“The further you stray from your true nature, the harder life becomes”
-Anon
A brief introduction
I am a Psychotherapist & Counsellor (UKCP, BACP registered) based in Hackney in London (& online). I am warm, intuitive and dynamic with a special interest in creative practice.
I work as a Transpersonal Integrative Therapist, which in practice means I draw on a variety of therapeutic techniques, from exploring the impact of early life dynamics on the present, to CBT (cognitive behaviour therapy).
The Transpersonal element adds depth and creativity to the process. Examples of this are: helping you find wisdom and meaning in your struggles, using creative tools (e.g. voice & sound, drawing, the written word), working with dreams and the imagination and most importantly, offering space for your authentic self, who you are under the wounding and conditioning, to flourish.
I very much tailor my approach to the individual and seek to work collaboratively with you.
“Psychotherapy can be a powerful, life-changing experience which can help you to improve your mental health, overcome social or emotional challenges, and fulfil your potential “
- UK Council for Psychotherapy
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Which kind of issues therapy can help with?
Please Note: The following list is not exhaustive
Low Self Esteem - Sexual/Physical/Emotional Abuse - Anxiety/Panic - OCD - Bereavement - Grief - Depression - Eating Disorders - Body Image Issues -Relationship Issues- Codependence - Addictions - Trauma - Fertility Struggles - Loss - Attachment Issues - Trust Issues - Hopelessness -Anger Management - Assertiveness - Abandonment Issues - Identity Issues - Indecisiveness -Behavioural Problems - Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - Illness - Workplace issues
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Do you have any areas you specialise in?
Yes. Whilst I have worked across all areas mentioned already, I have particular experience in working with:
-Anxiety
-OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) usually characterised as experiencing distressing unwanted thoughts, images or impulses (obsessions) which you may respond to repeatedly with rituals -either thoughts or actions- (compulsions) in an attempt to control the anxiety.
-Addiction (whether you are the person suffering or in close proximity to someone suffering)
-Codependency (this term is perhaps not so familiar if you are new to therapy but some key characteristics are: people pleasing, unhealthy boundaries, taking too much responsibility in any relationship (especially where one party is an addict or has destructive tendencies and the other party suffers from excessive caretaking/controlling), low self worth, over dependancy, poor self care, minimising or being unable to identify your needs.
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Psychotherapy or Counselling? What's the difference?
There is much crossover between the two practices but broadly speaking and as I approach them:
Psychotherapy is longer work, aiming to address emotional problems which have been troubling for some time or recurring negative cycles/patterns.
Counselling tends to last for a shorter duration and focuses on one or two specific concerns that generally do not appear to be long term emotional issues/patterns/repeat cycles.
At our initial assessment session we can discuss which is more appropriate for you.
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More about the "authentic self"
It is a transpersonal theory that each person has an innate or deeper nature, which may become obscured due to life experience and wounding.
Therapy can be a process of uncovering, rediscovering and embracing this nature so you can identify where you might be living out of alignment with it.
In working with clients -and as I’ve experienced in my own life- when people make choices and live their lives informed by this innate nature, this leads to feelings of increased well being and freedom, greater self-determination, creativity and empowerment.
“Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom”
-Aristotle
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Qualifications & Training
KEY QUALIFICATIONS:
POST GRADUATE DIPLOMA:
Transpersonal Integrative Psychotherapy & Counselling:
CCPE (Centre for Counselling and Psychotherapy Education).
CERTIFICATE:
Foundations of Counselling & Psychotherapy:
CCPE (Centre for Counselling and Psychotherapy Education).
