Mr Steven Ford

Practitioner Directory

Services

Counselling, Psychotherapy, Clinical Supervision

About me and my practice

I'm an experienced, trauma-informed integrative therapist with 14+ years specialising in addiction recovery and complex mental health needs. Currently serving as Counselling Coordinator at CGL Brighton and Hove Recovery Service, I lead therapeutic teams while maintaining direct clinical practice with adults facing addiction, trauma, and co-occurring mental health challenges. My therapeutic approach is integrative and flexible, drawing from ACT, person-centred, and psychodynamic models to meet diverse client needs. I work with individuals and groups (ages 18-70) addressing addiction, trauma, grief, shame, anxiety, depression, and self-esteem issues. My practice includes both time-limited and open-ended therapy, with particular expertise in supporting families and carers affected by addiction. I have experience of facilitating evidence-based therapeutic groups including DBT, mindfulness, and detox support, while providing comprehensive assessments and tailored treatment planning. My work emphasizes trauma-informed care, recognising the complex interplay between addiction and unresolved trauma.

Outline of offer

A warm, empathic and trauma-informed integrative therapist and clinical supervisor, with over 14 years' clinical experience working in a variety of therapeutic settings. Accredited by the National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (NCPS) and currently serving as a Counselling Coordinator at Change Grow Live (CGL) Recovery Service, where I lead a diverse team of counsellors, oversee therapeutic interventions and ensure the highest standard of service delivery. I have extensive experience working with individuals and groups from diverse backgrounds, specialising in addiction, trauma, guilt, shame, anger, anxiety, depression, self-esteem and self-worth. My approach combines empathy, honesty, curiosity and a strong commitment to ethical practice to support clients with variable needs.

Experience

CGL Brighton and Hove Recovery Service: Counselling Coordinator 2021 – Present Leading and coordinating counselling services, managing a team of qualified and trainee counsellors Facilitating therapeutic groups (EBI, ACT, DBT, Detox, Mindfulness) to support client coping strategies Providing 1:1 counselling for clients with complex needs Managing a diverse caseload and conducting comprehensive assessments Assessing all counselling referrals and developing tailored treatment plans before allocating clients to appropriate volunteer counsellors Overseeing referrals, waiting lists, and service improvements Building partnerships with community and university services to enhance integrated support Maintaining clinical governance standards and accurate case documentation Ensuring adherence to risk assessment and safeguarding protocols Providing clinical supervision in line with BACP/UKCP ethical standards Participating in leadership meetings and contributing to service evaluation Pavilions: Families and Carers Team - Counsellor 2015 – 2021 Provided specialised counselling for family members and significant others Delivered 1:1 counselling and facilitated support groups Designed and delivered programs addressing the impact of addiction Built and maintained collaborative relationships with community services Managed caseloads, conducted assessments and maintained clinical reports Crime Reduction Initiative - 1:1 Counsellor 2011 – 2015 Assessed clients and delivered therapy for alcohol/substance related recovery Collaborated with NHS and outreach services to support recovery Supported clients in developing return-to-work plans Maintained accurate case documentation and treatment reports