English speaking psychotherapist and psychiatrist in Zürich
Dr. med. (GB) Tom Stockmann
Facharzt Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie FMH, Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (UK)
about me
I studied medicine at the University of Oxford, and trained in psychiatry and psychotherapy in London, becoming a member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists in 2013. I worked as a UK National Health Service (NHS) consultant before moving to Switzerland.I am qualified as a psychiatrist and psychotherapist but by choice the majority of my activity is psychotherapy.
Psychotherapeutic approach
I offer a patient-centred, flexible and creative integrated therapeutic approach. I draw on several influences. Of particular significance is mindfulness and other secular aspects of Buddhist/'Eastern' practices, including particular attitudes to awareness, emotion and the body, with an emphasis on the acceptance and bearing of discomfort. Here there is overlap with ‘third wave’ approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT). Also important are existential philosophy and therapy, person-centred and humanistic therapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy, cognitive behavioural therapy and open dialogue.I am wary of the tempting but counterproductive oversimplification and medicalisation of our complex human experience, seen for example in uncritical use of diagnostic labels without thought of the wider context. I aim for a unique and thoughtful, yet pragmatic collaboration with each patient.My patients usually prefer to engage exclusively in psychotherapy. However, as required, I can offer advice around medications. I have particular experience with safely stopping ('deprescribing') existing psychiatric medications. I find that an evidence based approach to psychiatric medications leads to them seldomly being used.
publications
I have held medical education and research fellowships, with honorary academic positions at University College London, Sheffield University and Queen Mary University of London. I have multiple peer-reviewed academic publications, including a widely-read paper re-examining the link between low serotonin and depression.
Stockmann, T., & Bajorek, T. (2018). Pocket Tutor Psychiatry (2nd Edition). London: JP Medical Ltd
Medication and DeprescribingMoncrieff, J., Long, M., …, Stockmann, T., et al. (2026). Antipsychotic discontinuation and reduction in people with schizophrenia and multiple-episode psychosis: the RADAR mixed-methods research programme including RCT. Programme Grants for Applied Research, 14(5).Acknowledgement in: Taylor, D., & Horowitz, M. (2024) The Maudsley Deprescribing Guidelines: Antidepressants, Benzodiazepines, Gabapentinoids and Z-drugs (The Maudsley Prescribing Guidelines Series).Moncrieff, J., Crellin, N. E., Long, M. A., Cooper, R. E., & Stockmann, T. (2019). Definitions of relapse in trials comparing antipsychotic maintenance with discontinuation or reduction for schizophrenia spectrum disorders: A systematic review. Schizophrenia Research.Moncrieff, J., & Stockmann, T (2019).
1. Introduction for therapists on how psychiatric drugs work;
2. What psychiatric drugs do by class.
Both in: Guidance for Psychological Therapists: Enabling conversations with clients taking or withdrawing from prescribed psychiatric drugs https://prescribeddrug.info/Stockmann, T., Odegbaro, D., Timimi, S., Moncrieff, J. (2018) SSRI and SNRI withdrawal symptoms reported online. International Journal of Risk and Safety in Medicine.
Open Dialogue and Relational PsychiatryRazzaque, R., Stockmann, T. (2020). Models of Care (Faculty of General Adult Psychiatry, Royal College of Psychiatrists)Stockmann, T., Wood, L., Enache, G., Withers, F., Gavaghan, L., & Razzaque, R. (2017). Peer-supported Open Dialogue: a thematic analysis of trainee perspectives on the approach and training. Journal of Mental Health.Razzaque, R., & Stockmann, T. (2016). An introduction to peer-supported open dialogue in mental healthcare. BJPsych Advances.
PsychotherapyKingsley, M. J., Stockmann, T., & Wright, D. (2017). Digital lives in psychotherapy: ‘the other in the room’. Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy.Stockmann, T. (2015). Qualitative Analysis of Medical Student Balint Groups during a Psychiatry Placement. Journal of the Balint Society.
Serotonin and DepressionMoncrieff, J., Cooper, R. E., Stockmann, T., Amendola, S., Hengartner, M. P., & Horowitz, M. A. (2024) Difficult lives explain depression better than broken brains. Molecular Psychiatry 29, 206–209Moncrieff, J., Cooper, R. E., Stockmann, T., Amendola, S., Hengartner, M. P., Plöderl, M., & Horowitz, M. A. (2023). The serotonin hypothesis of depression: both long discarded and still supported?. Molecular Psychiatry, 1-4.Moncrieff, J., Cooper, R. E., Stockmann, T., Amendola, S., Hengartner, M. P., & Horowitz, M. A. (2022). The serotonin theory of depression: a systematic umbrella review of the evidence. Molecular Psychiatry.
consultations
I offer support for people who are suffering in various ways, whether viewed as medical concepts such as burnout, depression or anxiety, or regarded as distress, dilemmas or crises which simply belong to life.Either way, it may be beneficial to come to see the problem not simply as pain to be rejected and anaesthetised, but as an opportunity from which to learn and grow.I am unable to provide ADHD assessments/treatment or treatment for psychosis or substance abuse.
testimonials
"Dr Tom Stockman has a capacity to listen with such empathy and genuine and open curiosity that it makes it much easier to open up with trust and share one’s experience, no matter what it is. He has never shown any judgement, good or bad, with my adult daughter, and she opened up about her personal experience in a way she never had before.”“I have valued having Dr Stockman as my psychiatrist. He has an approach that is compassionate and respectful. He always listened in a way that is rare to find and this has supported my recovery journey. He has also brought humanity and a genuine caring to these interactions. This has enormous value."
"Dr Stockmann demonstrates compassion and professionalism."
"Dr Stockmann is a progressive and dedicated psychiatrist."
"Dr Stockmann was very friendly and helpful."
"Dr Stockmann has a wonderful way of holding space for others and went above and beyond what I have ever known a psychiatrist to do. He is an extremely forward thinking psychiatrist."
"Dr Stockmann is an extremely committed and considered psychiatrist. I appreciate the time he took to look at the bigger picture of someone's care, to value the insights of others, and to understand the patient's world. I found his professional demeanour very human and respectful."
"Thank you Dr Stockmann for listening and your support"
"A very understanding doctor, very patient and you don't feel rushed. Thank you Dr Stockmann."
"I felt that Dr Stockmann was very helpful, listened to me, and took what I said seriously. I felt that he offered practical and sensible options for moving forward."
"Dr Stockmann was professional, respectful, and listened to my struggles without judgment."
"Dr Stockmann's communication skills are excellent and his approach to his work so enthusiastic. By talking to him you can tell how passionate he is about his work and how he is putting the patient needs and wants at the heart of someone's recovery. I believe that Dr Stockmann is an outstanding doctor and I his commitment and dedication and approach is invaluable."
"Really happy with my care. I felt we connected well and was listened to very well and it helped me a lot. I am really grateful for your care"
Dr Stockman was excellent, he was very supportive throughout.
"Dr Tom Stockmann was excellent! His professionalism, knowledge and experience came through clearly making me feel comfortable with sharing."
"Thank you for actually listening and validating me. You treated me like a human, and wanted to help. Thank you."
"I was initially anxious but Dr Stockmann made me feel at ease. Professional, well spoken and easy to understand."
"Dr Stockmann is a kind and reassuring professional with clear advice on pathways to bettering my mental health."
"Dr Stockmann made me feel heard and that my feelings mattered. He took care to explain things, helping me to weigh up the pros and cons of different courses of action. I can't be thankful enough for what he's done."