Stephen Padfield
Pluralistic counsellor for stress and identity concerns
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About Stephen
Stephen Padfield works with stress, anxiety, grief, relationship problems, addiction and a range of identity and sexuality issues using a pluralistic approach that draws on several therapies. He is registered with NCPS and has five years' experience. He trained to a Master's level in psychotherapy and uses techniques from mindfulness alongside talking therapies.
Stephen works with adults and with teenagers, and addresses concerns such as depression, bipolar mood issues, ADHD, anger and self-esteem. He also supports people with gender and sexuality matters including LGBT and gender dysphoria, and with intimacy-related issues and BDSM, kink and alternative sex culture. He helps people coping with loss and end-of-life concerns, and those facing drug and alcohol addiction.
His way of working emphasises the relationship between counsellor and client. He uses a pluralistic method, choosing approaches that fit the person and the moment rather than one fixed model. Sessions involve talking things through, trying practical exercises and learning short mindfulness techniques to use in daily life.
Stephen draws on Client-Centred work to listen and reflect what matters to the client, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to look at patterns of thinking and behaviour, and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy skills when emotional regulation is needed. He also uses existential ideas to consider meaning and context, and mindfulness to build present-moment awareness.
He practises in the United Kingdom and works in English. His NCPS credential is shown as NCPS. To begin, users follow the site process to match with a counsellor and arrange an initial appointment.
How his approaches work in online counselling
Client-Centred Therapy places the client's views and experience at the heart of the work, with the counsellor reflecting what matters and helping the person to clarify priorities. This approach supports issues of identity, relationships and self-esteem. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) focuses on noticing thought and behaviour patterns and trying small experiments to change them, which can help with anxiety, depression and low mood. Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) offers practical skills for managing strong emotions and improving relationships, useful when emotional regulation and impulsivity are a concern.
Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the process. The counsellor will work collaboratively to choose methods that match the client's needs, goals and personal preferences, reviewing what helps as therapy continues.
The site biography does not list specific session formats, so please confirm current options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit counselling into a busy week, reduce travel time and allow for shorter check-ins when needed. These practical benefits can help people maintain regular contact with a counsellor while balancing work, study and family commitments.
Sessions take place through BetterHelp by video, phone or messaging. We will earn a commission if you sign up.
Topics Stephen lists
Ways of working
Questions about Stephen
- Does he work with anxiety?
- Yes. He supports people with stress and anxiety using CBT, mindfulness and DBT skills.
- What kind of counselling does he offer?
- He offers a pluralistic approach drawing on Client-Centred Therapy, CBT, DBT, existential ideas and mindfulness techniques.
- How much experience does he have?
- He has five years of experience and holds a Master's degree in Psychotherapy.
- Is he registered and where does he practise?
- He is listed with NCPS and practises in the United Kingdom.
- Which languages are sessions offered in?
- Sessions are offered in English.
- Can I have sessions from outside the UK?
- No, he does not accept international clients at this time.
- How much do sessions cost?
- Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
- How do I get started with him?
- Click the Talk to a counsellor online button, complete the short matching questionnaire and schedule a first session.
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This page is based on Stephen's public BetterHelp listing and is not written by Stephen. It is not a recommendation. If anything here is wrong, tell us and we will correct it.