About
“Wildflowers, I envy them. They’re brave. Seeds cast by the wind to land where they may, they stay and hold against most hot, most cold. They persevered, roots shallow yet fierce and free. They epitomise to me all that I sometimes yearn to be.” — Poem by Julie Andrews
About me
I am Lydia Stallard and I have over ten years of experience working in the mental health and wellbeing sector in the UK and New Zealand, and six years of formal academic training. I have worked in a range of settings including addictions rehabilitation, forensic and criminal justice, primary care, on ACC contracts, in general practice and private practice. I have worked with adults, teenagers, children and families.
Some of the roles I have held include addictions practitioner, youth practitioner, senior project manager, clinical lead and mental health programme lead. I have set up large government-funded mental health programmes in both London and New Zealand. I am an experienced trainer and facilitator, and am an accredited trainer in suicide intervention skills (ASIST). I have delivered trainings across the UK in this area, as well as other areas relating to mental health and wellbeing.
I have always been passionate about women’s wellbeing, and have received additional training to specialise in this area, including working with psychological trauma and family violence. I have advised on a National Commission in the UK as an expert regarding the impact of sexual and domestic violence on mental health. I have also held the position of ‘Women’s Lead’ in one of the largest mental wellbeing charities in the UK, creating specific services that were sensitive to women’s needs and mental health concerns.
- Postgraduate Diploma in Psychological Practice (Massey University)
- Master of Science, Psychology (First Class Honours), Health Psychology (Massey University)
- BA, Psychology (University of Otago)
- Registered as a ‘Psychologist’ with the New Zealand Psychologists Board
- Member of the New Zealand Psychological Society
- Member of Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Aotearoa (PADA)
My Approach
I support people through life’s ups, downs, challenges and adversities. I take time to listen to what’s troubling you, and help you to find ways to understand your experiences and live the life you want to lead.
I have a warm and non-judgmental approach, providing a safe and confidential space for individuals to share their vulnerabilities, challenges and successes, at their own pace. My approach to all my work is tailored according to whom it is that I am working with, their needs and what the issue of concern is.
Whilst I draw from a range of different treatment methods, I primarily use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in my work, which supports individuals to create a rich, full and meaningful life, through approaching their internal experiences curiously and openly, and identifying and acting in line with their values. This helps to take individuals in the direction of the life that they want to live, which can often mean accepting the pain that inevitably goes with it. We work on facilitating behavioural change through practising exercises and strategies that can be used in everyday life. This may include working through challenging thoughts, feelings, emotions and situations, so that we learn ways to approach them more flexibly and authentically.
Across all of my workshops, courses and therapy, I use evidence-based therapeutic models and scientific research to inform my work.
“Staying vulnerable is a risk we have to take if we want to experience connection” — Brené Brown