Chartered Clinical Psychologist

Expert in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Specialist in Anxiety, Stress and Trauma

About Me

Leading Clinician, Innovator, Trainer

I am a Chartered Clinical Psychologist and a leading practitioner of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. I have 25 years of experience in the NHS and research, specialising particularly in anxiety disorders as well as recovery from trauma, mood problems and related issues. For more than ten years I worked in the UK's principal anxiety clinical research team, based at Maudsley Hospital, Kings College London, and Oxford University. There, I helped develop and evaluate therapies which have become the gold standard for modern cognitive approaches to dealing with anxiety problems and post-traumatic stress disorder. I am actively involved in both local and national training programmes, and have supervised and trained hundreds of psychologists, psychiatrists and others in the latest techniques and approaches. I have also authored a number of scientific papers and a book for CBT practitioners.

“Richard has helped me to truly transform my life - I have come to understand the unhelpful patterns I was in, and with his help made real, lasting changes - I feel better than I have in years - thank you Richard! - Charlotte, London
”

I would describe my style of therapy as empathic, practical, friendly and supportive. Having worked at the forefront of a movement to develop and enhance the effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapies, I am convinced the therapy I provide will be the best available. Cognitive behavioural therapy should feel like a team effort - two people working together to achieve a set of common goals. I have worked successfully with hundreds of men and women from a wide variety of backgrounds and occupations - lawyers, bankers, shopkeepers, artists, teachers, health professionals, journalists, soldiers, and business people, to name a few. Much of my work has been in London and at the Maudsley, but I have also helped individuals from around the UK, and worked with many international clients.

COGNITIVE BEHAVIOURAL Therapy

Cognition is the inner working of the mind. CBT examines negative thoughts, images, and enduring beliefs which influence your emotional state of mind, your decisions, and your motivation. But a good cognitive therapist will go further, and help assist with a broader range of cognitive activity and processes, like attention, rumination, worry, and past memories, when required.

Behavioural change of some sort is almost always at least part of the answer to any psychological concern. When CBT is sometimes described as a 'talking' therapy, this is rather a misnomer. Really it is a 'talking and doing' therapy! As your therapist, I will guide you in planning activities and carrying out behavioural experiments which help you towards your goals.

Therapy can seem like a loaded term for some people, especially if it is the first encounter with such a professional. It can seem scary to speak about personal issues, and you may feel uncertain whether this is the right decision, or what it means about you. These are natural anxieties, and I will help you navigate the process at your pace.

Common Psychological Problems

Don't Suffer in Silence

Many psychological issues are now known to be widespread in the population and yet many people suffer in silence. For example, one in six people has a significant anxiety problem which can interfere with work, leisure activities, family and relationships, and general wellbeing.

Anxiety problems take many forms, but typically present with certain situations seeming more threatening or fearful than how the average person would find them. They are sometimes acquired in adulthood, perhaps after a stressful or traumatic life episode, or in many cases they may have their origins in childhood.

Many people also struggle with their self-confidence and mood, either intermittently, or on a continuous basis. Again, this can cast a shadow over many aspects of a person's life, and make the future seem stressful, daunting, or even hopeless.

The good news is that evidence-based therapies now exist which can help dramatically reduce or even eliminate these problems altogether. I will ensure that we draw upon the most cutting edge models and techniques that are available to help you.

Worry problems and stress
Social anxiety and acute shyness
Panic attacks
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Health anxiety
Phobias and specific fears
Depression and mood problems
Lack of self-confidence
Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Sleep problems
Irritability and anger problems
Relationship problems
Self-control and eating problems

What To Expect

1. Telephone Consultation

I usually suggest having a free initial telephone consultation, to determine the broad nature of the difficulties you are experiencing, some basic background details, and your main objectives in seeking help. Any information from a referrer, if you have one, is helpful at this stage. I will try to give you my honest opinion as to whether I believe my services might be of benefit. If I believe another service or practitioner might be of more help, I shall say.

2. Face-to-Face Assessment

After an initial telephone contact, I will arrange a detailed assessment with you in person. This usually takes one or two sessions. I will assess the specific nature of your difficulties and symptoms, your current life circumstances and relationships, and the relevant history which may have influenced how you are today. Any additional information from other referrers or professionals is useful at this stage, but not essential.

3. Weekly Course of Sessions

Often, cognitive therapy is undertaken in a weekly session lasting about an hour, either online or face-to-face. A typical course lasts 8-16 weeks, depending on the nature of the problem and its severity. For many people this is a good model. There are other proven formats, however, which may suit some people better, for individual reasons. Intensive therapy delivered in a shorter 'block' of time, is one example of this which we could discuss.

Qualifications

B.A. Hons Mathematics,
Clare College,
University of Cambridge, 1993

MSc Experimental Psychology,
University of Sussex, 1997

Doctorate in Clinical Psychology University College London, 2001

Post-graduate Diploma in Cognitive Therapy University of Oxford, 2004

Chartered Clinical Psychologist
British Psychological Society (BPS)
HCPC Registered PYL22622

Accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapist British Association of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies

Contact

You may be considering psychological therapy, or you may not yet be completely sure what you need or want. Either way, please feel free to get in touch by email to arrange an initial free telephone consultation.

I shall give you my honest opinion whether I think psychological therapy would be of benefit and whether I am the best person to offer you what you need.

I am based in South East London but much of my clinical work is conducted online over Zoom. For most people this provides excellent flexibility, reduces unnecessary travel and allows good therapeutic rapport. Please enquire if you have any queries about this, or you are not familiar with online platforms.

Email: enquiries@richardstott.net

Free initial telephone consultation

Clinical sessions (Zoom)
from £175 per session (50mins)

Intensive therapy option:
By special arrangement - please enquire

Registered provider with
AVIVA, WPA, CIGNA

Dr Richard Stott B.A. MSc. D.ClinPsy C.Psychol