Stephen Padfield, NCPS

Stephen Padfield helps people who are dealing with stress, anxiety, low self-esteem, grief, addictions, relationship and intimacy issues, bipolar disorder, depression and ADHD. He also supports those facing gender dysphoria, body image worries, codependency, and the emotional effects of trauma and abuse. Stephen is named up front so readers know who they are choosing to contact.

He works in a pluralistic way, using a mix of approaches to suit different needs. That means he draws on client-centred ideas, cognitive behavioural techniques, dialectical behaviour tools, mindfulness practices and existential reflection. Sessions aim to be straightforward and respectful, with room for practical skills as well as deeper conversation.

Stephen completed a Master’s degree in Psychotherapy and holds NCPS. He has five years' experience working with a range of concerns, including hospice and end-of-life matters and challenges linked to HIV and AIDS. That background means he is used to talking about sensitive topics in a calm way.

In practice he offers mindfulness exercises and short in-the-moment techniques alongside talking therapy. He pays attention to how people make sense of their lives and to everyday coping skills that can make a difference. The focus is on what helps the individual now.

Sessions are presented with approachable language and gentle curiosity. People can expect a non-judgemental, supportive atmosphere where the therapist and client work together to find useful ways forward.

How different approaches work in online therapy

Client-Centred Therapy focuses on listening and understanding the person’s experience. The counsellor offers empathy and reflection so people can find their own solutions and feel heard. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or CBT, looks at patterns of thinking and behaviour and teaches practical skills to change unhelpful habits and manage symptoms like anxiety or low mood. Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, DBT, provides tools for managing strong emotions and improving distress tolerance through specific skills practice.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Stephen treats this as a joint process where the counsellor and client talk about what feels helpful, try different methods when needed, and adjust the plan as goals change. The emphasis is on collaboration and on matching techniques to what each person wants to achieve.

Please confirm which session formats are offered before booking, as the biography does not list specific options. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life by removing travel time, allowing shorter check-ins when needed, and making it simpler to attend from different locations. It also lets therapists use mindfulness exercises, CBT worksheets and DBT skills practice in a way that fits the client’s routine and goals.