Femke Stokes

As a therapist I offer a warm, reflective approach to think together with you in depth about aspects of yourself and your life which may be troubling you. Psychotherapy and counselling can offer a safe space to unpack emotional difficulties without judgement.

My orientation is primarily psychodynamic: this kind of therapy works to identify and understand underlying thoughts and feelings, sometimes linked to past experiences and relationships. Processing feelings and making these links together can help to bring about insight and to change deep-seated emotional and relationship difficulties.

I combine this approach with a practical focus on wellbeing and self-care, which feels especially important during this unusual time of the pandemic.

I have significant experience working in an NHS Psychotherapy Service with adults, and in student mental health, working in Oxford University Counselling Service. I have also worked in counselling services in secondary schools and, in the voluntary sector, in supporting new parents with the transition to parenthood.

I completed my clinical training, culminating in a Master's in Psychodynamic Practice, at the University of Oxford. I have published my research on aspects of the therapeutic relationship in the British Journal of Guidance and Counselling.

I have a previous career as an academic (with PhD) in English literature, and I have a an interest in connections between the arts, creativity and psychotherapy.

I am an accredited member of BACP.  

What Happens When You Get in Touch?

The first step to starting  therapy is to send me an email. We can then arrange a mutually convenient appointment, which at the moment is online, using one of the video meeting platforms. This will be for an initial session for you to tell me about yourself and what you would like to get out of counselling, and for you to experience what it is like working with me. If you would like to proceed with ongoing therapy after that I would offer weekly appointments. (I will also shortly be offering face to face sessions again in East Oxford also).