Dr Stephen Adams-Langley

I am a UKCP registered psychotherapist and BACP Senior Accredited counsellor with over 30 years of clinical experience. I work from a private practice in Marylebone and at the Nightingale Hospital.

My approach is integrative, rooted in existential psychotherapy. I trained at Regent's College School of Psychotherapy, and my doctorate from Middlesex University and the Metanoia Institute was awarded the Jennifer Elton Wilson Prize. I draw on psychodynamic, humanistic and cognitive behavioural ideas to fit each person. That can mean focused short-term work on a specific problem, or longer-term therapy exploring deeper patterns and questions of meaning.

I work with individuals and couples on anxiety and panic, depression, bereavement and loss, trauma, eating disorders, OCD, addictive and compulsive behaviours, relationship difficulties, stress, and questions of identity and sexuality. I also have long experience supporting people living with HIV.

My career has included Head of Psychotherapy at London Lighthouse and senior clinical roles at Place2Be from 1999 to 2021, where I oversaw therapy services in London schools. I am an experienced clinical supervisor and research supervisor.

Therapy works best when it is honest, collaborative and paced to you. I offer an initial conversation so we can decide together whether working with me is right for you.

Qualifications

Doctorate in Psychotherapy (DPsych), Middlesex University and Metanoia Institute, 2012; awarded the Jennifer Elton Wilson Prize

MA

Advanced Diploma in Existential Psychotherapy, Regent's College School of Psychotherapy

Professional registrations

UKCP registered psychotherapist

BACP Senior Accredited counsellor

GPsyC registered

European Certificate of Psychotherapy (ECP)

Member, Society for Existential Analysis

Background

Psychotherapist, Nightingale Hospital (current)

Private practice, SAL Therapy, Marylebone (current)

Associate Research Supervisor, Metanoia Institute (current)

Senior Clinical Consultant, Place2Be, 1999 to 2021

Head of Psychotherapy, London Lighthouse, 1997 to 1999

Clinical supervisor

I took out the line about overseeing therapy teams in London schools, because that described the Regional Manager role. The personal summary still says he oversaw therapy services in London schools. To keep the two sections consistent, change that line to "Senior Clinical Consultant at Place2Be from 1999 to 2021".

gained an MA in Psychotherapy and Counselling and a post-qualifying Advanced Diploma in Existential Psychotherapy.

Qualifications

Doctorate in Psychotherapy (DPsych), Middlesex University and Metanoia Institute, 2012; awarded the Jennifer Elton Wilson Prize

MA in Psychotherapy and Counselling

Post-qualifying Advanced Diploma in Existential Psychotherapy, Regent's College School of Psychotherapy

Professional registrations

UKCP registered psychotherapist

BACP Senior Accredited counsellor

GPsyC registered

European Certificate of Psychotherapy (ECP)

Member, Society for Existential Analysis

Background

Psychotherapist, Nightingale Hospital (current)

Private practice, SAL Therapy, Marylebone (current)

Associate Research Supervisor, Metanoia Institute (current)

Senior Clinical Consultant, Place2Be, 1999 to 2021

Head of Psychotherapy, London Lighthouse, 1997 to 1999

Clinical supervisor

•Depression

•Couple counselling

•Bereavement and loss

•Self harm

•Panic attacks and anxiety

•Trauma recovery

•Stress management

•Divorce and separation

•Sexuality issues and sexual identity

•Life crisis

•AIDS and HIV issues

•Eating disorders (anorexia and bulimia nervosa)

•Infertility

•Low self-esteem and lack of confidence

•Alcohol dependency

•Anger and emotional difficulties

•Child mental health

•Bullying at school or in the workplace

•Substance misuse

•Sexual dysfunction

•Surviving/recovery from sexual abuse or emotional abuse

•Life threatening illness

•Anger management

•Work issues

•Coaching

•Mid-life crisis

•Family dynamics

• Compulsions and obsessions

Counselling and psychotherapy are both "talking therapies" which attempt to help us make sense of our lives and survive the crisis, difficulty or turning point. My approach is integrative which means I have been trained in, and can employ several theoretical approaches. I draw from cognitive behavioral therapy, humanistic/person centered, psychodynamic, brief solution focused therapy and existential approaches to adapt the theory to each individual client. My philosophy is that each person is unique and therefore no one approach suits all. I might use cognitive behavioral therapy for clients with phobias or panic attacks, whereas the person who is depressed or anxious will need a more supportive and philosophical approach. My aim is to clarify those aspects of the client's life that cause distress, confusion or anger and that can lead to an individual to feel stuck, blocked, unfulfilled and desperate. It is through exploration and clarification that we are able to explore our options and choices, and understand and come to terms with our issues.

The sessions are 50 minutes in length, although occasionally if requested I will see clients for longer sessions. My counselling is absolutely confidential and and my approach is non-judgmental and supportive regardless of clients race, religion, sexual orientation, nationality or presenting behavior. I have extensive experience with clients who are presenting with self harming behavior such as drug or alcohol misuse, compulsive sexual behavior, self harm, suicidal ideation and eating disorders.

People come to counselling and psychotherapy for all sorts of reasons. A significant life event such as a bereavement, relationship breakdown, redundancy or panic attack can feel overwhelming. There can also be a sense of unhappiness, malaise or a feeling that life could be better or different. Clients can often present with a single issue or symptom, or a range of issues. I offer a safe, comfortable and confidential space to reflect, process and resolve these issues and difficulties