Steph Callaghan MBACP (Accred) Creative Psychotherapist, Sandplay and Animal Assisted Therapist
About Steph
Steph is a psychotherapist and integrative sandplay therapist with a passion for supporting people through trauma, personal growth, and life transitions. Drawing on over a decade of experience working with children, young people, and adults, she blends evidence-based counselling with creative, experiential approaches to help clients feel seen, heard, and understood.
Steph’s professional journey is grounded in rigorous academic and clinical training. She holds a BSc (Hons) in Counselling & Forensic Psychology, has completed Psychoanalytic Infant Observation Studies, and is a BACP-registered therapist. She is also a qualified Integrative Sandplay Therapist, trained in alternative therapies such as sound healing, allowing her to offer a uniquely holistic approach to wellbeing.
Her work spans diverse settings, including early years, child and adolescent development, and forensic contexts, supporting individuals navigating trauma, attachment challenges, and complex life experiences. Steph has received specialist training in areas such as trauma, autism, safeguarding, and sexual risk management, equipping her to work safely and effectively with vulnerable populations.
Steph’s approach is warm, client-centred, and deeply collaborative. She creates a safe space where clients can explore their experiences, develop self-understanding, and discover creative pathways to healing. Whether through talk therapy, sandplay, or somatic techniques, Steph supports each person in connecting with their own strengths and resources.
Core Training
BSc (Hons) Counselling & Forensic Psychology 6 yrs July 2022
OU - Counselling & Forensic Psychology - Investigating Crime and Therapy 600 Hours July 2021
Psychoanalytic Infant Observation Studies (NSCAP) 2 yrs June 2017
ABC Level 5 Dip HE Therapeutic Counselling 3yrs February 2018
BACP CoP August 2018
Qualified Integrative Sandplay Therapist 1 yr / 70 Taught hours June 2021
1 year of PhD at The University of York - Thesis not submitted
Children & young people
LV4 Cert Early Years Practice July 2013 / 600 hours
Dip HE Childhood - Developing Practice July 2011
Dip HE Open July 2016
Additional Training
BACP - Working with: Clients in prison, who are survivors of sexual abuse Feb 2025
Creatively exploring Trauma CCC Ltd June 2022
NSCAP Psychoanalytic Approaches: Personality Development across the Life Cycle 10 Days 2018
Counselling client with ASD - Aspire Ltd June 2018
AET Level 1,2 & 3 (Autism Education Trust DfE) Jan 2018
PECS Picture Exchange Communication Systems 15hrs Nov 2017
NHS Infant Mental Health - Babies, brains and Bonding 1 Day July 2016
CAMHS - Attachment Theory 1 day January 2016
Safeguarding
LSCB (Leeds safeguarding children's board)
Think Family Work Family 1day Sept 2016
YEAST Risk Management 1day August 2016
LSCB Understanding CSE July 2016
LCSB Responding to children at risk of CSE July 2016
Safeguarding Lv1 January 2016
TT -Team Teach (TWIL 06290113) January 2013
City of York - NYSCB Awareness in child protection January 2013
Specialised Training
Exploring How Certain Features of Autism Spectrum Disorder May Provide the Context of Vulnerability to Engaging in Sexual Offending - March 2025 Salford University
COFRA 121 - STOPSO - 90 Hours. One to one programme for managing sexual risk
Memberships
ICO February 2025 ( ZB869611)
Accredited member of British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy MBACP Registered member (374800)
Federation of Holistic Therapy FHT - Full Member (218744)
Holistic Insurance ( HIS110768 )
Alternative Therapy
Sound Therapy Dip - 150 hours January 2021
Sound Healing Academy Lv1 June 2022
