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David | Pluralistic Counsellor
Counselling Wirral
As a psychotherapist training in the pluralistic approach, I use a variety of therapeutic methods to tailor treatment to the client's unique, individual needs and goals.
Pluralistic Counselling
I am a qualified Pluralistic counsellor and an accredited member of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS).
Pluralistic means I believe no single counselling approach will fit every client and every presenting issue - different clients need different approaches at different times. Truly person-centred in outlook, I tailor my approach to each unique and individual client using a variety of therapeutic means and strategies in collaboration and agreement with you.
At the heart of my counselling approach is the belief that each client has it within themselves to become the best and most genuine version of themselves they were always meant to be. I help you be true to your core values and beliefs, rather than seeking approval, attachment and validation from external sources, whether care-givers, friends, work colleagues or society at large. 'People pleasing' can be a root cause of many mental health issues, including anxiety and overwhelm.
I provide a safe, protected and confidential environment in which you can work towards resolving your concerns and issues. There is no judgement in our counselling relationship, instead a willingness and compassion on my part to walk with you on your journey towards healing.
I have extensive experience and knowledge of depression, anxiety and ADHD (having been diagnosed with the latter myself in later life), maintaining recovery from addictions, and managing intrusive thoughts, rumination, the inner critical voice, and unhelpful coping patterns. I work a lot with change and growth in people's lives. Whilst change can be positive and lead to more rewarding and contented lives, uncertainty and even distress can be associated with change events - we do not like uncertainty and the fear of the unknown can lead to problems with crippling anxiety and phobias.
Whilst some fear is necessary in life to keep us safe, activating the body's fight or flight response, in our modern society, our minds can find it difficult to identify the source of danger or threat and the appropriate action to take. Modern life is full of threat and uncertainty - whether on a global scale or the mundane stresses we face everday. No wonder anxiety and depression are rife. However, whilst we cannot control external events, we can control how we respond to them.
I create a strong relational bond with you, the client, so that you feel you have an ally walkiing with you, by your side. I also challenge you, gently yet firmly, when appropriate. I am quite simply there for you and with you.
If you would like to know more or book an appointment, please send me a message via the send a message - button.
Online therapy
I use Teams and Zoom for online therapy sessions. As with in-person counselling sessions, each online session lasts 50 minutes.Qualifications and registrations
I am an accredited member of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS)I hold the King's Trust Level 5 Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling Practice
I hold passed the Prince's Trust Level 4 Diploma in Counselling Skills and Theory
I hold certificates in Trauma Informed Care, Psychologically Informed Environments and Motivational Interviewing
I am a trained practitioner in ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Techniques)
Registrations
I offer therapy in
Specialisations
- 1. Anxiety
- 2. Fear
- 3. Phobias
- 4. Psychodynamic & CBT schemas
- 5. Change and uncertainty
- 6. Trauma informed care
- 7. Depression
- 8. Loss
- 9. Bereavement
- 10. Addiction and recovery
Specialisations and Expertises
There are strategies and approaches that can help the individual to cope with and manage their anxieties, stress levels, depression, phobias and fears. Some of these strategies are relatively simple and can easily be built into the individual's daily life. Others require more practice. However, all of them can be learnt and used to positive effect, depending upon the motivation of the individual to change the ways they think, feel and behave.
CBT techniques, breathwork, grounding, tapping, and holistic approaches such as meditation, reiki, yoga, acupuncture and Tai-Chi can be ground-breakers in helping us make self-care a priority and help to build resilience. Without looking after ourselves and being gentle and kind to ourselves, we cannot live life to its fullest nor help those around us who we cherish.
Some fears and phobias are deep-rooted and exist largely below the surface, akin to an iceberg where the bulk of the mass lies beneath the water. Fears and phobias exist both at subconscious and unconscious levels. Psychodynamic therapy can help in identifying where these fears and phobias come from. This can be challenging work, but is worthwhile. Oftentimes, our fears have no basis in reality and exist only in our imagination and, thankfully, there are methods to challege and address these hidden areas in our psyches.
Most common issues I support people with:
I support people who struggle with anxiety, of all types, fears and phobias, as well as depression as anxiety and depression oftentimes go hand in hand.I support people with addiction issues and who are trying to maintain recovery from addiction. Addiction is basically a coping mechanism that used to work at first but, over time, has escalated and the person finds they are unable to stop even though they want to and have tried unsuccessfully. Anxiety and depression can be common features implicated in, and resulting from, addiction issues.
All of the above,including low self-worth, low self-esteem and low self-image, can dramatically impact the quality of an individual's life. Chronic pain and life-threatening illnesses also play into anxiety and depression.
The positive news is that there are things that can be done and approaches that can be learnt adopted, that can help with the above issues.
Therapies offered
Areas of counselling I can help with
- ✓ Anxiety
- ✓ Anxiety and depression
- ✓ Anxiety and stress
- ✓ Anxiety and trauma
- ✓ Anxiety attack
- ✓ Anxiety disorder
- ✓ Existential anxiety
- ✓ Fear
- ✓ Fear of abandonment
- ✓ Fear of commitment
- ✓ Fear of failure
- ✓ Fear of public speaking
- ✓ Fear of rejection
- ✓ Generalized anxiety disorder
- ✓ Insecurity
- ✓ Jealousy
- ✓ Panic attack
- ✓ Panic disorder
- ✓ Performance anxiety
- ✓ Phobia
- ✓ Separation anxiety
- ✓ Social anxiety
- ✓ Specific phobia
Fees
My fees are £50 per session for a 50-minute session and applies both online and in-person.I offer a free 20-minute initial telephone call at which we can discuss the main presenting issue in outline and see if we feel there will be a good 'fit' between us.
Availability (Opening hours)
Monday | 4.30pm - 8pm |
Tuesday | 4.30pm - 8pm |
Wednesday | 4.30pm - 8pm |
Thursday | 4.30pm - 8pm |
Friday | 4.30pm - 7pm |
Saturday | 11am - 4pm |
Sunday | 11am - 4pm |
Photos
Contact me
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