About me
My name is Dr Denise Stevens, and I am a BACP registered Psychodynamic Counsellor, Psychotherapist and Clinical Supervisor.
I have many years of experience working across a range of services, including homelessness, probation, the NHS and private practice. Throughout my career, I have supported individuals experiencing a wide variety of emotional and psychological difficulties, including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties, addiction, personality disorders, low self-esteem, loss and life transitions. This experience has given me a deep understanding of the challenges people face and the courage it can take to seek support.
My approach is rooted in psychodynamic psychotherapy, which focuses on understanding how past experiences, relationships and unconscious patterns may be influencing current difficulties. Alongside exploring these deeper aspects of your experience, I aim to provide a safe, supportive and non-judgemental space where you can feel heard, understood and accepted.
I understand that finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming. The relationship between therapist and client is one of the most important aspects of therapy, and I believe that meaningful change develops through a trusting and authentic therapeutic relationship.
I offer both short-term and long-term therapy and work with adults from a wide range of backgrounds. Sessions provide an opportunity to explore difficult thoughts, feelings and experiences at a pace that feels manageable for you. Together, we can develop a greater understanding of what may be causing distress, helping you to make sense of your experiences and create lasting change.
Therapy can sometimes feel challenging, particularly when exploring painful experiences or emotions, but it can also be a deeply rewarding process that leads to greater self-awareness, emotional resilience and personal growth.
Whether you are experiencing a specific difficulty or simply feel that something in your life is not quite right, I welcome the opportunity to work alongside you. I wish you well in your search for support, whether that is with me or another therapist.
Training, qualifications & experience
I hold a BA (Hons) in Person-Centred and Existential Counselling, a Master's degree in Psychodynamic Counselling and Psychotherapy, and a Professional Doctorate in Psychodynamic Counselling from the University of Essex.
I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and work in accordance with their Ethical Framework.
I have many years of experience working therapeutically within a variety of settings, including the NHS, probation services, homelessness services and private practice. Throughout my career, I have supported individuals experiencing a wide range of emotional and psychological difficulties, including addiction, dual diagnosis, trauma, personality disorders, anxiety, depression and relationship difficulties.
Alongside my private practice, I have taught counselling students at university level and provide clinical supervision to both trainee and qualified counsellors.
My core training is psychodynamic; however, I have also undertaken additional training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Transactional Analysis (TA), Mindfulness and Couples Therapy. I have a particular interest in neurodiversity, including ADHD and autism, and in understanding how these experiences can affect emotional wellbeing, relationships and daily life. I am also developing a specialist interest in psychosexual and relationship issues.
This breadth of training allows me to draw on a range of approaches and tailor therapy to meet the unique needs of each individual.
Member organisations
BACP is one of the UK’s leading professional bodies for counselling and psychotherapy with around 60,000 members. The Association has several different categories of membership, including Student Member, Individual Member, Registered Member MBACP, Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Accred) and Senior Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Snr Acccred). Registered and accredited members are listed on the BACP Register, which shows that they have demonstrated BACP’s recommended standards for training, proficiency and ethical practice. The BACP Register was the first register of psychological therapists to be accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA). Accredited and senior accredited membership are voluntary categories for members who choose to undertake a rigorous application and assessment process to demonstrate additional standards around practice, training and supervision. Individual members will have completed an appropriate counselling or psychotherapy course and started to practise, but they won’t appear on the BACP Register until they've demonstrated that they meet the standards for registration. Student members are still in the process of completing their training. All members are bound by the BACP Ethical Framework and a Professional Conduct Procedure.
Accredited register membership
The Accredited Register Scheme was set up in 2013 by the Department of Health (DoH) as a way to recognise organisations that hold voluntary registers which meet certain standards. These standards are set by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).
This therapist has indicated that they belong to an Accredited Register.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Therapies offered
Fees
£85.00 per session
Concessions offered for
Health Insurance/EAP
Additional information
I offer a free 15-minute telephone consultation, providing an opportunity for us to discuss what has brought you to therapy, what you hope to gain from the process, and any questions you may have. It also gives you a chance to get a sense of whether you feel comfortable working with me, as finding the right therapist is an important part of the therapeutic journey.
If we decide to work together, we will arrange an initial assessment session. This allows us to explore your current difficulties, personal history, and what you would like from therapy in more depth. The assessment helps us think together about how therapy may best support your needs.
Should we choose to continue, we will agree a regular weekly appointment time.
I offer both short-term and long-term therapy. Some people seek support for a specific issue over a limited number of sessions, while others choose longer-term therapy to explore deeper patterns, relationships and life experiences. We can review your needs and goals together throughout the therapeutic process.
Concessionary rates may be available for:
• Students
• Key workers
• People who are unemployed
• Individuals on a low income
• Older adults (state pension age)
Please feel free to discuss your circumstances during our initial consultation.
Further information
Our first session provides an opportunity for us to get to know one another and to explore what has brought you to therapy, your current difficulties, and what you hope to gain from the therapeutic process. It is also a chance for you to ask any questions and to consider whether you feel comfortable working with me.
If we decide to continue, we will agree a regular weekly appointment time. I offer therapy in a confidential, safe and non-judgemental environment where you can explore your thoughts, feelings and experiences at a pace that feels manageable for you.
My approach is primarily psychodynamic, which means we may explore how past experiences, relationships and unconscious patterns influence your current life. However, I work in an integrative way and draw upon other therapeutic approaches where appropriate to meet your individual needs.
The number of sessions is entirely your choice. Some people find that short-term therapy (approximately 6–12 sessions) is sufficient to work through a specific issue, while others prefer longer-term therapy, allowing more time and space for deeper exploration and lasting change.
