About Stella Forster

I am originally from Melbourne, Australia, where I trained and worked as a solicitor. In 1997 I went back to the University of Melbourne to train as a psychologist. I moved to the UK in 2000, gaining specific UK counselling and psychotherapy qualifications from Leeds Beckett University, receiving an MA with distinction in Integrative Counselling.

I have 20 years experience providing counselling for adults, young adults and families in various settings including an Australian rape-crisis centre, UK private and state schools, a charitable Just B bereavement service in Harrogate and private practice.

I have worked with clients experiencing anxiety, panic attacks, historical trauma, child abuse, domestic violence including coercive control, depression, suicidal ideation, PTSD, prolonged grief disorder, psychosis, intergenerational trauma, sexual assault, relational and parenting difficulties, life transition struggles, bereavement, and loss.

Many clients have come to therapy questioning why what has worked for them in the past no longer works for them now. Together we have discovered why, enabling clients to gain new understandings and make meaningful long-term change.

I combine techniques from several evidence based therapeutic approaches to tailor bespoke treatment plans that address the unique lived experiences of individual clients. I use psychodynamic, humanistic, transactional analysis, Cognitive Behavioural, Narrative and Somatic therapies with a focus on assisting clients to reach their goals and achieve meaningful, long-lasting change.

I provide a safe therapeutic space for clients to express themselves and be heard. My therapeutic relationship with clients is based on trust, authenticity, and open communication.