Dr Torstein Stapley

Dr Torstein Stapley

BSc, MSc, PGDip, PsychD, CPsychol, HCPC

Personal summary

I am an experienced Charted Psychologist practicing in central and east London. I have years of experience working in private practice and for the NHS, where I use evidence-based therapeutic approaches to help people move past their mental health difficulties. I have worked with people from an extensive variety of backgrounds and with complications that range from mild to severe.

Background & Qualifications

I have trained as a Counselling Psychologist at a doctorate level and I have completed postgraduate training in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience. I am Chartered member with the British Psychology Society and I am fully registered with the Health & Care Professions Council. I have also completed specialist training in Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing and a Masters degree (MSc) in Clinical and Public Health Aspects of Addiction.

I am a qualified clinical supervisor and regularly supervise clinical and counselling psychology doctorate trainees. I also hold a role as guest lecturer on postgraduate programme in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy in London. I have worked in the NHS for over 9 years as well as in private practice. During this time, I have worked in a number of different settings including primary and secondary care, as well as specialist services. Alongside my private work, I currently work at specialist national centre for Anxiety Disorders and Trauma.

My Specialty

I work with children, adolescents, adults and groups, offering both short-term and long-term evidenced-based therapy. Over the years I have gained extensive experience of working with depression and anxiety disorders such as panic, obsessive-compulsive disorder, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder and generalised anxiety disorder. I also hold a strong personal interest and specialist knowledge of working with eating disorders, body dysmorphic disorder, hoarding and drug and alcohol dependency. Additionally, my clinical work has regularly focused on stress reduction, anger management, bereavement, insomnia, sexual health and sexual identity, abuse, and relationship issues.

How I work and Approach to Therapy

At the outset of therapy I conduct a full assessment with all clients to gather relevant information about their development and about their current difficulties. The focus of my work is on wellbeing and I believe that therapy should highlight individual strengths and allow for development and personal growth. In my view, therapy should be conducted in such a way that it facilitates and encourages the individual to continue the process of change even after therapy is completed. It is my belief that self-exploration conducted in an empathetic and supportive environment will highlight individual strength. It will also allow for an understanding and change to the way we judge and perceive ourselves and others. It is through this process that I think permanent personal development can be achieved.

My approach to therapy is grounded in the view that you are the expert about your life, and that my role is to facilitate your exploration with the help of evidence-based approaches to therapy. I have extensive training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Psychodynamic therapy, as well as more recent therapeutic approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Analytic Therapy, Mindfulness and Compassion Focused Therapy. Through genuine curiosity I will enter therapy with no other agenda than to truly listen to what you have to tell me. I will approach our sessions with empathy, unconditional support, and a wish for us to work collaboratively. In my view therapy should be empowering and facilitate hope, and you can expect to be heard, listened to and understood.

The majority of my work is conducted from an integrative therapeutic approach that draws on multiple therapeutic models. I place individual needs at the foundation of this work, and I will aim to account for and support your unique experiences and views. By working together, I believe that we can improve your wellbeing and facilitate positive change.