Specialist Eating Disorder Therapy Clinic In London
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Dr Sophie stark
Principal Clinical Psychologist
I bring an empathic, warm, and nonjudgmental approach to my work, prioritizing a strong therapeutic relationship where you can feel truly listened to and understood. I believe in working collaboratively to help you navigate complex difficulties, drawing on evidence-based models to tailor treatment to your unique journey. My goal is to empower you to build on your existing strengths while creating a safe, recovery-focused environment that supports your long-term wellbeing.
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I am particularly passionate about supporting individuals who may feel stigmatised or overlooked by society, including those navigating eating difficulties in higher-weight bodies. I recognize the deep courage it takes to seek help, and I am committed to providing a compassionate space that challenges weight-based stigma and promotes body neutrality. I believe that every person, regardless of their size or history, deserves specialist, high-quality support to make peace with food and their body.
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It is a profound privilege to walk alongside my clients as they navigate their unique recovery journeys, providing a safe, open space to challenge the external pressures and internal struggles that can make recovery feel out of reach. My work is guided by the core principles of dignity, respect, and autonomy, ensuring that you are an active partner in every step of your care. From my experience in both the NHS and private settings, I have seen that making peace with food and your body is possible for everyone when met with the right tools and a validating, supportive environment. I am dedicated to helping you reclaim a positive relationship with your body and rediscover a path toward lasting health and balance.
Background and Training
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I completed my undergraduate degree in Psychology at the University of Kent before earning my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Hertfordshire. My doctoral research focused on the development of childhood-onset anorexia, reflecting my long-standing commitment to this specialist field. I also hold a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health and a PGCert in Low Intensity Cognitive Behavioural Interventions from University College London. I am registered as a Clinical Psychologist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
Post-qualification, I have specialized in child and adolescent eating disorders across various settings, including specialist inpatient units and community NHS services. In my current role as a Senior Clinical Psychologist within the NHS, I provide specialist assessments and lead service audits to improve care pathways. I am also a Guest Lecturer at the University of Surrey, where I teach the next generation of doctoral students about child and adolescent eating disorders. Throughout my career, I have enjoyed providing supervision and reflective practice to multidisciplinary teams, including trainee psychologists, nursing staff, and assistant psychologists.
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Publications
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Doctoral Thesis: Clinicians' Perspective on Factors Contributing to the Development of Childhood-onset Anorexia (2022).
Book Chapter: The Personal Weight of Political Practice: A Conversation Between Trainees. In Surviving Clinical Psychology (2019).
Service Development: Leading QNIC accreditation and developing compassionate meal support training for inpatient services.
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Therapeutic Approaches Offered
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