James Stevenson

My approach

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I use a blend of different contemporary approaches, depending on which I think might work best for each client. Nowadays there a number of highly effective different ways of going about trying to change how we think, feel and behave, each of which has its strengths, but sometimes also its limitations. Whilst change is not always easy, I work with clients to find which way works best for them, and can best deliver the positive outcomes they are looking for.

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My qualifications and experience

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I originally studied at London and Cambridge universities.  I have an MSc in Mental Health Sciences Research from the Division of Psychiatry at University College London, where my research dissertation was on neural connectivity in Internet Gaming Disorder, looking at  fMRI studies of aberrant brain patterns in gaming addiction.

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I qualified as a psychotherapist in 2008, training at Roehampton University (WPF) and gaining a Postgraduate Diploma in Psychodynamic Studies and Advanced Diploma in Psychodynamic Counselling.  ​I have a Part 1 & Part 2 Training in EMDR from Richman EMDR Training.  ​I have also trained in ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) and used this approach extensively.

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I worked at the Priory Hospital North London for several years where I was a group facilitator on the CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) based psychological education programme. I have run groups looking at depression, self-critical thinking, anxiety-tolerance etc, as well as working with individual patients at the Priory.

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My philosophy

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I believe we all get into patterns of thinking and feeling, but over time these patterns can become dysfunctional, trapping us with unhelpful attitudes and behaviours. Often without realising it, we can get stuck with assumptions, ‘rules for living’ and ‘demands on self’ which become automatic and unchallengeable. Therapy involves thinking together about what these patterns might be and finding effective ways to start to unwind them and move forward. Whilst the difficulties may have been around for some time, the focus is not on the past but on how to live effectively in the present.