Sidonia Stiles, BACP
Experienced counsellor for life transitions
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- Person-centred approach
- Relationship focus
- Speaks Portuguese
About Sidonia
Sidonia Stiles introduces herself simply as Sidonia, though she often uses Sonia with clients. She aims to help people facing midlife questions, relationship strain, grief and anxiety. Her manner is grounded and straightforward, focusing on what a person is living through right now and what feels most useful to change. Sidonia uses a person-centred stance that keeps the client’s experience at the centre of each session.
She brings 27 years of experience to her practice and is registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, BACP. Her training includes a Higher National Diploma in Person-Centred counselling and a Level 5 Diploma in Relationship Therapy. Before qualifying as a counsellor she worked for ten years as a group worker with residential young people, dealing with family and relationship dynamics.
In sessions she often talks about upbringing, family patterns and how those shape present conflicts. She uses genograms as a tool to map family relationships and life events. Sidonia also works with bereavement and loss and draws on Gestalt ideas to respect each person’s unique grief experience.
People who come for relationship work may have one-to-one sessions focused on understanding patterns, or explore how past attachments affect current intimacy. She has experience supporting people from the LGBT community in both relationship and individual work.
Sidonia practises from Eastbourne in the United Kingdom and also offers online sessions. She speaks English and Portuguese and uses a collaborative, down-to-earth style to help people find clearer ways forward.
She brings 27 years of experience to her practice and is registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, BACP. Her training includes a Higher National Diploma in Person-Centred counselling and a Level 5 Diploma in Relationship Therapy. Before qualifying as a counsellor she worked for ten years as a group worker with residential young people, dealing with family and relationship dynamics.
In sessions she often talks about upbringing, family patterns and how those shape present conflicts. She uses genograms as a tool to map family relationships and life events. Sidonia also works with bereavement and loss and draws on Gestalt ideas to respect each person’s unique grief experience.
People who come for relationship work may have one-to-one sessions focused on understanding patterns, or explore how past attachments affect current intimacy. She has experience supporting people from the LGBT community in both relationship and individual work.
Sidonia practises from Eastbourne in the United Kingdom and also offers online sessions. She speaks English and Portuguese and uses a collaborative, down-to-earth style to help people find clearer ways forward.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
AddictionsLGBTFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseSleeping disordersParenting issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigue
Additional focus areas
AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeAvoidant personalityBlended family issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)DissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFertility issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHIV / AIDSHoardingHospice and end-of-life counselingImmigration issuesInfidelityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisMulticultural concernsNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveSexual assault and abuseSexual dysfunctionSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic approaches
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Gottman MethodMindfulness TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapySomatic TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapySystemic Therapy
Experience
27+ years
Credentials
United Kingdom
Languages
English, Portuguese
How Sidonia uses therapeutic approaches online
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, focuses on noticing thoughts and feelings rather than fighting them and choosing actions that match personal values. It can help with anxiety, stress and choices often faced in midlife. Attachment-Based Therapy looks at how early relationships shape current patterns and can help when trust, intimacy or repeating relationship difficulties are a concern. Client-Centred Therapy places the person’s experience at the heart of the session and aims to create a space where people feel heard and can find their own solutions.Finding the right approach is part of the work. Sidonia will discuss different methods with each person and agree a practical plan together. This means therapies can be blended to suit the client’s goals, pace and what feels most helpful in sessions.
If you are considering online sessions, confirm the available session formats before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy day, reduce travel time and allow for shorter check-ins when needed. It also lets people access help when relocation or geography would otherwise be a barrier. Registered or accredited professionals, including therapists who use these approaches, commonly adapt exercises and conversations to work well in remote sessions.
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Sidonia commonly help with?
She supports people facing stress, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, grief and intimacy-related issues, as well as addictions and compassion fatigue.
How would Sidonia describe her therapeutic style?
Her work is primarily person-centred with relationship-focused methods and elements drawn from attachment and experiential approaches. The style is collaborative and conversational.
How much professional experience does she have?
She has 27 years of experience, including ten years working as a group worker with residential young people before training as a counsellor.
What credentials and location are listed?
She is registered with the BACP and works from Eastbourne in the United Kingdom.
Which languages are available for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English and Portuguese.
Can people outside the UK work with her?
She accepts international clients; confirm any practical arrangements when you book.
How are sessions scheduled and what about cost?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability and sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
What are the steps to begin working with her?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete the short matching questionnaire and then schedule according to therapist availability.