Zoe Stephens

As an experienced Integrative therapist and Trauma Specialist, competent in working with both adults and young people, I work in a very relational way. By providing space to explore, I can help you change the way you experience the world. This may be through the use of grounding/stabilisation techniques; the use of creative materials to aid you in having a more interactive/tangible way of working through your current difficulties or simply walking with you (either physically or metaphorically) as you venture into those places you may fear to tread otherwise.

One question I believe we all ask ourselves at one time or another throughout our lives is "who am I?" and I am no different. That question for me often changed to one such as "what am I doing here?" or "why do bad things always happen to me?" As humans, this is one element that binds us all together and I wonder which question it is that you find yourself asking at the moment? Whatever it is, I am here to explore it with you in a space that I hope you will come to know as being one that is free from judgement and where it is OK to not have all the answers.

Aside from my private practise, I work as a counsellor in NHS settings, sit at board level within the NHS Talking Therapies (IAPT) service. I also guest lecture at University of Manchester in Attachment and Trauma theory to PhD Counselling Psychology students. I have contributed to a number of academic texts, including 'Step In To Study Counselling and Psychotherapy: 4th edition (PCCS Books) and I'm one of the founders of the Association of Neurodivergent Therapists (ANDT). It is important to me that I have the opportunity to understand, and challenge where appropriate, the decisions made behind-the-scenes as well as actively playing a role in helping shape training standards that will impact therapists and clients alike, as my guiding principle has always been that we should leave the world a better place than it was when we first found it.

I offer both short and long term therapy. This can be carried out online, face-to-face or over the telephone allowing a higher degree of flexibility as some days may just feel a little too hard and, on those days, it may feel easier to speak online (with or without the camera on) or on the phone. Other days you may feel like a walk would be helpful whilst we discuss what is going on for you or perhaps you might want to sit and talk over a coffee. Whatever you choose, the options are all there for your comfort.

Whilst I specialise in working with a broad spectrum of trauma and trauma-related issues (including helping you to understand why trauma behaviour patterns are happening etc), I can also help with a wide range of other issues such as - bereavement/loss, attachment/abandonment issues, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, low self esteem, trust issues, work-related stress, LGBTQIA+ and neurodiversity.

In my work with the 5-18 age group, I'm experienced in meeting them where they're at in their development, both reinforcing their strengths and nurturing their weaknesses. This may be through play, art and creativity or by using technology, such as video games purposefully designed to aid them within a therapeutic setting. I'm also able to offer remote therapy via video-call, email or text which can be preferable to fit around school studies and their often busy social lives. The key element here is that the child/young person is inviting me into their world so it would always be wholly person-centred.

I am also fully trained and insured for Walk & Talk therapy (aged 18+ only) and this can be immensely positive and quite invigorating as it can bring us back to that place within us where we feel most creative, spontaneous and free. Activities such as sound bathing and mindful walking can really help us gain a sense of calm and relaxation in a spiritual way, centring ourselves so that we are ready to take on the expectations of the outside world again.

As an experienced Integrative Therapist and Trauma Specialist, competent in working with both adults and young people, my practice is very relational. Utilising techniques from a vast array of therapeutic models, I provide you with the space in which to explore and grow. In this way, I can help you engage with your deepest feelings, understand your relationships better and change the way you experience the world.

I recognise one size genuinely does not fit all and I will collaboratively help you reach any therapy goals you may have. You are a human being after all, not just a number or a name on a piece of paper, and I hope you find the space I provide to be one that is both confidential and free from judgement; where you are able to decompress and make sense of things so you feel not only confident enough to recognise the changes you wish to make but also empowered to make them.

I offer both short and long term therapy. This can be carried out online, face-to-face or over the telephone allowing a higher degree of flexibility as some days may just feel a little too hard and, on those days, it may feel easier to speak online (with or without the camera on) or on the phone. Other days you may feel like a walk would be helpful whilst we discuss what is going on for you or perhaps you might want to sit and talk over a coffee. Whatever you choose, the options are all there for your comfort.

Whilst I specialise in working with a broad spectrum of trauma and trauma-related issues, I can also help with a wide range of other issues such as - bereavement/loss, attachment/abandonment issues, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, low self esteem, trust issues, work-related stress, LGBTQIA+ and neurodiversity.

In my work with the 5-18 age group, I'm experienced in meeting them where they're at in their development, both reinforcing their strengths and nurturing their weaknesses. This may be through play, art and creativity or by using technology, such as video games purposefully designed to aid them within a therapeutic setting. I'm also able to offer remote therapy via video-call, email or text which can be preferable to fit around school studies and their often busy social lives. The key element here is that the child/young person is inviting me into their world so it would always be wholly person-centred.

Aside from my private practise, I work as a counsellor in NHS settings, sit at board level within the NHS Talking Therapies (IAPT) service and guest lecture in Attachment and Trauma theory to PhD Counselling Psychology students. It's important to me I'm able to understand the decisions made behind-the-scenes as well as actively playing a role in helping shape training standards that will impact therapists and clients alike, as my guiding principle has always been that we should leave the world a better place than it was when we first found it.