Dr. Richard Castle- Chartered Psychologist

DR. RICHARD CASTLE

I am a Chartered Psychologist with an Armed Forces background offering mental wellbeing support, particularly for those experiencing the symptoms of long-term psychological adjustment disorders (such as PTSD).

What I can help with

Abuse and trauma

Anxiety

Change in appearance (disfigurement) concerns

Chronic psychological adjustment disorders

Depression

Eating disorders

Mental health awareness training

PTSD and complex-PTSD

Stress management

Type of therapy

My practice is guided by the principles underpinning Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) which aims to help people to both identify their strengths and also to identify (and change) thinking patterns and beliefs that may be making things harder. DBT typically involves 4 stages:

mindfulness
interpersonal effectiveness
distress tolerance
emotion regulation

Helping

Adults

Ex-service community

Parents, guardians and carers

About me

Whilst serving in the Royal Air Force in 1999 I was directly involved in a major incident involving mass casualties; I subsequently re-trained within the Service as a practitioner psychologist specialising in rehabilitation from exposure to traumatic experiences and concerns relating to disfigurement. Since leaving the RAF in 2012 I have continued to focus on supporting people involved in the aftermath of humanitarian aid and disaster scenarios, including the Grenfell Tower Fire in 2017, principally within the charity sector.

In addition to working as a consultant psychologist with a Gloucestershire-based company providing support to people with learning disabilities and/or poor mental health, I run an independent practice offering specialist and evidence-based support to those who have encountered trauma, but may not have had the opportunity to process the event(s) and thus are experiencing symptoms which restrict their ability to enjoy a full, happy and positive lifestyle. I am particularly well-placed to support those with an-ex Service background as I understand first-hand the demands and impact of enduring involvement in deployed military operations.

In addition to holding a doctorate degree in psychology, I have also trained in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy. I am fully insured and hold an Enhanced DBS Certificate.

"I have been working with Dr Richard Castle since 2023, particularly in respect of one of our supported-living clients, X, who has a diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder and had experienced associated severe symptoms relating principally to anxiety, anger management and resistance to change. The transformation in X has been incredible since Richard started supporting her using the principles of Dialectical Behavioural Therapy; she is now far more self-confident, able and comfortable to make decisions for herself and is considerably less anxious in her day-to-day living. Richard used humour to good effect to gain and sustain X's trust and has been very patient with her, guiding X gently through the programme and equipping her with effective coping skills during periods of stress and irritation.” Fiona White, Director, A+bility Limited

"I have known Richard since 2015 when he became the Mental Health Adviser to Deptherapy (a charity supporting ex-Service people with life-changing physical or mental injuries (principally amputations and/or PTSD)). I have seen at first-hand how he has gained the confidence and transformed the lives of many of our beneficiaries. He is empathetic, a very effective listener and has invariably instilled constructive coping strategies and a positive outlook for those on his watchlist." Dr Richard Cullen, Chair, Deptherapy.

What I offer

I offer a sensitive, calm and safe therapeutic environment which provides the opportunity to openly discuss distressing events, concerns, emotions and fears. I will work with you in the first instance to identify triggers and to develop coping skills. Thereafter, we will work through the DBT approach at a pace that suits you to identify and properly process the traumatic event(s) you may have experienced and to move forward positively.

I see an effective approach as being a joint effort between myself and the client; this includes a willingness to bring my own life experience into play where this may be relevant and helpful.

Whilst sessions normally take place at the Ownzone premises in Lansdown, I also provide the opportunity (should they wish) for clients to traverse the hills, valleys and waterways of Stroud with me so as to additionally benefit from The Calm which normally results from gentle exercise in green and blue spaces. This twin-track approach has proved very effective with previous clients.

As a first step, please contact me for an initial (and free) conversation about how I may be able to help.

"As Director Clinical & Compliance of the Grenfell Hope Project for 5 years (following the Grenfell Tower Fire in 2017) Richard was an integral part of the leadership team. He quickly set about ensuring that the charity had mechanisms in place to safeguard the wellbeing of the bereaved, survivors, blue light services and volunteers. He also carried out effective training and emotional support sessions with our volunteers. Already experienced in the aftermath of disaster and humanitarian aid settings, he also interacted supportively, and in accordance with Psychological First Aid principles, with individuals within the local community who were severely traumatised." Melissa Kizildemir Brigante, CEO, Grenfell Hope Project and Founder, Mindset Aarhus.

Contact me

Dr. Richard Castle

Please note that this contact form will go direct to Richard, but a copy also to Stroud Therapists. Therefore, if you wish to share any sensitive information, please do so after this initial contact.