Dr. med. (GB) Tom Stockmann
Facharzt Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie FMH, Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (UK)
English speaking psychiatrist and psychotherapist in Zürich
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 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.I work as a psychiatrist and psychotherapist. My orientation is predominantly psychotherapeutic.
approach
I offer an integrated, flexible and creative therapeutic approach. I draw on several influences, including existential philosophy and therapy, person-centred or humanistic therapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, open dialogue, mindfulness, and other secular aspects of Buddhist/'Eastern' practices, such as attitudes to awareness, emotion, the body, acceptance and adaptation.I use an evidence-based and collaborative approach to psychiatric medication. It is often not necessary. I offer support around stopping/'deprescribing' existing psychiatric medications.I am wary of the counterproductive (yet tempting) 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, joint exploration with each patient.
publications
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.
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."