Dr Aviva Stafford
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This professional is currently not accepting new clients at this time.
This professional is currently not accepting new clients at this time.
About me
If you’re struggling right now, please know you’re not alone. It’s likely you’re experiencing understandable human responses to adverse life experiences.
My work is about helping you unpack, understand, and retune these responses so that you can ultimately reconnect with what is important to you to live a full and meaningful life aligned with your values.
Therapy with me is evidence-based, collaborative, and goal-focused. We would start with an initial assessment which may take one or more sessions depending on how much you would like to work on. I’ll then share a treatment plan with you, explaining what we can do and how it will help. I am happy to facilitate short- or long-term therapy depending on what suits you.
I offer a safe, validating space to explore the impacts of previous experiences on current thoughts, feelings and behaviours. I believe (and research supports) that a good therapeutic relationship is key to positive therapy outcomes. So my first priority is doing my best to ensure you feel heard, empowered, and safe with me.
Supporting people who have experienced trauma and helping them understand and heal from its impact, is a cause particularly close to my heart. ‘Trauma’ has many different shapes and sizes, and there is no one-size-fits all approach. I ground my work in evidence-based approaches and draw on a variety of different models to provide an integrative approach, tailored to your individual needs.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out for a free 20-minute initial consultation via video or phone call. If you message me via this website, please remember to check your spam inbox as sometimes my emails may end up there if you've not emailed me directly before.
Difficulties I work with include but are not limited to:
- Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Complex PTSD
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Low mood
- Phobias
- Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
- Health anxiety
- Panic disorder
- Social anxiety disorder
- Low self-esteem
- Insomnia
- Chronic pain
- Interpersonal difficulties
Training, qualifications & experience
I have been working across various private and NHS mental health settings since 2017. I’ve worked in primary, secondary, tertiary, and specialist mental health services with people of diverse backgrounds, a wide range of clinical presentations, and varying levels of complexity.
Alongside my private practice, I currently work for the NHS in a trauma-specialist, adult community mental health service offering assessments and individual and group therapy to people affected by trauma.
Qualifications:
- 2019 - Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with Counselling (BSc), The Open University (First Class Honours)
- 2021 - Master’s degree in Clinical Applications of Psychology (MSc), Birmingham Newman University
- 2024 - Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy), University of East Anglia
- 2025 - EMDR Standard Accredited Training with EMDR Europe
Member organisations
school Registered / Accredited
Being registered/accredited with a professional body means an individual must have achieved a substantial level of training and experience approved by their member organisation.
The HCPC are an independent, UK-wide health regulator. They set standards of professional training, performance and conduct for 16 professions.
They keep a register of health professionals who meet their standards, and they take action if registered health professionals fall below those standards. They were created by a piece of legislation called the Health Professions Order 2001.
Registration means that a health professional meets national standards for their professional training, performance and conduct.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Therapies offered
Photos & videos
Fees
£90.00 per session
Health Insurance/EAP
Additional information
I offer 60-minute appointments at £90 and 90-minute appointments at £120.
I am a recognised provider with Bupa, AXA Health, Aviva, and WPA insurance, meaning you may be able to access therapy with me through your health insurance.
When I work
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