Dr Sophie Ward

Specialist Counselling Psychologist
DPsych Counselling Psychology (HCPC) – London Metropolitan University (2025)
MRes Social Psychology – Birmingham Newman University (2018)
BSc (Hons) Psychology – Birmingham Newman University (2017)

Registration

Quick facts

  • Year qualified: 2025
  • Years in eating disorders: 2 years 10 months
  • Consults at: Remote

Biography

I am a HCPC registered Counselling Psychologist, having completed my training at London Metropolitan University. I have always had a strong passion for supporting people with eating disorders, and have seen first-hand the impact that they can have on a person and their loved ones.

approach to treatment

I work in an integrative way, drawing on a range of therapeutic models, tools, and techniques to provide support that is tailored to each client’s individual needs. I believe in understanding the whole person rather than focusing solely on a diagnosis, recognising the unique experiences, strengths, and challenges that shape their story. I am passionate about building a strong, collaborative therapeutic relationship in which clients feel heard, understood, validated, and supported throughout their journey towards meaningful change.

areas of interest / specialism

I have a particular interest in working with eating disorders, body image concerns, and the relationship we develop with food. I am passionate about supporting clients to move away from cycles of restriction, binge eating, guilt, and self-criticism towards a more compassionate and sustainable relationship with eating and their bodies.

Alongside TLC, I work as a Counselling Psychologist in an adult locality mental health team.

specialised Training

  • CREDO webcentred training: CBT-E for Eating Disorders – Oxford Centre for Eating Disorders · Issued Aug 2023

Senior Roles and Notable Prior Posts

  • Senior Counselling Psychologist | Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust (Nov 2024 – Present).
    Clinical Focus: Supports individuals with complex, moderate-to-severe mental health conditions (bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, personality disorders, psychosis, and trauma) within the Fenland Adult Locality Team (FALT).
    Leadership & Supervision: Serves as the Therapy Group Lead across FALT, HALT (Huntingdon), and PALT (Peterborough), while providing clinical supervision to staff.
  • Trainee Counselling Psychologist | South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (Feb 2023 – Aug 2024)
    Delivered evidence-based psychological interventions within the NHS Talking Therapies service.
  • Trainee Counselling Psychologist | Triumph Over Phobia (UK) (Dec 2023 – Sep 2024)
    Delivered targeted psychological therapies specializing in phobias and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
  • Trainee Counselling Psychologist | Children and Adults Therapy Services (Aug 2022 – Mar 2023)
    Provided private therapy services to children and adults across London.
  • Trainee Counselling Psychologist | Change Grow Live (Sep 2021 – Aug 2022)
    Delivered specialist addiction recovery and psychological interventions within the Barnet Drug & Alcohol Adult Service.
  • Assistant Psychologist | Inpatient Eating Disorders Unit (Jan 2021 – Sep 2021)
    Provided clinical support and psychological input within a specialist inpatient eating disorder facility in Birmingham.
  • Honorary Assistant Psychologist | Female Rehabilitation & Recovery Service (May 2020 – Mar 2021)
    Worked with female service users presenting complex needs, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, mild learning disabilities, and co-morbid substance misuse.
  • Mental Health Care Assistant | Acute, PICU, CAMHS & Specialist Wards (Mar 2020 – Sep 2021)
    Provided frontline inpatient care across diverse settings in Birmingham, including Psychiatric Intensive Care (PICU), Child and Adolescent Mental Health (CAMHS), Acute, Addiction, and Eating Disorder units.
  • Outside of work, I enjoy travelling, exploring nature, and walking my miniature dachshund – though I’m not entirely convinced she enjoys it as much as I do! I also value spending quality time with friends and family and making space for the people and activities that matter most to me.
    Dr Sophie Ward

Q&A with Sophie

I understand that starting therapy can feel daunting. In our first session, we’ll explore what has brought you to therapy, what you hope to gain from it, and any questions you may have. My aim is to create a safe, collaborative, and non-judgemental space where you feel heard and understood.

A common misconception is that eating disorders are always visible. In reality, people can be struggling significantly regardless of their weight, shape, age, gender, or appearance. Eating disorders are serious mental health difficulties, and many people go unnoticed because they don’t fit the stereotypes often portrayed in the media.