About Steven Lucas — Counselling Psychotherapist
My name is Steven Lucas. I’m a qualified counselling psychotherapist, registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (PNCPS Acc.). For over 20 years I’ve been supporting individuals and couples through some of life’s most challenging experiences — and it remains the most meaningful work I know.
I founded Counselling Central to make high-quality, professional therapy accessible to anyone in the UK, regardless of where they live. All sessions take place by telephone or video call, so geography is never a barrier to getting the support you deserve.
My Qualifications and Accreditations
- MBACP — Registered Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy
- PNCPS (Acc.) — Accredited Member of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society
- Qualified Counselling Psychotherapist (qualified 2006)
- Trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), psychodynamic psychotherapy, and person-centred approaches
- Continuous professional development in line with BACP ethical framework
You can verify my NCPS accreditation directly on the therapist directory.
My Experience
Over the course of my career, I’ve worked across a wide range of settings — from busy NHS services to university sites, prisons, health centres, and voluntary organisations. This breadth of experience means I’ve supported people from all walks of life, across a wide spectrum of mental health and emotional difficulties.
Some of the settings I’ve worked in include:
- NHS health centres and GP practices
- Hospitals and in-patient settings
- HM Prison Service
- University of Northampton Park Campus Site (lecturing in counselling for chrysalis)
- Voluntary sector organisations
- The Samaritans (volunteer – deputy director for volunteer care)
- Private practice (since 2006)
Working with the Samaritans was a particularly formative part of my professional journey. It gave me a deep, practical understanding of distress, crisis, and the immense courage it takes to reach out when you’re struggling. That experience shapes how I approach every client I work with.
My Approach to Therapy
I work integratively — drawing on a range of therapeutic models rather than applying a single rigid approach. The most important thing, in my experience, is not the technique but the relationship. When you feel genuinely heard, understood, and accepted, that’s when real change becomes possible.
In practice, this means I might draw on:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) — for practical, structured work on thoughts and behaviours
- Psychodynamic therapy — for exploring deeper patterns and their origins
- Person-centred therapy — keeping your needs, values, and pace at the centre of everything
- Attachment theory — for understanding relationship patterns and emotional responses
I’ll always be honest with you about what I think might help, and I’ll adjust the way we work together as our understanding of your situation deepens.
“Reaching out takes courage. Whatever has brought you here, I want you to know that you’ve already done something important just by looking for support.”
Areas of Specialism
I have particular experience working with:
- Anxiety and panic
- Depression and low mood
- Grief and bereavement
- Relationship difficulties and couples therapy
- Low self-esteem and self-worth
- Stress — workplace, family, and life transitions
- Intrusive thoughts
- Identity and existential questions
Working Online
I’ve been delivering therapy by telephone and video – since well before it became mainstream — and I’m a firm believer in its effectiveness. Research consistently supports online therapy as equivalent to in-person work for the vast majority of difficulties. For many people, working from home is actually more comfortable, more convenient, and allows them to engage more consistently.
Sessions are available during the day, evenings, and at weekends. If you’re not sure whether online therapy is right for you, we can talk it through before you commit to anything.
Get in Touch
If you’d like to find out more or arrange an initial conversation, I’d be delighted to hear from you. There’s no obligation, and I’m happy to answer any questions you might have before we begin.
- Phone: 07979 011763
- Email: info@counsellingcentral.com
Your first session is £10 off. I look forward to speaking with you.