THE MAN BEHIND
Hi. My name is Stephen and I am here to walk alongside you and provide a safe and supportive environment while you take the next step in moving on from the past; coming to terms with the present and starting to look towards a brighter future.
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Who am I?​
I am a counsellor who has struggled with his own trauma history, so I know what it is like to feel trapped and not know how to get out of a difficult place. I know what it is like to hide those feelings and to feel shame. I also know how difficult it can be be to reach out for support.
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Why Trauma and Addiction?​
This is why I have established Trauma and Addiction Therapy - because I don’t want others to feel like they have nowhere to turn and because I know that talking to a professional therapist can make a real difference. Whether the problem is with overcoming addiction; the challenge of trauma or the connection between the two, you don't have to face it alone.
Why Walk & Talk?
I take a Walk & Talk approach because I know that it works - combining the benefits of exercise; walking alongside somebody and connecting to Nature helps. The evidence stacks up and all supports my belief that his approach helps people process traumatic memories and challenges.
A Range of Options
I work in-person in Cumbria and the Yorkshire Dales, but even if you're not based in the area, there are options. For more information, click here or get in touch and we can discuss:
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Remote Walk & Talk Therapy​
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Full, Half Day & Retreat Options
Online Therapy
People often wonder whether online therapy works. The simple answer is YES - and that's not just me saying it, it's backed by evidence!​​
Here are some of the advantages of working online with a therapist who has experience in this approach:
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You can work from the safety and comfort of a familiar environment - at home, at work, in the car or when you're out and about;
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There is flexibility and efficiency when you don't have to factor in travel time and cost
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The physical distance can feel reassuring for some people;
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You can continue working with the same therapist if your circumstances change or if you're away from home.
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If this strikes a chord with you - even if you're unsure - please just get in touch and we can have a 30 minute chat by video call about how I might be able to support you!
My understanding of trauma
Trauma is a fear that comes from the past but is impacting the present. It's not the event that happened; but the unresolved stress that stays in our bodies after that event because we were unable to process it. Two people can experience the same thing but whilst one might ride the storm and come through it unscarred; the other can be impacted by it longer term. Unresolved trauma can go on to affect our choices without us even realising it, but with understanding and support, we can recognise and heal these wounds, rewriting our story for a better future.
My understanding of addiction
Imagine our brains are like a toolbox - with healthy tools like talking or walking, and rusty ones like drugs or unhealthy relationships. Rusty tools might numb pain temporarily - they might get the job done, but they aren’t a long-term solution.
Breaking free from addiction involves rediscovering healthy ways to cope with difficult emotions and addressing the underlying pain or trauma causing the need for those unhealthy tools.