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 offer Walk and Talk Therapy in a choice of locations across Cumbria and the Yorkshire Dales - tailoring the walk to your needs and preferences.
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You might want to be by a river
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You might to prefer to walk through woodland
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Equally, you might feel the need to walk up onto an escarpment so that you've got long-range views.
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You might want to stop and reflect - to be present in nature and the surroundings;
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But maybe you'd rather keep walking and process your thoughts.
We can talk about and try out different options - the important thing is to find out what works for you!
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Even if you're not based in the area, there are options which mean you can still engage in Walk and Talk Therapy. 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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This is where we walk in different locations and use WhatsApp to talk and connect.​
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Full, Half Day & Retreat Options
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Released from the limitations of time you can use the space to go into depth at a pace that works for you.​
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Online Therapy - if Walk and Talk doesn't feel the right option for you right now.
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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!
Trauma can result from a single stab wound, but can also result from a thousand little paper-cuts over time.
Matthias Barker
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.