Stanley Okafor

Stanley Okafor is a BACP-registered psychotherapist and counsellor (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) and an accredited member of APT, with over 15 years of experience supporting people with emotional and psychological difficulties. He splits his time between private practice, a forensic setting and the NHS, where he works as a senior/lead therapist for a large NHS Trust.

He is a qualified integrative counsellor and an accredited, qualified Cognitive Behavioural Therapist (CBT). He has extensive experience assessing and treating people from a variety of backgrounds for problems ranging from severe and complex to more readily treatable issues, including self-esteem, anxiety, depression, historic childhood trauma, abuse, domestic violence, addictions, bereavement, self-harm, suicidal ideation, personality difficulties, family and relationship concerns, and anger. He also runs an anger management group within the forensic setting.

Stanley provides individual one-to-one, evidence-based psychotherapy, working primarily with CBT while integrating useful elements from other approaches such as interpersonal and multicultural methods when appropriate. His work is tailored to each person’s needs to promote an efficient process that aims for positive, lasting outcomes.

In line with the ethical frameworks of his professional bodies, he offers a safe, non-judgmental and unbiased space in which to explore difficulties collaboratively. He describes himself as friendly, warm, honest and empathic, and places particular emphasis on building rapport and trust so clients are treated with respect and kindness and can engage at their own pace.

During the first consultation he carries out a clinical assessment to explore presenting difficulties, clarify goals and consider treatment options. That assessment also includes a risk assessment and a clinical judgment regarding any level of risk.

Stanley recognises that seeking therapy can require courage and that many people hope for a quick fix; he emphasises that therapeutic work is often a process and a journey rather than an immediate solution, and he may not be the right therapist for someone seeking only a rapid short-term fix.

He believes mental health is as important as physical health for leading a fulfilling life and welcomes contact from people ready to begin work together.

“Nothing is impossible for those who believe”.