Dr Javier Malda Castillo, HCPC Reg. (D.Clin.Psy, M.Sc, B.Sc)

About me

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). The HCPC provide assurances of safe and high standards of clinical practice. I feel passionate about psychotherapy as a medium to support people in understanding themselves, coping with emotional difficulties and in going through difficult times. I believe that it is often in relationships that people have been hurt and therefore it is through relationships that healing is possible.

Experience

I have several years of experience working in the mental health systems of both Spain and England. Most recently, I have been working both in the NHS and in private practice supporting patients and their families in their journey to recovery. I currently work with adults who experience different psychological and emotional difficulties such as anxiety, depression, self-harm, panic attacks, bereavement, interpersonal difficulties, anger, grief, low self-esteem or loneliness among others.

This is by no means an exhaustive list of the difficulties I can help you with and I welcome enquires at any point. However, please don’t be concerned if, at this point, you are not sure what you are looking for. This is a common experience for a lot of people, so I first offer a comprehensive psychological assessment where I will meet with you and work at your pace in a confidential and safe manner.

Psychological Therapies

I think that is paramount that therapy is individualised to the needs of each patient and thus I often draw upon different psychological techniques. However, I have a particular interest in attachment and psychodynamic theories, which constitute the pillars of my clinical orientation. More specifically, I have received specialised training in the following therapies:

• Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP)
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Mentalization Based Treatment (MBT)

Languages

I can provide therapy in English and Spanish.

Beginning of Therapy

(1) Telephone consultation

I offer an initial free 15 minute telephone consultation, in which you can briefly outline what you would like help with. This would allow us to decide whether is appropriate to arrange an initial assessment.

(2) Assessment

The initial assessment is longer, and can take up to three hours. This is usually divided in two different sessions. This would allow us time to get a comprehensive understanding of your difficulties, and design a treatment plan that is tailored to your needs.

(3) Follow-Up

If we both agree to work together, we will arrange follow-up appointments, which would usually be at a mutually agreed consistent day and time. Depending on the therapeutic approach, sessions can last 50, 60 or 90 minutes.