Dave Yaffey
Psychotherapist in Llanidloes

I'm Dave Yaffey, an Internal Family Systems trained, senior accredited psychotherapist. I work with everyone and I specialise in working with neurodivergent adults, those late diagnosed or who suspect they may be neuro-different.

I'm based in Llanidloes, Powys and work both in person and online via zoom. I regard myself as an integral therapist, looking through lenses I have collected over many years. I practice Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, informed by psychodynamic theory, poly-vagal theory, neuroscience and various models of the mind.

What I offer is a mixture of therapy and coaching, with some psycho-education and skill development thrown in, all helping you to lead a more Self-led life.

Background & Psychotherapy Qualifications

Internal Family Systems, Level 1
MA Mindfulness Based Core Process Psychotherapy
Advanced Certificate in Relationship Therapy
MPhil. Psychology and Philosophy
NLP Master Practitioner and Certified Trainer

… and a host of short trainings on themes including disordered eating, safeguarding, personality disorders, psychedelic integration and online counselling.

I worked for twenty years as an HR specialist in development training and organisational change. I helped people to understand the more subtle aspects of change and coached individuals in coping with what was going on. It was this experience, in dozens of organisations, that woke me up to the truth that, ‘When people get into groups, they act out their family stuff.' This is why so many of us find the workplace stressful. We also tend to project our unmet needs onto our life partners. I now help people to untangle the past from the present and to create healthier relationships at work and at home. I have also worked as a bereavement volunteer with Cruse and I have voluntary experience with young people (18-24yrs) who were struggling to cope.

My Specialisms

You might be undiagnosed, late diagnosed or self-identifying, or just curious about how you are in the world. If you have recently discovered that you're autistic, or think that you might be, there is a path opening up ahead of you. I'm an IFS trained and NCPS senior accredited psychotherapist and I support clients on this journey.

I am constantly surprised at how differently autism shows up in people…
and how many of us there are in the world!
It seems we are truly unique but not alone.

There are no ‘disorders' here and nothing needs fixing, but you might need help to feel a bit better in a world that isn't designed for you. I've supported clients as they walked the formal diagnosis path or explored their unique differences on the way to self-identifying. My goal is to help you to see the gifts in the difference and to stay in contact with what truly nourishes you.

If needed, I can help you with what we call ‘complex trauma' - the impact in later life of relational stresses suffered in earlier life. In the two big areas of life, work and relationships, I will help you find better ways of relating to yourself and others so you feel less anxious, are less vulnerable to burnout and can deepen into Self-care.

Approach to Psychotherapy & How I Work

I believe that, if you are, or suspect you might be, neurodivergent and you're looking for therapy, then you need to find a neurodivergent therapist. If there isn't a fundamental fit between you and the therapist, then you won't feel met and understood. This will only perpetuate the feelings of being missed, feeling odd or different enough to be ‘othered'. Finding our Self under the mask is one part of the journey for ND folks, but we can also benefit from a collective redefining of difference. I will help you advocate for yourself… appreciate what you're good at and help you get your needs met.

As a neurodifferent person myself, I believe my lived experience together with my professional training can help others feel properly understood as they work through the challenges on their discovery journey. If you are starting on the work of understanding your uniqueness, your gifts and challenges, your neuro-mixed relationships, or if you're exhausted from years of masking, then pop me an e-mail.

I have supported clients going through all of the following:

Recognising neurodiversity in ourselves
Navigating a diagnosis
Energy management and autistic burnout
Masking at work and the cost of fitting in
Mixed neurotype relationships
LGBTQ+ identity and sexuality
Meltdowns and self-regulation
Chronic anxiety and/or depression
Sacrificing Self to stay safe or to be loved
Mis-diagnosis or just being ‘missed'
Grieving all the losses
Coping with sensory sensitivities
Co-occurring medical conditions

Therapies & Rates

Please note the rates detailed below are there to give you an idea of the therapists standard rates, we strongly advise you contact the therapist for more detailed rates and any offers they may have.

Therapy	Appointment Type	Rate
Psychotherapy	In Person	£55 per 60 minutes
Psychotherapy	Online/Telephone	£55 per 60 minutes

Additional Rate Information

My first session is free - a chance for you to suss me out and for me to assess where you're at. I am happy to work short-term if you feel you have a specific issue or a goal in mind. If, after a number of sessions I think you need more, or need something different, I'll be straight with you in a dialogue about the way forward. I attend regular supervision with an experienced UKCP registered supervisor and enrich my capacity to work with you through continuing professional development.