Dr Sophie Ann Clifton
Clinical Psychologist
Sophie has extensive academic and clinical experience in the field of psychology. She has worked alongside people of all ages, from a variety of backgrounds, experiencing a broad range of mental health difficulties. These include depression, anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorder, phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), workplace stress, attachment and relationship difficulties. Sophie is also experienced in working with members of both the LGBTQ+ and neurodiverse communities.
Sophie has an empathic and non-judgmental approach to others, and believes that building positive, trusting relationships is central to therapy. She also believes each person, and their difficulties, deserves a psychological approach tailored to their own, personal experience and preferences.
She therefore takes an eclectic approach, drawing on multiple psychological theories – cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), compassion focused therapy (CFT), cognitive analytic therapy (CAT), eye movement desensitisation & reprocessing (EMDR), and psychodynamic/relational approaches – to build an individualised and holistic approach, empowering each individual to embark on recovery and achieve their therapeutic goals.
Sophie also believes joy, fun and laughter to be fantastic remedies for distress, encouraging those she works with to inject this back into their lives! As a practising Buddhist, Sophie also enjoys drawing on relaxation, meditation, imagery and mindfulness techniques in her therapy, where appropriate.
Sophie accepts private referrals and is recognised by BUPA, WPA, Aviva, Vitality, AXA, and other insurers. She offers online sessions, however can see people face-to-face in the Brighton/Hove area (East Sussex).
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Qualifications
Doctorate of Clinical Psychology, Coventry and Warwickshire University
Post-graduate Certificate (PgCert) in Evidence-based Psychological Therapies, University of Reading
MSc Forensic Psychology, University of Surrey
BSc Psychology, University of Birmingham
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Eye Movement Desensitisation & Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy
Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS)/Autism Diagnostic Interview Revised (ADI-R) (Sophie is a qualified assessor of Autism in individuals of all ages)
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Testimonials
"I have had many a psychologist over the years, but none as wonderful as Sophie. Talking to Sophie each week is as comfortable as talking to a friend. She is highly knowledgeable and confident with her many techniques and it has been a life-changing experience working with her"
"Dr Sophie went beyond the superficial, and helped me recognise the root of the problem. I would have been happy with a quick fix, but I got so much more; it has been life-changing. I will forever be grateful"
"Sophie is the most compassionate and kind person I've ever known. Trustworthy and always willing to help unconditionally without judgement. She brings a safe space for you to be yourself and the tools to overcome struggles in your life"