Clinical Psychology services (assessment, therapy & counselling)
Online (UK-wide) & in-person (Brighton, BN2)
with Dr Sophie Ann Bafunno-Clifton
(Chartered Clinical Psychologist, Austism Spectrum Disorder assessor, EMDR therapist)
Professional psychologist services, in Brighton and online
Dr Sophie Ann Bafunno-Clifton (she/her), a Chartered Clinical Psychologist, leads Brain Matters Psychological Services, offering expert psychological assessment and therapy. Working alongside patients online (throughout the UK) and in-person (Brighton – East Sussex), she provides comprehensive mental health support.
Dr Sophie Ann Bafunno-Clifton
Chartered Clinical Psychologist, ASD assessor, EMDR Therapist
Embracing diversity in mental health care through psychology
As an experienced psychologist Sophie’s practice is a haven for individuals of all ages, genders, sexual orientations (LGBTQ+ friendly), religions, and cultural backgrounds. Her additional training in Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) assessment and Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR) ensures a broad and inclusive approach to mental health challenges.
Integrative psychology and individualised therapeutic approaches
Utilising an eclectic and integrative approach, Sophie combines various psychological approaches to develop individualised treatment plans. These are informed by each individual’s unique experiences, preferences, and objectives, ensuring a collaborative and tailored therapeutic experience.
Commitment to empathy, confidentiality, and professionalism
Central to Brain Matters’ ethos is a steadfast commitment to an empathic and non-judgemental approach, as well as confidentiality. Sophie upholds the highest standards of professionalism, fostering a therapeutic environment where clients feel respected, understood, and secure.
"Working with Sophie felt safe, open and was enlightening. I found her attitude and flexibility really refreshing compared to others I’ve engaged with in the past who've felt rigid and overly-formal. I looked forward to sessions with Sophie."
How we can help
At Brain Matters, we are committed to providing support for a wide range of difficulties, including:
- Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) assessment: specialised evaluations to understand ASD-related challenges.
- Depression and low mood: compassionate support to address feelings of sadness and depression.
- Anxiety, worry, and panic: strategies to manage anxiety, including generalised anxiety and panic disorders.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): therapeutic approaches for overcoming the impacts of traumatic experiences, including EMDR.
- Stress and burnout, including workplace stress: offering tools for coping and recovery.
- Social anxiety: helping you navigate and ease the challenges of social interactions.
- Phobias, including agoraphobia: support to confront and manage specific fears.
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): assistance in dealing with intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviours.
- Bereavement and grief: providing a supportive space to process loss and grief.
- Attachment and relationship difficulties: exploring and improving relationship dynamics and attachment issues.
- Anger and frustration: techniques to manage and understand anger-related issues.
- Motivation issues: addressing challenges with motivation, both personally and professionally.
- Self-sabotage: identifying and overcoming self-destructive patterns in work and relationships.
Each individual’s experience is unique. Our approach is to understand and address your specific needs with empathy and professionalism.
“Personable, down to earth, and incredibly gifted in her field. I felt at all times that I was working with a professional with a wealth of knowledge and experience, and someone who genuinely cared and wanted to make a difference.“
"Sophie is an amazing psychologist. I’ve been working with her on and off for about a year and have never had a negative session. I worked with her on many different things and she has helped in so many ways."
Integrative and holistic therapy, tailored to you from an experienced psychologist
At Brain Matters, we believe in a multifaceted approach to therapy. Therefore, as a psychologist, Sophie draws on a range of therapeutic techniques to offer personalised care that resonates with your unique journey, including:
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): embracing mindfulness and acceptance strategies to enhance psychological flexibility.
- Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR): a specialised approach for processing and healing from traumatic experiences.
- Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT): cultivating self-compassion to promote emotional healing and well-being.
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): identifying and changing negative thoughts and behaviours to improve emotional regulation.
- Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT): integrating cognitive and analytic techniques for a comprehensive understanding of personal patterns and behaviours.
- Psychodynamic and relational approaches: exploring past experiences and interpersonal relationships to uncover deep-rooted emotional issues.
"Sophie helped me gain my life back and was a very positive influence in my life in 2023. I am and shall be forever grateful for the help this year."
How seeing a psychologist can help transform your life
Engaging in therapy with Brain Matters offers numerous benefits that contribute to a richer, more fulfilling life:
- Enhanced self-awareness: gain deeper insights into your inner world and mental health challenges.
- Authentic self-discovery: connect with your true self and develop a clear sense of personal values and beliefs.
- Breaking unhelpful cycles: learn strategies to stop avoiding problems and repeating detrimental habits and patterns.
- Skill development: acquire coping strategies and skills to effectively manage your mental health issues.
- Gaining perspective: attain clarity on what truly matters in your life, helping to prioritize your mental and emotional well-being.
- Overcoming struggles: navigate through mental health difficulties to lead a happier, more meaningful life that resonates with your true self.
