Edith Steffen

Dr. Edith Steffen is an Honorary Associate Professor in Counselling Psychology at the University of Plymouth (2021-2023) and a HCPC-registered Counselling Psychologist with NHS roles in Surrey. Her research focuses on bereavement, continuing bonds, and anomalous post-death experiences. She has extensive academic leadership roles including Deputy Programme Lead for the MSc Clinical Psychology at Roehampton. Her work integrates existential, qualitative, and social justice perspectives across clinical and theoretical domains.

Research Interests:

• Continuing bonds theory and practice
• Sensory and quasi-sensory experiences in grief
• Meaning-making processes in bereavement
• Existential approaches in counselling psychology
• Cross-cultural bereavement practices
• Peer support systems for traumatic loss

Professional Experience:

• Senior Lecturer in Counselling Psychology, University of Roehampton (2018-2021)
• Research Fellow, University of Surrey (2013-2014)
• NHS Senior Counselling Psychologist (SABP Trust)
• Private practice since 2014

Teaching: Previously designed modules in clinical psychology foundations, assessment skills, and qualitative methods. Contributed to MSc Clinical Associate Psychologist and BSc Psychology programs.

Advising: Supervised over 20 doctoral students in areas like refugee mental health, voice-hearing experiences, and group therapy for chronic pain. Her supervision emphasizes qualitative methodologies and ethical practice.

Labs/Teams: Co-developed the Meaning in Loss Group protocol and participated in interdisciplinary collaborations examining cultural dimensions of bereavement. Active in grief therapy innovation through initiatives like the Good Grief Festival.