Dr Stef Kouvaras is a Clinical Psychologist with over ten years' experience working in the NHS and privately across the lifespan. Stef is registered with the HCPC (registration number: PYL38973). Stef completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology at the University of Sheffield in 2011, followed by an MSc in Mental Health Studies at King's College London in 2016. She went on to complete her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Salomons Institute, Canterbury Christ Church University, qualifying in 2020. Stef also holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Low Intensity Cognitive Behavioural Interventions and has completed a Foundation in Systemic Principles. For the last five years, Stef has worked in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), supporting children and adolescents as well as parents and the wider family system. She has also worked closely with schools to ensure a holistic approach to her work. Stef is experienced in working with neurodiversity, including ADHD and ASD, and works in a neuro-affirming way. Stef works integratively, drawing on a range of therapeutic models including Compassion Focussed Therapy (CFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). She also draws on attachment, systemic, narrative and trauma-informed principles, and has further training in Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP) and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR). Stef's approach is collaborative and compassionate. She recognises that starting therapy can feel daunting, so her priority is building a trusting and safe therapeutic relationship. Stef and her clients begin by developing a shared understanding of what has brought them to therapy and exploring their hopes for the work together.