Dr Javier Malda Castillo

I am a Clinical Psychologist, chartered member of the British Psychological Society (BPS) and registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC; Registration Number: PYL35936). I am also an IEDTA accredited ISTDP psychotherapist as well as an accredited MBT supervisor by the Anna Freud Centre. I am the founder and director of ISTDP-North, a company based in Manchester which operates locally, nationally as well as internationally. ISTDP-North offers different services including psychological treatment, supervision and training. 

As an accredited clinical psychologist and psychotherapist, I have an extensive background and specialist training in adult mental health. My approach to therapy is ambitious, I seek to help you improve your problems, reduce your symptoms and encourage you to have more fulfilling relationships and quality of life.

Experience

I currently work with adults experiencing a wide range of psychological and emotional difficulties both in the NHS and in private practice. I have specialist training in working with people who experience different issues such as trauma, anxiety, depression, self-harm, obsessive thinking, panic attacks, bereavement, anger, eating disorders, interpersonal difficulties or low self-esteem among others.

Psychotherapies Offered

I offer individual as well as couples therapy. I have specialised and accredited training in the following psychological therapies (see training & experience section):

• Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP)
• Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
• Mentalization Based Treatment (MBT)

My main method of treatment is ISTDP, which is  a scientifically proven form of psychological treatment. This is an accelerated and time-limited therapy which focuses on working through emotional barriers responsible for emotional difficulties such as depression, anxiety difficulties, low self-esteem or interpersonal problems. To date, more than 120 research studies have proven that ISTDP works in improving symptoms for many mental health difficulties including depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, sleep problems or physical/medically unexplained symptoms among many others. 

Languages

I can provide therapy in English, Spanish and Italian. 

Beginning of Therapy

(A) Initial Assessment

The first step is to attend initial extended assessment of 3 hours. During this assessment we will develop a comprehensive understanding of your difficulties. This initial encounter will also allow you to assess and decide whether my approach to therapy is well tailored to your needs and difficulties. The initial 3 hours act as a condensed therapeutic experience and should give you a helpful indication of what to expect if you were to commit to  regular therapy sessions. 

(B) Follow-Up Sessions

If we both agree to work together, we will arrange follow-up appointments. These appointments are always 90 minutes and occur either weekly or fortnightly. The minimum frequency for therapy is 2 sessions/month, because the effectiveness of the therapy cannot be guaranteed with less frequent appointments. 

Fees

180£/90 minutes

•  180/£90 minutes

• I work with several insurance companies, who may be able to pay for your therapy (or assessments) if you are registered with them.

• For more details please visit my website www.istdpnorth.com