David is a UKCP-registered psychotherapist who qualified in 1995. He is particularly interested in the application of mindfulness principles to performance anxiety and other kinds of creative blocks.
Contact me
I can help with...
- Anxiety
- Bereavement and loss
- Body image
- Communication skills
- Creative blocks
- Depression
- Family issues
- Gender issues
- Learning difficulties
- Major life changes
- Masculinity and men’s issues
- Relationship difficulties
- Sexuality
Types of clients I see
- Individuals
Languages I speak
- English
Location(s)
- Room 102 at 180–186 King's Cross Rd, Kings Cross, WC1X 9DE
Types of therapy I offer
- Gestalt psychotherapy
- Integrative
- Mindfulness
- Psychodynamic
My approach
As an integrative therapist I believe that maintaining a flexibility of approach in order to best meet the needs of each individual is essential. Therefore, I draw on a number of theoretical perspectives depending on the goals of my clients and the sorts of difficulties being experienced. These include aspects of Gestalt, mindfulness, dialectical behaviour and psychodynamic therapy.
My overarching focus is on the centrality and importance of the therapeutic relationship in the counselling or psychotherapeutic venture. As we get to know each other, our relationship needs to become one in which you feel able to talk with me about the things that are most troubling you. Whilst we both need to play an active part in fostering such a relationship, I am experienced in establishing and developing this process.
As well as the issues listed above, I also have particular experience and interest in:
- creative blocks and procrastination
- masculinity and men’s issues
- confidence and presentation skills
- mentoring
- returning to study
I have 18 years’ post-qualification experience as a psychotherapist and counsellor. Whilst I have undertaken a wide range of clinical work over this time, I have specialist knowledge in working with those involved in the performing arts, and within the field of higher education. I am particularly interested in the application of mindfulness principles to performance anxiety and other kinds of creative blocks such as difficulties with procrastination.
I am one of the tutors on the Introduction to Counselling Skills course at the Minster Centre, and am a volunteer for Beanstalk, a child literacy charity.
Training, qualifications and experience
I qualified as an integrative psychotherapist in 1995. I trained in New Zealand (Auckland University of Technology) and I have practiced in the UK since 1996.
Since qualifying I have undertaken ongoing professional development in a number of areas including, dialectical behaviour therapy and mindfulness, and narrative therapy.
I also hold a Certificate in Person-Centered Supervision.
I have almost 2 decades of experience as a psychotherapist and counsellor. I have held several posts within the higher education sector, and for 8 years was Head of Student Support Services at the Central School of Speech and Drama. My experience of managing and supervising staff helps me to think about the role groups and organisations play in our lives, and the impact of such structures on the lives of those who come to me for individual help.
With colleagues I organised a conference on body image and the acting profession. I also co-devised a 7-week programme on mindfulness for academic writing and have taught presentation skills, stress management and “introduction to mindfulness” workshops.
I have undertaken extensive youth work within the LGBT community, offered training and supervision for a number of voluntary agencies and have experience in managing a telephone support service for a child abuse prevention charity.
My article “The Glorification of Terrorism: Curtailments to Public and Private Thinking Spaces” was published both in the Association for University and College Counselling Journal and Therapy Today.
Professional affiliations
- UKCP-registered psychotherapist
- Member of BACP
- I am a member of the organisation Psychotherapists and Counsellors for Social Responsibility (PCSR) and am concerned and interested in how politics, society and economics affect our individual and collective health
- The Minster Centre – tutor and organisational member
Fees
- £55 to £65 per session
