ISTDP-North Director
Dr Javier Malda Castillo

After years of therapy and living with a constant, underlying depression, I finally approached ISTDP North and Javier, knowing I needed something more active, deeper, and scientifically grounded than the therapies I had tried before.
Over nearly three years, I worked with Javier to truly understand myself and unravel the choices and beliefs that had shaped my life. It was incredibly difficult—at times even brutal—to confront, but Javier was there every step of the way to support and guide me.
Our work together has transformed my life. For the first time in as long as I can remember, I no longer carry that persistent sense of gloom. I am happier, more content, and more forgiving toward myself. I now understand how I function, and for the first time, I feel truly conscious and in tune with my emotions.
I wholeheartedly recommend Javier and ISTDP North to anyone seeking deep, lasting change. He is an exceptional therapist—always professional, an excellent communicator, and incredibly knowledgeable. Thanks to him, I am a better person. Thank you so much, Javier. I will never forget you.

I have learned a lot about myself during my sessions with Javier. I now take more responsibility for my actions, understand that I have worth, and a right to the respect and consideration of others. I am also more confident to express my feelings and not so likely to burden myself with unhealthy guilt.

I'm incredibly grateful to Dr Javier Malda Castilo. He is truly amazing—kind, attentive, and deeply dedicated to his patients. Javier has genuinely transformed my life for the better. The journey may be long and challenging, but if you're seeking to discover your true self and heal from past traumas, this is the perfect place to begin.

With Javier i started understaning myself, my emotions and my supressed feelings way more. I realised the real reason for my behavior and how to act towards it in an healthy way

I really appreciate Javier as a therapist. He is attentive, compassionate and very thorough in his work. I like that his therapy is focused and rigorous. He. quickly perceives the ongoing patterns, reflects them back and provides practices in order to address them. Highly recommended.

I was recommended to find an ISTDP therapist but living in Newcastle was unable to find anyone close. Javier offered the opportunity to work together and once we met I quickly recognised the value in the therapy I was receiving. Over the course of a year I was constantly challenged and pushed, with empathy and compassion, to allow me to explore my past experiences and understand who I am.
I often reflect on the conversations we had and how it helped me to decisions I did not think I could take. Without his help and guidance I believe I would still be struggling with difficult choices. But through his help, I am now able to think and act with much greater clarity and surety in my decisions.
Thank you for all your help and support, Javier.

Javier is very professional and I felt that the therapy I had with him was extremely valuable to me at a difficult time in my life. I have continued to benefit by applying what I learned throughout the sessions in other challenging situations that have come up. It is an investment in yourself and so well worth it.