I am an integrative counsellor with a passion for supporting people through life’s challenges with compassion, empathy, and a holistic approach. Drawing from a range of therapeutic models, I tailor my work to each client’s unique needs, helping them explore their experiences, build resilience, and find new ways forward.

My journey into counselling began with a career teaching Sport and Geography at a private school in Surrey, before moving into pastoral ministry within a local church. These experiences shaped my understanding of people, their struggles, and their potential for growth—ultimately leading me to the work I do today.

As a husband and father of four young adults, I understand firsthand the complexities, joys, and pressures of family life. My own experiences of navigating the challenges of balance, faith, and personal growth continue to inform my practice. I would not describe myself as having always modelled this balance perfectly, but through the ups and downs I have found my faith stretched, deepened, and sustained—even in the darker valleys of life.

Outside of counselling, I enjoy cycling and other endurance sports, which provide both relaxation and restoration. Whether it’s a quiet solo ride or exploring new routes with friends from the cycling club, I find joy in connection—with nature, with others, and with God, whom I believe made us and loves us deeply. I also remain actively involved in the life of our local church community.

I am currently completing a Master’s in Professional Counselling, and my aim is to provide a safe, supportive, and non-judgemental space where individuals feel heard, valued, and empowered to create meaningful change in their lives.

I hold a BSc in Sports Science, a Diploma in Children and Youth Ministry, and NVQ Levels 2 and 3 in Counselling. I am currently pursuing my Master’s in Counselling.

I am an integrative counsellor with a passion for supporting people through life’s challenges wit... Read More

About Stephen I specialise in working with couples in crisis and men with lots of responsibility (e.g., pastors, politicians and business leaders) who are often suspicious or hesitant about counselling. As an ordained pastor working in a local church, I offer clients the option of integrating faith into the psychological frameworks of counselling.

Because I believe secure relationships are the pathway to lasting change, my focus is on building a safe, supportive therapeutic relationship where clients can experience both healing and empowerment. This is what the first four sessions of counselling would look like. If you’d like to learn more about how I work with couples, here’s my introduction to Emotionally Focused Therapy in this couples framework.

My standard fee is £150 per session, with four spaces reserved for those needing reduced-price sessions. For full-fee clients, the first session is free. I currently have openings on Mondays and Wednesdays, and I also offer three-hour intensive sessions for couples. New clients can usually begin within 3-5 days.

Please include your phone number in your email so we can set up our first call. Reach out to me at sjones@embercommunitycounselling.com.

Outside Interests When I’m not counselling, I love spending time with my wife and three children. My hobbies include laughing, cooking, and enjoying the outdoors in warm weather. I’m an avid reader with a strong passion for making counselling accessible globally.

Education & Credentials MA in Counselling, Covenant Theological Seminary (magna cum laude) MBA, Warwick Business School (Distinction) MDiv, Covenant Theological Seminary (magna cum laude) BA in Speech and Communications, Clemson University (magna cum laude) Spanish Fluency Certification, Universidad de Granada Trained in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy Memberships British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP) Association of Christian Counsellors (ACC) International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy (ICEEFT) Ordained Minister, Presbyterian Church in America (PCA)

Client Review: Couples Counselling “I am beginning to understand so much better the negative habits myself and my husband fall into during disagreements and the different cycles we both go on. By talking through situations with Stephen, I have learnt more about the concerns and anxieties my husband has and his underlying unmet attachment needs. We have much longer stretches of time between arguments and the majority of our arguments feel less destructive. We now have more good days than bad days, and I no longer believe that our marriage is broken beyond help.”

“We’ve found Stephen warm, fun, funny, non-judgmental, and willing to push into things that were hard but have helped. It’s always felt like he was on our side and rooting for us.”

The sessions have been a “safe space” in which to be open and discuss sometimes difficult issues, under guidance from a trusted 3rd party. Stephen is very affable, easy to talk to, a good listener. He is always keen to focus on positive steps forward, however small. He is always well prepared, and punctual. When sessions have been tough/tricky between [my spouse] and me, he has moderated them very well.

Intuitive, stopping to delve into behaviour, patient, understanding, humble, respectful, tactical.

Stephen was very helpful in creating a safe space for us to speak about difficult issues and encouraged both of us to talk honestly to each other.

Great communicator. Good at breaking down situations. Approachable. He makes it easy to open up.

Client Review: Individual Counselling “Stephen is very kind, empathetic and made it very easy for me to share my thoughts and anxieties. He guided me to a place where I began to recognise some of the reasons behind my emotional reactions and behaviours, and my responses to various difficult life situations. It was so helpful to have these explained and validated. Thank you so much, Stephen.”

“Stephen was very warm and sincere and made me feel like I could just let go. All good! It’s been helpful having an American counsellor who gets me! And it’s been great having the ability to do online counselling that I could take wherever or whenever. It has helped me.”

“Empathetic and very knowledgeable and malleable to the situation, felt like he not only cared but was rooting for you in the most practical and graceful way possible, was great.”

“I have found Stephen to be kind, professional and a joy to meet with. He has provided a safe space for me to work things out at my own pace with no judgement. He has also encouraged me to take a deeper look with grace and understanding when I may have wanted to brush over an area of pain, and that has helped me grow and heal.”

Stephen created a safe space where I felt comfortable opening up about my thoughts and feelings. I saw that he has a genuine commitment to help me to untangle some internal conflicting thinking and emotions, and encourage me to continue the work I have been doing between the sessions. The two sessions we had brought clarity, more self-awareness of where I am at, peace about my decision and acceptance of potential consequences. Thank you!

Stephen is kind, present and wise. I had the opportunity to be able to talk about difficult things in a safe space. This allowed me to unpack and gain a new perspective on certain aspects of myself and on things that have happened in the past.

Simply the aspect of conversation – being truly listened to, being able to express myself without judgement, and receiving in return really poignant questions which help me progress my thinking from where it was at the beginning of the conversation.

Stephen was really great. I really appreciated the spaces he would make within the session to pause and take note of how I felt. He affirmed my willingness and courage in every session. He provided a space that felt calm and safe to share and feel.

Client Review: Specialised Counselling For Pastors and Ministry Leaders “Stephen has always asked the right question to help me think well and deepen understanding of my situation. Counselling has offered me space to pause, think and articulate how I feel and grow in that practice.”

“I benefitted most from Stephen’s questions and ability to probe and confront my issues in a way I had not been able to do alone. I think I came to counselling hoping for a list of stuff to do so I could fix myself, but actually I needed to understand myself and my problems better.”

Stephen quickly created a relaxed, open and non-threatening environment for me to operate in. His warmth, genuine interest and care was easily identifiable and made me feel very welcome and open to trusting him. His obvious gifts, skills and experience are complemented by a welcoming, warm and calm demeanour.

About Stephen I specialise in working with couples in crisis and men with lots of responsibility ... Read More

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