Integrated Mental Health and Specialist Trauma Services

Stepping Stones Psychology is a specialist therapeutic service for young people, families and adults. We provide confidential psychological services both nationally and worldwide. Our specialism is in working with trauma and attachment.

Welcome to Stepping Stones Psychology

We are an integrated mental health service offering a range of therapeutic support, including counselling, psychotherapy, wellbeing support sessions, and consultations.
Our core specialism is in trauma and attachment. We work with individuals of all ages who have experienced abuse, neglect, domestic violence, PTSD/CPTSD, complex trauma, developmental trauma, loss, attachment difficulties, or who need support with therapeutic parenting.

The 'We' and the 'I' behind Stepping Stones Psychology:
Led by Sharmi, in Partnership with a Trauma-Informed Team

Our therapeutic services are primarily led by Sharmi, our Clinical Director and Principal Psychologist. She is also the Founder of Stepping Stones Psychology. You can find out more about Sharmi here.

We also collaborate with a network of trauma-informed professionals, such as coaches, therapists, psychologists, somatic practitioners, and also guest professionals who join us as part of the services we offer. This approach ensures a comprehensive, integrated therapeutic experience for our clients. We also provide trauma-informed training for other professionals to ensure the highest standard of trauma therapy.
On this site, “I” reflects Sharmi’s personal approach, while “we” is used to represent the wider team and collaborative nature of our work.

Our Approach: Non-Pathologising, yet respectful and inclusive of labels

We work with a wide range of experiences that are often described using terms like PTSD, CPTSD, ADHD, Autism, and other forms of neurodivergence and trauma. For many people, these labels can offer clarity and a sense of validation, and we completely respect that. If these terms feel meaningful or helpful to you, we will use them in a way that supports your process.

At the same time, we take a non-pathologising approach to therapy. We don’t see your struggles as disorders or deficits, but as understandable responses to what you have lived through. We tend to avoid language like ‘disorder’ because it can sometimes feel limiting or carry stigma, and we believe it’s more helpful to view things in context.

This perspective is also part of how we work in a trauma-informed and trauma-sensitive way. We aim to understand ‘what has happened to you’, not ‘what’s wrong’ with you. Reactions that might seem overwhelming, confusing, or unwanted, such as anxiety, shutdown, emotional reactivity, or masking, are often protective responses shaped by past experiences. Basically, they are survival strategies rather than symptoms or problems to be fixed. They are ways your mind and body learned to cope. They make sense once we understand where they come from.

That said, you are the expert in your own life. If a particular diagnosis or label feels empowering for you and helps you feel seen, understood and validated, we will always honour and work with that language. Our aim is to meet you where you are, using a framework that supports both healing and autonomy, as therapy should always reflect your reality, not just ours.

OUR THERAPY SERVICES

The vision of Stepping Stones Psychology is on promoting the emotional health and well-being of the local community and general public to their full potentials.

In-person (face-to-face) Therapy

We offer in-person (face-to-face) currently at Sheffield Wellness Centre.

Online and Telephone

You don’t have to be in the same room to feel seen, supported, and safe. We offer confidential, trauma-informed talking therapy online via Zoom, WhatsApp, or phone, so you can access support from anywhere in the world.

Trauma Therapy, incl. EMDR

It’s important to be aware that while many therapists offer EMDR, not all have received comprehensive or accredited training. Some may have only completed short CPD-style workshops that are not regulated or formally recognised. Unfortunately, this can pose risks as EMDR is a powerful trauma therapy, and when delivered without proper training, it can lead to ineffective treatment or even retraumatisation.

We want to reassure you that Sharmi has completed all 3 levels of EMDR training through the EMDR Association, which is the official accrediting body in the UK and Europe. This means Sharmi’s training meets the highest standards of clinical safety, ethical practice, and effectiveness. It also ensures that she is equipped to adapt the therapy sensitively and safely to your individual needs, especially when working with complex trauma. Below are sections written by Sharmi about doing EMDR, including the safety and effectiveness of doing it online.

