Dr Stella Compton specialises in trauma focused treatment for dissociative disorders which occur in performance related anxieties which impairs the realisation of professional potential . Stella has over twenty years of experience in providing Integrative, cognitive analytic psychotherapy, (additionally a choice of walk talk and equine assisted therapy.) Stella studied at the Royal Academy of Music and worked in the music industry in orchestral, session and jazz idioms as a recording artist, then developing research and improvisation techniques as an HCPC registered Music Therapist. She is a published author, researcher and clinician, she worked in the NHS for 20 years as a Head of Arts Therapies and Clinical Research Lead in forensic psychiatric services.
Stella has provided individually tailored time-limited and longer -term therapies for performers and aspiring artists in all modalities at competitive rates She has helped a wide range of clients and students to understand and develop their careers in musical theatre, opera, ballet, orchestral playing and acting. She has also helped with issues relating to anxiety, relationships, LGBTQ and Transitioning issues, interpersonal relating, stigma, eating disorders, body dysmorphophobia, sexuality, bereavement, physical and sexual abuse, neglect, abandonment, and ob loss.
Stella can provide a blended programme of online and face to face cognitive analytic and trauma focused sessions, depending on each individual’s needs. She has worked with performers to recover from depression as well as performance related, social and generalised anxieties. She is additionally trained to use embodied, mindfulness techniques to support acceptance and commitment to the present moment. Following an initial assessment session, clients can work collaboratively with her to ensure that their therapy or counselling is tailored to meet their needs and budget.
To these services Stella has developed individual programmes of gently paced nature based walk-talk and equine assisted therapy.
As of April 2026 she can help plan a Cumbrian therapeutict walk, talk and/or equine assisted retreat.
Recent publications:
CAT and Music ( 2026)Compton Dickinson.S.J. (2026) CAT and Music : IN: ‘Reformulation’ The Journal of the Association of Cognitive Analytic Therapy. Issuer 60 Winter 2025-2026 available at https://www.acat.org.uk/resources/reformulation-articles/cat-publications-update