Stephen Padfield, NCPS
Experienced counsellor for life changes
Details
| Name | Stephen Padfield |
|---|---|
| Credentials | NCPS |
| Based in | United Kingdom |
| Registered with | NCPS |
| Session format | Online |
| Languages | English |
| Years in practice | 5 |
About Stephen
Stephen Padfield is a counsellor who helps people facing stress, anxiety, grief and low self-esteem. He also supports those dealing with addictions, relationship difficulties, trauma and mood conditions such as depression and bipolar. He works with issues around sexuality and gender, including LGBT and gender dysphoria, plus intimacy-related and kink concerns.
Stephen describes his practice as pluralistic. He draws on different ways of working so sessions can be tailored to what feels most useful.
Background and approach
He aims to offer a calm, non-judgemental space where people can talk about painful experiences and practical problems. He uses Narrative Therapy to help people separate themselves from their problems and re-author difficult stories. He also uses Client-Centred approaches to focus on the person in front of him, and Cognitive Behavioural techniques to spot unhelpful thinking and try new behaviours.
Stephen holds an NCPS credential and completed a Master’s degree in Psychotherapy. He has five years of practice experience and has worked with adults across issues such as bereavement, spirituality, sexuality, trauma and anxiety. Sessions are offered in English and take place online by video call, phone, live chat or text messaging.
Stephen supports clients in the United Kingdom and does not take international clients. To begin, a short matching questionnaire helps connect people to a suitable therapist.
What this therapist works with
His listing names Stress, Anxiety, LGBT, Grief among the things Stephen works with, alongside the areas below.
- Stress, Anxiety
- LGBT
- Grief
- Self esteem
- Coping with life changes
- Addictions
- Relationship issues
- Trauma and abuse
- Intimacy-related issues
- Anger management
- Bipolar disorder
- Depression
- ADHD
- Aging and geriatric issues
- Attachment issues
- BDSM, kink, and alternative sex culture
- Body image
- Co-morbidity
- Codependency
- Dependent personality
- Dissociation
- Drug and alcohol addiction
- Emptiness
- Forgiveness
- Gender dysphoria
- Guilt and shame
- HIV / AIDS
- Hospice and end-of-life counseling
- Impulsivity
- Infidelity
- Isolation / loneliness
- Life purpose
- Men's issues
- Midlife crisis
- Mood disorders
- Narcissism
- Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD
- Panic disorder and panic attacks
- Personality disorders
- Phobias
- Polyamory / non-monogamous relationships
- Prejudice and discrimination
- Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)
- Self-harm
- Self-love
- Sexual dysfunction
- Sexuality
- Social anxiety and phobia
- Workplace issues
- Young adult issues
Approaches listed
- Narrative Therapy: Named in his listing among his approaches.
- Client-Centered Therapy: Listed by Stephen among the ways he works.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Listed by Stephen among the ways he works.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Listed by Stephen among the ways he works.
- Existential Therapy: Listed by Stephen among the ways he works.
- Mindfulness Therapy: Listed by Stephen among the ways he works.
- Training stated: This directory copies the approaches a therapist names and does not check training records. Ask Stephen directly how much of the work is narrative and what a session usually looks like.
Narrative Therapy in this listing
Narrative Therapy appears in this therapist's own list of approaches. That tells you it is part of how he works. It does not tell you how much of a session it shapes, and this directory does not check or rate training.
If a narrative approach is what you are looking for, it is worth asking Stephen directly how he uses it and what a session usually looks like.
Online session options
How narrative and practical therapies work online
Stephen commonly uses Narrative Therapy to help people step back from their problems and notice the stories that shape their lives; this can be useful for issues like grief, shame, gender questions and identity. Client-Centred Therapy is also central to his work and focuses on listening, empathy and building a trusting conversation where the client leads what matters most. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is used when helpful to spot patterns of thinking and experiment with small changes in behaviour to reduce anxiety or low mood.Finding the right approach is treated as a joint process. The therapist and client discuss goals and preferences and try methods that fit the person’s needs. Plans are reviewed together and adjusted if something is not helping, so the work stays collaborative rather than fixed.
Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text-based messaging. Video is useful for a fuller conversation and non-verbal cues, phone can be simpler if bandwidth is limited, and chat or messaging suits short check-ins or people who prefer not to be on camera. These options make it easier to fit therapy around work, family life or mobility needs, while still allowing regular contact and practical follow-up between sessions.
Common questions about this listing
What kinds of problems does Stephen work with?
He supports people with stress, anxiety, depression, bipolar and grief. He also helps with relationship issues, addictions, trauma, intimacy concerns and body image.
How would you describe his therapeutic style?
Stephen uses a pluralistic style that adapts to each person. He offers non-judgemental listening and practical techniques alongside reflective conversation.
What experience does he bring?
He has five years of practice and a Master’s degree in Psychotherapy. His background includes work with bereavement, spirituality, sexuality, trauma and anxiety.
What credentials and location are relevant?
He holds NCPS as a listed credential and is based in the United Kingdom.
Which languages are offered and are international clients supported?
Sessions are offered in English. He does not accept international clients.
What session formats are available?
Therapy is delivered by video call, phone sessions, live chat or text-based messaging depending on the person’s preference.
How does payment work and what does it cost?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability and sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, then schedule according to therapist availability.
Contacting this therapist
Sessions with Stephen are arranged through our partner platform. It asks a few questions about what you are looking for, then shows you the therapists available to you, including Stephen where he has space. Ask about fees, and whether he holds a licence or registration where you live.
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