Zoë Stephens

Have you ever felt down, lonely, anxious or depressed? Maybe you feel weighed down by life or the pressures placed on you by society’s expectations. Maybe you feel that you have to mask these feelings so others won’t feel burdened by you. Or maybe lockdown and the impact of coronavirus brought a whole new set of challenges. Whatever it may be that seems so difficult right now, you’re not alone. In fact, 30-50% of people suffer mental health issues at some point in their life. I can help and the fact you’re reading this means you're already taking the most important first step.

As a therapist, I recognise that one size genuinely does not fit all where therapy is concerned and I will collaboratively work with you to create an individual therapy plan that is unique to you and tailored specifically to your needs. You are a human being after all, not just a number or a name on a piece of paper, and I hope that you find the space I provide to be one that is both confidential and free from judgement; a space where you are able to decompress and make sense of things so that you feel not only confident enough to recognise the changes you wish to make but also empowered to actually make them. 

I offer both short and long term therapy. This can be carried out online, face-to-face or over the telephone allowing you a higher degree of flexibility and autonomy as some days may just feel a little too hard and, on those days, it may feel a little easier to speak online (with or without the camera on) or on the telephone. 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 at my Bolton office. Whatever you choose, the options are all there for your comfort.

Same as you are evolving as a human being, your needs may change over the course of our work together. This is something I'm fully aware of and sensitive towards so I will always try to accommodate as best I can. Whilst I don’t have a magic wand, I can guarantee that I will walk beside you whilst we try to navigate this therapy journey together, until such time as it feels right for you to venture into pastures new.

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.

Children and Young People's Counselling

If you are a parent of a child or young person that would benefit from some therapeutic input, I would first like to offer some reassurance to you. Reaching out to a professional for help may feel very daunting because, as parents, we often like to believe that we should be able to solve every problem and dry every tear for our children. Asking for help is a very brave thing to do and it is only natural to feel the way you do. In my work with this younger age group (5-18), I am experienced in meeting them where they are at in their development and both reinforcing their strengths as well as nurturing their weaknesses. This may be through play, art and creativity or by using technology, such as video games purposefully designed to aid the young person within a therapeutic setting. I am also able to offer remote therapy such as by video-call, email or text message which can be preferable to allow an extra degree of flexibility around their school studies (especially around exam time) 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 and 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 ultimately impact both therapists and clients alike, as my guiding principle in life has always been that we should leave the world that little bit better than it was when we first found it.

• £60 individuals, £75 couples
• A block of six sessions may be paid in advance with a reduction of 10% being given. No refund is given if the six sessions are not taken.
• Session time/day can be flexible with no need to have the same day/time each week but regular slots also available to suit your preference.
• I have a limited number of concessionary places available as I recognise that the rise in the cost of living and circumstances beyond our control can impact all of us at any given time and I try to be as accommodating as possible to ensure affordability where I reasonably can.

As a member of the BACP, I work to their ethical framework and I am always happy to discuss this should you have any questions or concerns.