Stephen Wood

About me:

I am a fully qualified integrative counsellor and coach. I offer online counselling for individuals.

I blend deep professional knowledge with a personal commitment to supporting individuals through life's transitions and challenges. My practice is grounded in over 20 years’ experience working in the fields of education, leadership and mental health. I am deeply committed to facilitating a space where healing and growth can happen. I believe that every individual possesses their own inner wisdom. Rather than giving you the answers, I trust that wisdom to find the way forward that is right for you. 

Specialisms and areas of support

• Life transitions

Moving through significant life changes such as the end of education, a career change, divorce or bereavement can be daunting. I provide a supportive space to help you adapt and find new meaning during these pivotal moments.

• Existential concerns

If you're wrestling with deep-seated questions of purpose and meaning, I can work with you as you find a deeper understanding of your place in the world.

• Sexuality

In a safe and affirming environment, we can explore all aspects of sexuality, including identity, orientation and intimacy challenges.

• Family Issues and Relationships

Exploring the dynamics of family, personal and work relationships, you can find new ways to foster greater connection and intimacy. 

• Adverse childhood experiences

I offer a safe and compassionate space to understand the effects of trauma experienced during childhood and integrate these experiences into your adult life. 

• Prejudice and discrimination

The emotional and psychological toll of discrimination related to gender, sexual orientation, or other aspects of identity can significantly undermine mental wellbeing. I can support you to share these experiences and address their impact.

• Depression and anxiety

In a world that can often feel overwhelming, it's not uncommon to experience feelings of depression and anxiety. We will explore the underlying causes of these feelings, and work to rediscover a sense of possibility and balance

• Low self-esteem

Low self-esteem can silently shape your life’s story, and is often rooted in complex, deeper experiences. Our work will focus on understanding these intricate layers and nurturing a more compassionate view of yourself. 

What Clients Say:

"Literally life saving.  I could come as my whole self and didn't have to explain or conform. I needed deep human connection, and a safe space to talk and explore - and I got it." (C)

How we might work

At the heart of this work is a compassionate and affirming relationship. Within each session, we might use a range of approaches: 

Psychodynamic: Delving into past experiences and relationships to uncover underlying influences on your current feelings and behaviors

Existential: Examining fundamental questions about life, responsibility, freedom, and meaning

Body awareness: Working with the physical sensations in the body to resolve pent-up stress. 

Creative expression: Using dreams, images and other creative outlets to explore emotions, experiences, and internal conflicts in a non-verbal way. 

Mindfulness: Incorporating practices to enhance present-moment awareness and support emotion regulation and stress reduction.

Nervous system regulation: Exploring techniques to return to a state of calm and balance

To find out more, I invite you to get in touch to arrange a free introductory call. I look forward to speaking with you. 

Boarding school survivors

I offer a free 30 minute introductory call to explore whether we might work together.