems, trauma and abuse, and coping with major life changes. She keeps things straightforward and calm. Conversations are offered in English and take place online in formats that suit the client.

Ri is a counsellor with 19 years of experience and holds BACP registration, which indicates membership with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. She works in an integrative way, drawing from different evidence-based methods to suit each person. Sessions aim to be warm and relaxed while staying focused on practical steps.

Her sessions often centre on helping people feel heard and understood. She encourages clients to notice their strengths and resources. The aim is to build clarity, resilience and a sense of direction through regular conversations.

Ri also supports people navigating sexual identity, kink and alternative sex culture, and non-monogamous relationship styles. She addresses related concerns such as prejudice, guilt, shame, and issues connected to HIV and chronic health conditions. First responder, veteran and caregiver stresses are included in her experience too.

Work in therapy can include talking through past trauma, exploring relationship patterns, or planning for life transitions. Ri adapts her approach to the person in front of her, and she helps clients try practical strategies between sessions when useful.

How evidence-based approaches translate to online therapy

Many of Ri's sessions draw on integrative, evidence-based techniques that are adapted to the online setting. One common strand is trauma-informed work, which helps people process distressing experiences in manageable steps and reduce the hold those memories have on day-to-day life. This approach suits issues such as post-traumatic stress, abuse and domestic violence concerns.

Another focus is relational and sexuality-informed counselling, which examines patterns in relationships, consent, boundaries and sexual identity. This helps people who are navigating kink, polyamory, non-monogamous arrangements, or prejudice and discrimination related to sexuality. Both approaches are practical and aim to leave clients with clearer coping strategies.

Choosing the right approach is part of the work. Ri collaborates with each person to identify goals, test methods, and adjust the plan as needed. Therapy is a joint process where methods are chosen to match the client’s needs and preferences.

Online sessions offer flexible ways to meet. Video calls let participants use visual cues and longer conversations. Phone sessions work when bandwidth or camera use is difficult. Live chat and text messaging suit shorter check-ins, written reflection and people who prefer typing. These options make it easier to fit therapy around work, family commitments and health needs.