Hello there.

I’m Sophie September - a chartered Counselling Psychologist, Integrative Psychotherapist, Cognitive Behavioural and EMDR Therapist with 16 years experience of working in the NHS and private practice. Trained to doctoral level, I work from a trauma informed lens and offer a warm, containing & confidential space in Canterbury (CT1).

I offer a professional relationship where you can be truly heard, and will support you to develop a healthier relationship with yourself and others. I believe the therapeutic relationship is central to supporting change and value being collaborative and transparent about how we are working together.

Some common difficulties I offer therapy for are: Relationship difficulties, Childhood abuse and attachment struggles, Trauma including PTSD, Identity and transitions in life, Generalised Anxiety, Social Anxiety, Health anxiety, Depression, Addictions, Panic attacks & phobias, Obsessive Compulsive behaviours, Low Self Esteem & confidence, Stress, Eating issues, Bereavement & loss, Self development, Peri-natal mental health difficulties (list not exclusive).

How I work

Every individual is unique and no one type of therapy fits all, which is why I take an 'integrative' approach in my work as a therapist. I draw on different ideas and theories which includes understanding how the past influences the present (psychodynamic theories), the common experiences of anxiety related to being human (existential ideas), and how our beliefs and interpretations can limit the ways we view ourselves (Cognitive Behavioural therapy). I have a particular interest in developmental theory and trauma, which looks at how early experience with caregivers affects our experiences in adult relationships and this informs my ‘here and now’ work with clients. I also understand individuals within their wider culture and context in terms of identity formation.

I evolve and grow through my own continuing professional development and latest research developments in psychology, psychotherapy and neuroscience. This supports me to integrate latest scientific knowledge with the creative and intuitive process of therapy.

As part of my training and beyond, I have engaged in personal therapy, and understand how anxiety provoking it can be to reach out and face the prospect of change. In the first session we would explore your difficulties and expectations of therapy, and whether we are a good fit to work together. If you would like to continue we can either contract for a set number of sessions, or some people prefer open ended therapy.

Ethics:

I am a member of the British Psychological Society (BPS), United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP), the British Association for Behavioural & Cognitive Therapy (BABCP), the EMDR Association UK, and the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), and abide by their code of ethics to ensure safe working.

My fee is £100 per session. I do offer some concessions - please enquire about this if needed.