I am trained as an integrative counselling psychologist meaning that I have been trained to offer you a bespoke and personalised form of therapy, drawing on the most relevant and useful evidence based aspects of the aforementioned therapy approaches (please see My Training section on the About Me page for details). I am also trained in critical psychology approaches meaning that although I understand the importance of diagnoses, I also use the very real way your distress impacts your life to guide our work together, taking into consideration your intersectionality, the social labels that make you you, for example your age, gender, ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic status and etc., to gain an holistic understanding of your current challenges.

It is my belief that psychological therapy has to be collaborative in order for the therapeutic space to feel safe and emotional healing and growth to take place. As such I am open hearing your ideas regarding what you would like from your therapy for example, incorporating your faith or spiritual beliefs in the therapeutic work or exploring the use of techniques or approaches, in accordance with my skill set, which have helped you in the past or you are curious to try.

All therapy sessions are 50 minutes in length. Therapy also tends to take place weekly, however, I am again open to creating a pattern of therapy sessions that suits your state of distress and time commitments; I have seen clients for therapy two times a week, weekly, fortnightly and on an ad hoc basis after a course of therapy.

Therapy can be a very exciting, challenging and rewarding process; I will be there to support you through this journey of self discovery, healing, increasing self-belief and inner peace.

* All names have been changed to protect the identity of my clients

”Stephanie was a great therapist, I felt heard and that she was understanding, which was really important for me at the time because I felt very ignored by the people in my life. Therapy was difficult at some stages because I was having to face things that I had shut away or buried, but Stephanie supported me throughout. I have a voice now, I know my worth and I am hopeful about my future. Thank you Stephanie.”

- Catherine -

”I have issues with trusting people due to my childhood and despite this it didn't take me too long to trust Stephanie. She creates such a trusting and caring space in the therapy. I have seen many therapists from the age of 16 and Stephanie is by far the best, she really understood where I was coming from and was very patient with me. I'm still working on myself but I am in a far better place after my therapy.”

- Meena-

”I was struggling with becoming a father, being self employed and copying with my wife's postnatal depression. I was angry, confused and hopeless. Working with Stephanie helped me to work through feelings that I didn't know that I was even feeling. Nothing was off limits and that helped me too look at and show come kindness to the parts of myself that previously made me feel full of shame and guilt. I'm coping better with things now and and enjoying being a father and a husband.”

-John-

”Stephanie worked with me for over a year and proved to be a great help! I went to learn how to manage chronic pain but ended up being able to navigate other areas of my life and address issues that still affected me. She was patient, non judgemental and very supportive and went above and beyond for me. I would highly recommend her services if you’re looking for someone to help improve your health-yes health-physical and mental health are both related. That’s something I have come to realise.”

- Mary -

”We weren’t really sure what to expect accessing therapy as a couple, but you really helped us to feel at ease and able to share with how we were feeling. The sessions gave us time and space to think about the things that we wanted to prioritise in our relationship and areas that need work.Thanks for being so thoughtful, kind and open with us throughout. We both really appreciate it.”

- Sarah and Grant -

”I would recommend Stephanie because my time with her was honestly the best time I’ve had with any therapist. Not only did I grow as a person but Stephanie really helped me become more in tuned with emotions and allow myself to notice my triggers in terms of my mental health. I am more aware of myself and have found so much strength in not being okay. The difference before I started speaking to Stephanie to now has been so impactful on not just my relationship with my mental health but with how I approach challenging situations in my life and I couldn’t recommend her more.”

- Chi-

”I can't thank Dr Stephanie Okwu enough for the help she's given me. She is an amazing therapist, who listens without judgement and offers great insight and asked insightful questions. I felt like she genuinely wanted the best for me and was always available to answer any questions I had. I'm so glad that I chose her as my therapist and I highly recommend her services to anyone looking for a therapist!”

- Issac -

”I reached out to Stephanie at a time when I was experiencing severe distress and panic attacks during a personal relationship. I was reluctant to undertake therapy due to a lack of results for many years, however, Dr. Stephanie is trained in a range of approaches including EMDR and this encouraged me to believe she could offer me something 'different' - which she did. Her broad experience and intuition allowed therapy to feel almost 'new' or as if it was the first time I had received 'good therapy'. I believe this is due to her training and ability to offer and EXPLAIN* a range of techniques, adapting each session to my circumstances and needs at the time - (while still ensuring I did not allow myself to veer too far off course my original goals).

This resulted in quicker and more impactful results than I've ever experienced in therapy and I'm grateful to have undertaken my first experience of EMDR in such capable and qualified hands. After a short number of sessions with Stephanie, I was able to resolve my distressing relationship without triggering a panic attack, and taper off my anti anxiety medication. I also feel very hopeful about my future for the first time in a decade.

I also want to add a really important point, Stephanie is results driven and has a client's ultimate interests at heart. I feel this is evident by the lack of pressure to continue sessions beyond what I am comfortable with - emotionally or financially. She's warm and approachable in these conversations, while still maintaining professionalism.

I would recommend her for anyone who hasn't found success with therapy thus far or undertaking therapy for the first time.”

- Zoya -

”Stephanie helped me think through some difficulties in a caring and compassionate manner that was measured with a helpful dose of challenge when appropriate. I felt that Stephanie was able to understand the challenges I faced and equip me with an alternative view and vocabulary when dealing with them. Truly appreciate her help!

Thank you!”

- Joseph -