ADDITIONAL TRAINING:
-Deb Dana’s Polyvagal Informed Therapy Masterclass: with guest Stephen Porges, PhD
-Healing Complex Trauma with an integrative ego state therapy (workshop)
-Dynamic Interpersonal Therapy (training session)
-Dr Brenda Davies' Chakra Developmental Model (training session)
-An audience with Dr Brenda Davies, Questions of Spirituality and Health
(Q&A session with retired consultant psychiatrist, author, workshop leader, spiritual teacher)
VOICE & SOUND:
In addition to training with sound on the Diploma at CCPE, I have worked closely with Dr. Nadine George and her ‘Nadine George Voice Work’ technique. The work is original, using sung sound and linking this directly to the body and text work. Dr George primarily devised her method for actors but has gone on to work with a wide range of people, such as mental health professionals. I have attended workshops and one to one sessions with Dr.George and have incorporated aspects of her technique into my practice.
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Professional Life
PSYCHOTHERAPY & COUNSELLING:
UKCP - Full Clinical Member
BACP - Registered Member
PRIVATE PRACTICE: Jan 2017- PRESENT
(spanning trainee level to post qualification & accreditation)
TRAINEE PSYCHOTHERAPIST FRESH START :
Dec 2016- Nov 2019
I saw clients for weekly psychotherapy for this Community Interest Company (C.I.C.).
TRAINEE COUNSELLOR @WOMEN IN HEALTH CENTRE, NHS SERVICE:
Jan 2016 -Aug 2017
I saw clients for short term counselling for this NHS service.
DESIGN BACKGROUND:
Royal Society of Arts Fellow
Marks & Spencer: Womenswear Colour/Trend Specialist (I was responsible for running the womenswear design colour department for almost a decade)
Fabric Editor: International Textiles Magazine (a leading fashion and textile glossy forecasting publication)
Chairperson: International Colour Authority (a global colour and trend forecasting consortium)
I set up my own colour consultancy for fashion, textiles, interiors, lifestyle and film, after leaving Marks and Spencer and I am currently a member (on sabbatical) of the prestigious British Textile Colour Group who are aligned with the international Intercolor organisation.
I hold a BA (Hons) in Textile Design.
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Workshops
VOICE YOUR SOUL’S TRUTH
2023 DATE TBC
“Do you yearn to live more authentically or express yourself more freely?”
A THERAPEUTIC WEEKEND WORKSHOP to access your INNATE AUTHENTIC NATURE (unique to each human being) enabling you to meet life’s challenges with greater ease. We’ll be using an innovative voice technique for use by anyone wishing to develop their true voice. THE WORK IS UNIQUE USING SUNG SOUND AND VIBRATIONS AND LINKING THESE DIRECTLY TO THE BODY..
Workshop includes body & breath work, therapeutic touch and sound making. No singing expertise required.
VENUE: TBC
TIME: 10-5PM
A short informal interview will be held to access your suitability for this group work. Applicants must be 25 + and in weekly ongoing therapy or have a similar support system.
REGISTER YOUR INTEREST:
Mob: 07793564342
Email: stefsteen@me.com
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VOICE YOUR SOUL’S TRUTH
2019 June 1st & 2nd SOLD OUT
“Do you yearn to live more authentically or express yourself more freely?”
A THERAPEUTIC WEEKEND WORKSHOP to access your INNATE AUTHENTIC NATURE (unique to each human being) enabling you to meet life’s challenges with greater ease. We’ll be using an innovative voice technique for use by anyone wishing to develop their true voice. THE WORK IS UNIQUE USING SUNG SOUND AND VIBRATIONS AND LINKING THESE DIRECTLY TO THE BODY..
Workshop includes body & breath work, therapeutic touch and sound making. No singing expertise required.
VENUE: Toynbee Studios E1 6AB
TIME: 10-5PM
A short informal interview will be held to access your suitability for this group work. Applicants must be 25 + and in weekly ongoing therapy.
REGISTER YOUR INTEREST:
Mob: 07793564342
Email: stefsteen@me.com
“This above all: to thine own self be true”
-W.Shakespeare
Contact me.
Session information
Regular sessions are 50 minutes long either in person or online. My fee is £75-£80 per session.
stefsteen@me.com
07793564342
Hackney E8, London