Can Trauma Therapy and EMDR really work online?

Many people wonder whether trauma therapy, especially EMDR, can be effective online. I completely understand the concern, and I want to reassure you that online trauma therapy is both safe and effective.

Official endorsement by the emdr association

During the COVID-19 pandemic, EMDR professional bodies such as the EMDR Association UK and EMDRIA (U.S.) formally endorsed remote EMDR. They created specific training and clinical guidelines to ensure it could be delivered safely and ethically. These organisations now view online EMDR as routine clinical practice.
The president of EMDR UK helped lead the development of these online protocols and described EMDR delivered this way as working “incredibly well.”
A 2021 evaluation found that online EMDR significantly reduced PTSD, anxiety, and depression symptoms across 93 clients, regardless of therapist experience.
The EMDR Association would not have officially endorsed online EMDR unless it was shown to be safe, ethical, and effective. Their decision to offer formal training for remote delivery reflects both confidence in its success and a commitment to maintaining high professional standards.

Best practice standards

Even though I had already been offering online EMDR for years, I completed the EMDR Association’s specialist online training to further refine my skills and ensure I continue to meet best practice standards.
I’ve been supporting clients online since 2015 across the UK and internationally, and this has been the only way many of my clients could access trauma therapy.

How I work

I’m fully trained in all three levels of EMDR and have also completed the introductory Certificate-Level training in Attachment-Focused EMDR (AF-EMDR). This approach places extra emphasis on safety, trust, and the therapeutic relationship, which is particularly important when working with early or complex trauma.

It’s important to be aware that while many therapists offer EMDR, not all have received comprehensive or accredited training. Some may have only completed short CPD-style workshops that are not regulated or formally recognised. Unfortunately, this can pose risks, as EMDR is a powerful trauma therapy, and when delivered without proper training, it can lead to ineffective treatment or even retraumatisation.

To reassure you, my EMDR training was completed through the EMDR Association, the official accrediting body in the UK and Europe. This means my training meets the highest standards of clinical safety, ethical practice, and effectiveness. It also ensures I am equipped to adapt the therapy sensitively and safely to your individual needs, especially when working with complex trauma.

We’ll take things at your pace, never rushing the process. EMDR sessions are typically longer (up to 90 minutes) to allow space for gentle processing and nervous system regulation, so you leave the session feeling grounded and safe, not overwhelmed.

In addition to trauma, EMDR is also used for anxiety-related conditions, including OCD, phobias, and nightmares.
Click here to watch a short video about how EMDR works.

All trauma therapy sessions, including EMDR, are delivered via Zoom for non in-person sessions. This ensures I can visually track your responses and help regulate your nervous system if you become activated. This visual connection is essential for safety, attunement, and pacing.

Next steps

Whether you’re seeking support for stress, anxiety, trauma, or complex emotional patterns, we’ll work together using an integrative, trauma-informed approach tailored to your individual needs.

If you’re unsure which option is right for you, please click below to explore trauma therapy and counselling services. or if you are ready to book your first appointment, please follow this [link].

To ensure we are both on the same page and you feel safe and supported, I ask all new clients to review and sign a brief agreement before booking your first appointment. It only takes a couple of minutes and helps us start off with clarity and care. Once you’ve signed the agreement, you’ll automatically be redirected to the booking calendar. Thank you for your time and patience.

I completely understand that if you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or unsure at this stage, reading and signing terms might feel like a lot. If that’s the case, please don’t worry, you’re welcome to email me instead, and I’ll gladly arrange a brief 15-minute call to walk through things together before you move forward. You’re not alone in this. If you choose this option, please know that it is only a brief call, and no trauma history will be taken. It is only an opportunity for you to ask me any questions and get a feel for the personality fit before you have your formal first session. This is my email address: contact@steppingstonespsychology.com

Specialist Trauma Therapy

This service is for those who have experienced traumas or difficult childhood. You may have a diagnosis of PTSD/CPTSD. You may have had counselling or therapy in the past, but still feel unfulfilled and think that something is missing in terms of healing. My specialisms in working with abuse, neglect, trauma and attachment issues can benefit your healing journey.

