Maria Prieto, BACP

Maria Prieto is a counsellor who helps people navigate stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, depression, and big life changes. She works in English and Spanish and has nine years of professional experience in the United Kingdom. Her approach aims to make the first step easier and less intimidating for someone who is feeling overwhelmed.

She focuses on listening carefully and making space for difficult emotions. Sessions are a place to talk through what is happening and to try small, practical steps that can feel manageable. Maria encourages people to notice what matters to them and to build on strengths they already have.

Her background includes work with issues such as communication problems, dissociation, domestic violence, guilt and shame, and sexual assault and abuse. She also supports people dealing with questions about life purpose, self-love and problems linked to military service and veteran and armed forces issues.

Maria is accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, often shortened to BACP. That registration reflects professional standards she follows in her practice. Her nine years of experience have included supporting people through loss, trauma and major transitions.

In sessions she aims to be calm and straightforward. People who choose to work with her can expect a welcoming tone, clear discussion about goals, and practical ideas to try between meetings.

Approaches that guide online sessions

Maria’s practice draws on evidence-based therapeutic techniques that focus on practical change and emotional recovery. One common approach she uses involves helping people understand and manage their stress and anxiety through short, step-by-step strategies that can be tried between sessions. This approach is useful for daily worries and panic symptoms.

Another important focus is trauma-informed work that helps people process painful experiences at a pace they can manage. That kind of work pays attention to safety, pacing and coping skills so painful memories become less overwhelming over time.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Maria will discuss different methods and will help decide which fits best based on the person’s needs, goals and preferences. This is a collaborative process that can change as therapy progresses.

Practical benefits of online therapy include fitting sessions around work, family or study commitments and cutting out travel time. Online appointments can make it easier to keep regular contact and try techniques during everyday routines. Confirm the exact session formats available with the therapist before booking to ensure they match personal needs and schedules.