Stephen Cooper
BSc (Hons), MSc, PhD, Dip. Couns, MBACP
We all can experience times of feeling that we are struggling with what life throws at us. You might be finding life to be overwhelming or feel that you have lost your way. Relationships may repeatedly lead to hurt or feelings of failure. Events from the past may be upsetting you or impairing your confidence. You could be feeling anxious, depressed, or grieving a loss. People go to counselling for many reasons. Whatever the issue that has made you consider counselling, finding the right counsellor for you can lead to the change you want or need. I can work with any issue that a person may bring. My professional interests are rooted in understanding how life experiences shape the mind, brain, and sense of self. I studied and researched psychology for ten years, covering areas including clinical, forensic, mental health and developmental psychology, before specialising in cognitive psychology for my PhD, giving me a strong understanding of brain function and the relationship between neurology, cognition, emotion, and behaviour. This has helped an understanding of neurodiversity, how brain functioning may underpin challenging behaviours, and also the effects of neurological conditions such as stroke and traumatic brain injury. I have a particular interest in the effects of trauma, emotional abuse, neglect, and adverse childhood experiences, and how these experiences can influence identity, relationships, self-esteem, and emotional wellbeing throughout life. Trauma is a broad area that comprises many forms of suffering and abuse such as bullying, domestic violence, and controlling behaviour, as well as conditions that may be associated such as anxiety, depression, intense self-criticism, borderline personality disorder, and eating disorders. Alongside understanding the impact of difficult experiences, I am equally interested in recovery: how people can regain a sense of safety, reconnect with themselves, strengthen healthy boundaries, rediscover their values and gradually create a life that reflects who they are rather than what has happened to them. I enjoy bringing together research from psychology and neuroscience with compassionate, practical counselling to help clients better understand themselves and support lasting change.
I have a calm and friendly manner, providing support without judgement to create a safe space for you to discuss your worries and concerns. Counselling presents an opportunity to work together to become aware of underlying issues and to overcome any challenges that may appear, aiding you to find your way forward. My therapeutic approach is integrative, where the counselling process is flexible and tailored to meet your specific needs. I currently offer counselling online and by telephone to anyone within the UK. I am based in Bath. Having a good relationship with your counsellor is the basis of all counselling. I give a free introductory 30-minute session to discuss the details of therapy and for you to consider if I am the right counsellor for you. I am a registered member of the BACP, am fully insured, and receive regular supervision. I am subscribed to the DBS subscription service.
All writing, photography, and artwork on this site and associated social media has been produced by me, Stephen Cooper, and I claim authorship. The website was designed and constructed by Robert Patrick Jordan Sazon.
All of the hearts used for illustration are crafted from materials such as polystyrene, plastic, wood, and cardboard. None of the hearts are real.