Psychological Therapy & Psychotherapy in Brighton & Hove
Real change starts with feeling understood. My aim is to help you move forward with renewed clarity and confidence towards a more connected and meaningful way of living.
I genuinely enjoy supporting thoughtful, self-aware people who want to move beyond insight alone and offer an integrative approach that goes deeper to create lasting change. I am based in Brighton and Hove but I can also offer online sessions to suit.
Hi, I’m Steph. A Brighton & Hove Based HCPC-registered Practitioner Psychologist and a graduate member of the British Psychological Society.
Having worked in the field since 2008, I qualified in 2012 and have worked across a range of NHS and charitable settings, supporting people with complex mental health needs.
I have also completed Level 1 training in Internal Family Systems (IFS), which informs my integrative approach to working with different parts of the self.
My work is supported by ongoing professional development, supervision, and clinical experience.
My approach
Primarily, my way of working is integrative, which increasingly has evolved to include not only psychological understanding, but also an awareness of how experiences are held within the body.
I integrate elements of Internal Family Systems (IFS), which understands the mind as made up of different “parts” – for example, parts the protect; parts that feel vulnerable; and parts that carry past experiences. I also draw on schema-informed ideas to explore enduring patterns of beliefs that may have developed earlier in life, and which can continue to shape how you relate to yourself, others and the world.
This can help you develop a more compassionate and curious relationship with yourself, rather than feeling stuck in conflict or self-criticism. Sometimes this can feel like everything has been held together, coping for years– until it isn’t. This can bring feelings of helplessness or hopelessness at times, but it can also mark the beginning of something important. I am continually struck by the resilience people carry, even when they feel at their most uncertain.
If you’re feeling stuck, disconnected or at a point of questioning in your life, therapy can offer a space to begin making sense of that – and to explore what might come next.
I tend to work best with people who are open to reflecting on their experience, even if parts of that feel unclear at first. We can work in a way that feels right for you — at a pace that allows for both understanding and meaningful change.
Alongside talking therapy, I also offer integrative approaches that work more directly with the body, for those who feel this may be helpful. This allows for a flexible way of working, depending on your needs and preferences.
I will not rescue you.
For you are not powerless.
I will not fix you.
For you are not broken.
I will not heal you.
For I see you, in your wholeness.
I will walk with you through the darkness.
As you remember your light.
A Medicine Woman’s Prayer - Sheree Bliss Tilsley
EXCELLENT Based on 5 reviews Posted on Matthew O'Donnell I have worked with Steph for several months after struggling with my mental health and would highly recommend her. Steph is very personable in her approach which instantly made me feel comfortable and her impressive knowledge and expertise has helped to transform my mental health and ability to move on with life in a positive and more insightful manner. I found our sessions to have been incredibly useful with Steph providing a space where I felt safe to speak honestly and candidly. I found other therapists previously have felt too formal and detached in their manner but Steph made me feel like I was working through issues with a professional who was incredibly empathic and who showed genuine insight into my struggles. I am very grateful and would be happy to recommend Steph to anyone who needs a safe and comfortable space to work things out in their life. Thank you.Posted on Louise Readman Steph has a wonderful way about her, she is incredibly easy to talk to and her vast knowledge and expertise is reassuringly evident from the outset. I would highly recommend her to anyone considering this type of therapy.Posted on Andrew Chandler Steph came recommended by a friend who was very happy with her service. I have been attending her sessions for nearly six months now and can't thank her enough as these have helped me enormously with every aspect of my life. Highly recommended. Thank you.