Counselling and Psychotherapy

For some time now you might have been struggling to make sense of how you are feeling and wish to talk things through with a professional. Counselling and Psychotherapy can help you see your thoughts from a different perspective and help you finding it easier to cope in everyday life.

Clinical Supervision

BPS-Approved clinical supervision (Accreditation Level 1) for mental health professionals, including those specialising in individual, couple, family, systemic, and child and young person's therapy. My trauma-informed approach primarily uses the 7-Eyed Model of Supervision to provide a comprehensive and reflective space. I'm also registered on the NCPS's specialist CYPT (Children and Young People’s Therapy) Accredited Register. To find out more, please click here:

Please note: Therapeutic services are offered in the following languages: English, Danish, Tamil

upcoming events

Please see our upcoming events as below or you can check all events by clicking here

Upcoming Events

Clinical Supervision for Therapists, Counsellors and Counselling Psychologists

Post-Traumatic Growth: Finding Peace and Healing after Emotional Abuse

Healing the Child Within Us

SPRING RETREAT 2021

Resources

This will be a place where I will be sharing on-going information and resources. These will be related to general mental health and well-being, trauma-specific, current affairs, and also supportive messages for other mental health professionals.
For free resources, please check our blog section.

New Blog

Thunderbolts Movie as a Mental Health Resource

From the margins to the heart: Why I stand for Queer Rights

Beyond Fear: Healing Phobia as a Trauma Survivor

Beyond the Trauma: Finding your inner calm by building resilience and navigating stress

opening times

I see clients on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, including evenings. In urgent cases, I would try my best to offer you an appointment outside my normal working hours if that will be the only suitable time for you.

location

In-person sessions:
I have limited availability for face-to-face sessions and they are taking place at Sheffield Wellness Centre. You can find the direction and parking information here. Please click on this link and scroll down to access further information, including FAQ.

Zoom sessions: As most of our clients are based nationally and internationally rather than locally, the majority of sessions are conducted via Zoom.

contact info

If you like to book an appointment, please click here. To ensure that you and your therapist are both on the same page and you feel safe and supported, we ask all new clients to review and sign a brief agreement before booking their first appointment. It only takes a couple of minutes and helps us start off with clarity and care. Once you’ve signed the agreement, you’ll automatically be redirected to the booking calendar. Thank you for your time and patience.

We also completely understand that if you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or unsure at this stage, reading and signing the terms might feel like a lot. If that’s the case, please don’t worry, you’re welcome to email us on contact@steppingstonespsychology.com instead, and we will gladly arrange a brief 15-minute call with your therapist, so you both can walk through things together before you move forward. You’re not alone in this. If you choose this option, please know that it is only a brief call, and no trauma history will be taken. It is only an opportunity for you to ask your therapist any questions and get a feel for the personality fit before you have your formal first session.

EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY

I work hard to ensure that my practice is inclusive, recognising that some communities face specific oppression and discrimination. I am committed to on-going learning, reflecting on my own privilege and listening to your experiences in order to provide a service where you will feel heard and understood. I will endeavour to meet your individual needs, where possible and ask that if you have a special need or disability, to please let me know so that I can try to accommodate this.

As a therapist of colour from a minority Asian background, a refugee history and lived experience of chronic illness, I understand what it means to feel different or excluded. I fled the civil war in Sri Lanka as a child and grew up as a refugee in Denmark. These early disruptions, together with the complexities of migration, cross-cultural life, and generational trauma, inform how I hold space for clients navigating similar challenges.

These experiences have deepened my empathy and compassion for others. They have strengthened my commitment to equality, inclusion, and social justice within mental health care. This is particularly the case when it comes to gender, culture and human rights. I strive to offer a therapeutic environment where individuals from all backgrounds feel seen, respected, and supported.