Dave Harrison

Life can sometimes leave us feeling overwhelmed, stuck or unsure of where to turn. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, trauma, low self-esteem, grief, depression, relationship difficulties or simply feel that life has become too much, you do not have to face it alone.

I believe that counselling is about more than talking through problems. It is about feeling truly heard, understood and accepted without judgement. My aim is to provide a safe, calm and compassionate space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings at your own pace.

Several years ago, my own life changed significantly following the impact of accumulated trauma. Reaching out for professional support was one of the hardest decisions I have ever made, yet it became one of the most important. Through therapy, patience and a commitment to my own recovery, I gradually rebuilt my life. That journey eventually inspired me to retrain as a counsellor so that I could offer others the same compassion, hope and understanding that I was fortunate enough to receive.

After being diagnosed with Complex Post Traumatic Stress Order, I have rebuilt my life through research, therapy, support groups , exercise and many other interventions to maintain my own mental health.

Having experienced my own journey of recovery through therapy, I understand how difficult it can be to ask for help. I also know that healing is rarely a straight line and that everyone moves at their own pace. My hope is to walk alongside you, helping you gain greater understanding, develop resilience and move towards the life you want to live.

I am a qualified Integrative Counsellor working with adults, teenagers, offering face-to-face, online and telephone counselling. Recently achieved my Level 5 Foundation Degree in Arts for Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy.

My training has provided me with knowledge and experience across a wide range of emotional and psychological difficulties. Alongside my professional training, I bring many years of experience supporting people through challenging periods of their lives and have spent several hundred hours in my own personal therapy. This has given me valuable insight into what it feels like to sit in the client's chair as well as the therapist's.

I have experience working within emergency services for over two decades which has given me valuable experience of working with a wide variety of people, across different ages and social backgrounds. I have dealt with a variety of mental health situations where people have been in crisis and provided necessary crisis support and intervention.

My approach is grounded in the BACP Ethical Framework, ensuring that every client is treated with dignity, respect and compassion.

I am committed to ongoing professional development and continue to expand my knowledge, particularly in trauma-informed practice, PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, neurodiversity as living with ADHD myself.

I work with a wide range of aspects people need support with including:

Anxiety and panic

Depression and low mood

Stress and burnout

Bereavement and loss

Low self-esteem and confidence

Suicidal thoughts and emotional crisis

Neurodiversity (ADHD and Autism awareness)

Relationship difficulties

Life transitions and personal growth

Men's mental health

Emotional regulation

Trauma and CPTSD (Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)

And many more

I also have particular understanding of recovery following my own lived experience of significant life events and accumulated trauma, supporting clients to rebuild confidence, safety and hope for the future

My way of working is primarily person-centred, meaning I believe you are the expert in your own life. Therapy is not about giving advice or telling you what to do, but creating a relationship where you feel safe enough to explore whatever is important to you.

As an integrative counsellor, I can draw upon different therapeutic approaches when they may benefit your individual needs, whilst always keeping the relationship between us at the heart of the work.

Every client is unique. Some people simply need someone to listen. Others may wish to explore practical coping strategies or gain a deeper understanding of recurring patterns in their lives. Together we can work in a way that feels right for you. I draw on different approaches which can be breathing techniques, somatic healing, creative therapy, visualisation, goal setting, solution focused therapy to name a few.

My aim is that you leave each session feeling heard, respected and never judged.