Counsellor profile
Stephen Padfield, NCPS
Counsellor - anxiety and relationships
See online counselling options- Client-centred work
- CBT techniques
- Mindfulness methods
About Stephen
Counsellor Stephen Padfield is a UK-based counsellor and a member of NCPS with five years' experience. He works with stress, anxiety, grief, depression, relationship and intimacy issues, LGBT and gender dysphoria concerns, addictions, bipolar disorder, ADHD and related struggles. He also lists a range of other focus areas including body image, attachment issues, and end-of-life and hospice counselling.
Stephen uses a pluralistic approach. That means he draws on several methods and chooses what fits each person and problem. He mentions client-centred work, cognitive behavioural ideas, dialectical behaviour techniques, existential thinking and mindfulness practices. Sessions aim to be straightforward conversations about what is happening now and what someone wants to change.
His background includes a Master’s degree in Psychotherapy and training in mindfulness. He describes offering in-the-moment techniques that borrow from meditation and polyvagal ideas to help with immediate distress. He has worked with teenagers and adults across bereavement, spirituality, sexuality, gender issues, trauma and anxiety.
In sessions he pays attention to how people live day to day. He will talk about feelings, patterns and coping strategies. He uses practical tools from cognitive behavioural and dialectical approaches when these suit the issue.
People are invited to say what they need and to try different ways of working. Stephen explains choices and works collaboratively to find methods that feel useful. Sessions are conducted in English and based in the United Kingdom.
Therapeutic approaches used in online counselling
Client-centred therapy focuses on the person's own experience. The counsellor listens without directing and helps someone work out what matters to them. This approach can help with low self-esteem, relationship questions and feeling stuck.Cognitive behavioural therapy, or CBT, looks at the links between thoughts, feelings and actions. It uses practical exercises and small changes to reduce anxiety and manage symptoms of depression and stress.
Dialectical behaviour therapy, or DBT, teaches skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance and clearer communication. It can be useful when strong emotions, anger or relationship conflict are present.
Finding the right fit is part of the process. The counsellor will discuss your goals and preferences and try different methods until something feels useful. This is a collaborative decision made over a few sessions rather than a single choice.
Session arrangements should be confirmed before booking because the profile does not list formats. Check which options are available and how they fit your life. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions around work or family time, reduce travel, or allow for shorter check-ins when needed. Registered or accredited professionals often adapt exercises, mindfulness practice and CBT worksheets for remote sessions so people can continue work between meetings.
Areas of expertise
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
5+ years
Listed in
United Kingdom
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does he commonly help with?
He helps people with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship and intimacy issues, LGBT and gender dysphoria concerns, addictions, bipolar and ADHD among other areas.
What style of therapy does he use?
He uses a pluralistic mix that includes client-centred work, cognitive behavioural techniques, dialectical skills, existential ideas and mindfulness. He chooses approaches that fit each person's needs.
How much experience does he have?
He has five years of experience working as a counsellor and psychotherapist.
Which credential does he hold and where is he based?
He is listed with NCPS and works in the United Kingdom.
Can I have sessions in other languages or from abroad?
Sessions are offered in English. He is not taking international clients.
What session formats are offered?
The original profile does not specify session formats. Please confirm the current session options before booking.
How are sessions charged?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription model that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I start a first session?
Choose the See online counselling options button, complete the short matching questionnaire and schedule a first session.
Details come from information the counsellor supplied to BetterHelp. A membership or registration can be checked on the professional body's own register.
Online counselling is not emergency care. In an emergency call 999, or see the help numbers.