This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
Profound and lasting changes are possible, which is why I encourage people to address the root causes of unhappiness and not settle for learning to live with problems and symptoms that can often be resolved.
I'm a HCPC registered Clinical Psychologist which means my training and accreditation demand the highest level of rigour with respect to how I practice. I am trained to offer a range of therapies including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), but my main approach is called Intensive Short-term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP).
Intensive Short-term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP)
Most therapies will pay attention to feelings, but ISTDP puts the expression of emotion at the very centre of the process. This emphasis is a result of research consistently demonstrating the devastating impact of ignoring or suppressing emotions including persistent anxiety, numbness, self-criticism, physical health problems and a range of auto-immune conditions. Often these unhealthy patterns emerge in childhood when there is an absence of safety around the expression of feelings in key relationships. ISTDP helps people to overcome unconscious fear associated with expressing healthy emotions (such as sadness, happiness and anger). Not only can this lead to unwanted symptoms disappearing, it often results in profound positive changes in how a person experiences themself and others.
What you get from me is an attentive and proactive ally. I am friendly and compassionate, but I won't passively observe unhelpful patterns that are barriers to change. Challenging when necessary and in solidarity with the part of you that knows things can be better, will be a key aspect of our relationship.
Indeed, an authentic and meaningful relationship with each person I work with provides the secure foundation that is the basis for self-exploration, discovery and the emergence of new possibilities.
Testimonials
I reached out to Steve because I was struggling with a general disinterest in life and didn’t know where to begin. I just knew I needed help to make sense of it all. From the start, Steve created a space where I felt both safe and understood. The session was intense and emotionally challenging, but it helped me uncover the root of my feelings and release emotions I’d been suppressing for a long time. I noticed a shift in how I interact with myself and others after just one session. Now, I feel much more empowered and confident as a person, and I’m better able to navigate my emotions. I can’t recommend Steve enough to anyone who feels stuck and is ready to take that first step. - Avni, Postgraduate student
Stephen’s therapy has been a game-changer for me during a very tough time. He created a safe, reflective and understanding space to face deep-rooted and difficult issues that had been holding me back. I highly recommend Stephen to anyone looking to make real and significant change in their life. Thank you, Dr. Rock! - Max, Talent Acquisition Advisor
Steve helped me work through some difficult experiences in my childhood and helped me to learn how to be vulnerable again. Trusting another person with your story is hard - especially when you've been mistreated in the past. But you can trust Steve. Our therapy sessions led me to reconnect with my passion for writing and publish my first novel. - Jade, Senior Political Advisor & Author
As someone who had never been to therapy before I had no idea what I was walking in to, I just knew I needed someone to talk to. Steve put me right at ease, but equally challenged me and helped me to realise that I was the one in the driving seat. He taught me how to recognise my emotions better, and helped me to realise how my own ingrained beliefs had been holding me back. I would highly recommend Steve to anyone looking for a therapist. Elsie, stay-at-home mum
What is the next step?
Send me an email or message and I'll let you know if I have availability and tell you about the next steps.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Email, call or text me any questions
If you have some questions you would like to ask before booking a free consultation, feel free to get in touch.
Training, qualifications & experience
Core professional training
Doctorate in Clinical Psychology
University of East London (2011 – 2014)
I am a Clinical Psychologist which means my core training was a full-time three-year doctorate that involved working in a range of specialist NHS services. Our training and accreditation demand a degree of rigour with respect to providing outcome-driven and evidence-based interventions. In normal language, this means we know how to use the latest techniques to get the best results as quickly as possible. This training included the following models:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Attachment Theory
- Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
- Systemic therapy
Advanced professional training
Intensive Short-term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP) - Supervision and training
Supervised by an IEDTA accredited Psychologist (2020-present)
Over the past two years, I have received intensive supervision and training in ISTDP. A key aspect of the training and routine practice of this approach is video supervision. This means that I analyse video recordings of my therapeutic practice (with client consent) on a fortnightly basis and receive feedback on my work from an expert in the field. Video reviews are now an essential feature of how I practice as it means continuously and systematically evaluating the effectiveness of my approach. This means no stone is left unturned when it comes to helping my clients achieve the best results as quickly as possible.
- Intensive Short-term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP)
- Attachment Theory
- Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
CBT for Psychosis (CBTp)
University of Exeter (2015-2016)
As a part of my role as lead psychologist for Exeter and North Devon psychology services for people struggling with 'psychotic' experiences, I undertook a year-long specialist post-graduate training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for psychosis. This has given me an advanced understanding of the application of modern CBT techniques that are applicable when working with clients of all levels of need. This training included the following models:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- ‘Third Wave’ CBT
Member organisations
school Registered / Accredited
Being registered/accredited with a professional body means an individual must have achieved a substantial level of training and experience approved by their member organisation.
The HCPC are an independent, UK-wide health regulator. They set standards of professional training, performance and conduct for 16 professions.
They keep a register of health professionals who meet their standards, and they take action if registered health professionals fall below those standards. They were created by a piece of legislation called the Health Professions Order 2001.
Registration means that a health professional meets national standards for their professional training, performance and conduct.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Therapies offered
Fees
£150.00 per session
Additional information
Self-funded
Online or in-person - £150 per hour
Why my fee is higher than the average therapist?
I approach my work like a professional musician or athlete engaged in a continuous and life-long process of honing my skills through ‘deliberate practice’. What does ‘deliberate practice’ look like for a therapist? Every week I spend 5-6 hours reviewing video recordings of my work, analysing key moments and reviewing my approach. In supervision I routinely present video of my work to psychologists who are leaders in their field so I regular get high quality direct feedback.
Five years of working like this has resulted in a deep understanding of the therapeutic process and how to bring about life-changing results.
When the therapy process stagnates or never gets off the ground, years can be wasted as well as thousands of pounds. Unfortunately this is all too common, and there is evidence to suggest therapists tend to become less effective as they get more experienced, probably as a consequence of practicing in a vacuum with limited direct feedback on their work.
Putting this together, what represents good value isn’t always the lowest or most competitive session fee.
When I work
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Further information
Where I practice in Bristol: redlandpractice.co.uk
