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Dr Stephen Higgins

Chartered Psychologist

Philosophy

I believe that at heart we try to live our lives as best as we can. Our background and the experiences and opportunities that we encounter shape how we make sense of ourselves, others around us and the ways that we live our lives. However, sometimes we can find ourselves thinking and acting in ways that seem contrary to our ideals. In these situations, it can be helpful to make sense of things with someone who holds a humane and independent viewpoint and who can help us make changes towards living in the way that we’d like to.

Approach

Prismes électriques, 1914. Sonia Delaunay
Centre Pompidou Collection

The therapeutic relationship is the foundation from which all else is built and means stepping into your world view so that we can build a fuller understanding of your concerns. Fundamentally I believe that any therapy needs to be based upon the values that are important to you and the relationships that you want with yourself and those around you.

I’ve found that Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is a useful approach to help you identify negative patterns and find ways to change these or reduce their effects on you. I use Cognitive Analytic Therapy to help with this, as a way to link our distant past with our present day coping methods. I also use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for certain types of behaviour, as it provides ideal skills for coping with unhelpful thoughts and feelings whilst focusing on building the life that we want.

Motivation

Striving to understand ourselves is an intrinsic part of being a person. Most people come to therapy trying to make sense of and repair their difficult experiences, and improve the consequences of these for themselves and their loved ones. I came to work within psychological therapy as it has shown me that it is one of the most important ways that people can find understanding and create the changes that they want in their lives.

QUALIFICATIONS

Doctorate in Clinical Psychology
MSc Mental Health Studies
PGDip Clinical Neuropsychology
PGDip CBT Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
BSc Psychology

THERAPIES I PRACTICE

CBT, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
ACT & Mindfulness
Integrated Psychotherapy
Counselling & Counselling Psychology

WHAT CAN I HELP WITH

Anger Problems
Anxiety & Panic
Depression & Unhappiness
Insomnia & Sleep Problems
OCD & Obsessions
Relationship Issues
Sex Issues
Stress & Burnout