About

Experience & Qualifications

The Connectry provides skilled, resourceful care by respectful, accomplished professionals.

Meet The Founder

Stephanie Blackman Ballard

Our founder, Stephanie Blackman Ballard, is a trauma-informed psychotherapist who adopts an integrative approach tailored to individual needs and preferences. She draws from an array of evidence-based methods, blending psychological theory with contemporary neuroscience to enhance the healing process. Her work often incorporates Psychodynamic, Somatic, Gestalt, Attachment, Acceptance & Commitment, and CBT approaches.

Stephanie’s experience across diverse clinical settings – community-based services, a psychiatric hospital and schools – spans clients aged 12 – 90. This extensive training has enhanced her adaptability, enabling her to work safely and effectively with a wide range of clientele. She is particularly experienced supporting adolescents and adults in their 20s to 40s with anxiety, relationships, self-esteem and identity, and periods of transition.

Stephanie’s background also includes experience in the corporate world and an MBA from London Business School. Her approach is thoughtful, psychologically rigorous and grounded, combining deeper exploration with practical tools to support genuine progress and lasting change.

Outside her clinical work, Stephanie enjoys dancing, playing tennis, watching musical theatre and opera, and walking her dogs.

Experience

We have experience working with adults and adolescents using an integrative therapeutic model which offers a holistic approach with greater adaptability and personalization.

This approach enables us to address multiple issues and take into consideration the interconnectedness of the client’s psychological, social, physical and spiritual dimensions. It also ensures ongoing relevance by allowing adjustments to the therapeutic plan as clients progress through therapy. Therapeutic approaches and interventions omay include :

  • Psychodynamic Therapy
  • CBT – Reappraisal & Possibility Mapping
  • Somatic Therapy
  • Gestalt Therapy
  • Attachment Therapy
  • Creative Therapy
  • Acceptance & Commitment Therapy

Techniques are selected and adapted to suit each client’s needs and circumstances, enabling meaningful and sustainable change.

Specialities

Though not an exhaustive list, we have experience working with the following issues:

Anxiety
Complex Trauma
Low Self-esteem
Phobias
Addictions
ADHD
Transitions
Neglect
Personality Disorders
Depression
Evolving Identities
PTSD
LGBTQ+ Issues
Relationship Conflicts
Sexual Abuse
Emotional Abuse
Sexuality
Self-growth

Qualifications

Stephanie is a registered member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy and has a Diploma in Integrative Counselling. She holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology and Neuroscience from King’s College London and is pursuing a PhD in Psychology. She is certified in complex trauma, Acceptance Commitment Therapy and has a Level 3 Certificate with Place2Be in Child Counselling and an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. She has completed numerous continuing professional development courses to keep up to date with the latest advancements, perspectives and resources in the field of psychology. She has also earned a Master’s degree in Business Administration from London Business School and worked in the corporate world prior to her career in psychotherapy.

Philosophy & Approach

We see therapy as a collaborative, thought-provoking and perspective-shifting process that is ultimately meant to cultivate healthier emotional connections to yourself and to others.

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Fees

Fees vary by therapy type. Sessions are available in person in Fulham and Chelsea, or online.

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