- Guilt and shame
- LGBT issues
- Integrative approach
About Maria
Maria "Ri" Punt is a counsellor registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) with 19 years of experience. She works with people facing relationship problems, trauma and abuse, LGBT concerns, family issues and coping with life changes. Her profile notes a specific focus on guilt and shame among other areas such as sexuality and forgiveness.
Ri uses an integrative way of working, drawing on different therapeutic approaches to suit each person. Sessions are conversational and practical. She listens to what has happened and helps people name the feelings behind their choices and behaviours.
In sessions she supports exploration of sensitive topics including kink and alternative sexual cultures, domestic violence, chronic illness and caregiver stress. She also works with issues that can come from prejudice or service in the armed forces and first responder roles. Her experience spans trauma, post-traumatic stress and relationship complexities such as polyamory and non-monogamous arrangements.
Ri emphasises clarity and awareness. Conversations aim to help people understand how guilt or shame affects their decisions and relationships. The work can include looking at past events, present patterns and practical steps to manage day-to-day stressors.
She practises in the United Kingdom and offers sessions in English. Costs vary with location and sessions use a subscription model that can be cancelled at any time. To begin, people select the online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule a first session.
Therapeutic approaches and working online
Two common evidence-based approaches often used in integrative practice are trauma-informed care and cognitive approaches. Trauma-informed care focuses on understanding how past harm affects present reactions and relationships; it helps people notice triggers and build clearer responses. Cognitive approaches look at thoughts and beliefs tied to guilt and shame and help people test and adjust unhelpful thinking patterns.Another helpful strand is relational work, which pays attention to patterns in relationships and how they reflect inner feelings. This can be useful for people dealing with relationship conflict, polyamory issues, or sexual culture questions. The therapist blends techniques to fit the person rather than using one fixed method.
Finding the right combination is part of the process. The therapist will work collaboratively to identify which approaches suit the client's goals and preferences, and will review what is working as therapy progresses.
The biography does not specify session formats, so confirm the available options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when needed, or remove travel time. Registered or accredited professionals often offer a range of ways to meet; check the therapist's current options to choose what fits daily life best.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Experience
19+ years
Listed in
United Kingdom
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of guilt or shame does she work with?
She works with guilt and shame linked to relationships, family life, sexuality and past trauma as listed in her profile.
How would she approach shame from childhood?
Her integrative style means she draws on different approaches to help people name childhood shame and look at how it affects present behaviour.
What is her professional background?
She has 19 years of experience and is registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).
Where is she based and what credential does she hold?
She practises in the United Kingdom and holds BACP registration as shown in her profile.
Does she work in other languages or accept international clients?
Sessions are offered in English. She is not currently accepting international clients.
What session formats are offered?
The original biography does not list session formats. Please confirm current session options before booking.
How are fees arranged?
Fees vary with location and sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I start if I want to work with her?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire and then schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger or thinking about harming yourself, use the crisis numbers.