Dr Stephanie Louw

Clinical Psychologist

My Values

“Coming to therapy can be a vulnerable experience.  I therefore prioritise building trust and rapport, ensuring you dictate the pace and depth of our sessions, allowing you to feel in control of your therapeutic journey.  I believe that a strong therapeutic relationship is necessary to make the most out of therapy.  To achieve this, I strive to nurture an environment where warmth, trust, transparency and honesty can flourish.

My goal is to ensure you feel at ease exploring your thoughts and emotions and I aim to provide not only compassion and understanding but also a space free from judgment, allowing you to explore and express yourself authentically.  My own desire for self-exploration led me to a career in psychology.  I feel very lucky and honoured to be able to accompany individuals a small way along their own journeys.”

This is a quote that grounds my practice

"The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances: if there is any reaction, both are transformed."

-Carl Jung

  • Who I work with?

    I work with adults with a range of presentations including:

    Anxiety | Post Traumatic Stress Disorder | Substance Dependency | Relational Difficulties | Panic attacks | Generalised Anxiety disorder | Social anxiety | Phobias | Obsessive Compulsive Disorder | Trauma | Depression | Low self-esteem

  • Therapeutic Models

    I take an integrative approach to therapy using models that are evidence based by the NICE guidelines which include:

    • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

    • Compassion Focussed Therapy (CFT)

    • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

    • Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)

My Experience

I have worked within NHS mental health services for over a decade.  I currently work with adults in a community mental health team, where clients are experiencing a variety of mental health difficulties, ranging from mild to severe.  As one of the senior psychologists within the service, I also take on the responsibility of supervising junior psychology staff and trainee psychologists, as well as offering support and consultation to other members of the wider teams, within which I work.

I enjoy working with diverse psychological presentations.  I have particular experience and interest working with all manner of psychological traumas, including PTSD and C-PTSD.  I have historically worked for a national trauma centre, which allowed me to learn from experts in the field.  I have worked with survivors of torture, sexual and domestic violence and emergency responders, such as police, struggling with the aftereffects of vicarious and occupational trauma.  I have found it deeply humbling and rewarding to be able to witness clients beginning to heal from what has happened to them and reclaiming their lives.

Aside from my focus on helping individuals who are struggling with aspects of their mental health, I also enjoy helping people to reach their peak potential.  I personally and professionally believe in self-development and therefore enjoy helping others to learn about themselves and to grow and expand their abilities to reach peak performance, in whatever area they wish to develop.

  • Qualifications

    Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the University of Canterbury and Christchurch (DClinPsych)

    Salomons Institute Foundation in Systemic Theory and Practice course (Association for Family Therapy and Systemic Practice accredited)

    EMDR level 1 (level 2 to be completed by February 2024)

    BSc (Hons) Human Psychology at the University of Aston

  • Affiliations and Memberships

    Registered Clinical Psychologist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) Registration number: PYL041302

I am only offering psychological therapy via online platforms