Malcolm has been a individual and group therapist for over thirty years, and is the former director and co-founder of Alternatives – a world renowned platform for leading spiritual teachers and alternative thinking.
Areas of interest
- Group dynamics
- Relationships
- Leadership coaching
Psychotherapist Malcolm Stern has many lessons to share about a compassionate approach to mental health, and this is a rare opportunity to hear him speak about matters close to his heart.
In 2014 his oldest daughter Melissa took her own life. She was a vibrant, passionate young woman who had suffered a severe mental breakdown ten years previously. She recovered well, and was seemingly healed, but a second manic episode led to a suicidal depression and ultimately to Melissa’s death by suicide.
Malcolm is passionate about wanting to help transform the stigma around suicide into vulnerability, transparency and growth. He’s also clear that mental health services need to do better:
“My journey since Melissa’s death has been one of intense sadness, but it has also involved seeds of growth and understanding. I really believe that if Melissa hadn’t had such a traumatic early experience of mental health services, she wouldn’t have been scared of seeking help when she became unwell again.”
“Melissa was afraid to put herself back into medical hands. I now want to work with others to make sure our mental health services, are safe, healing places that people want to use when they are in crisis.”
Malcolm’s work involves transforming the more difficult aspects of ourselves, and finding new ways to build trust and connection with other people. He is Director and co-founder of internationally renowned lecture series ‘Alternatives’ based at St James’s Church in Piccadilly, London, and is a regular facilitator at Skyros Holistic Holiday Centre in Greece, the Esalen Institute in California and Cortijo Romero in Spain.
People say:
“Malcolm has an air of calm and peace which means he can support without rescuing and listen without advising. He works collaboratively and with great sensitivity to create a supportive, unconditional environment.”
“Malcolm is an exceptional therapist, with all attributes pulled out as they were required, strength, humour, sensitivity, courage. A great bloke and admirable leader.”
Malcolm creates an environment of trust, integrity and community, where participants can become skilled in relationships, communication and in managing difficult conversations. The ultimate learning is to slay your dragons with compassion.