- Person-centred approach
- Solution-focused steps
- CBT elements
About David
David Atlay is a counsellor registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) with ten years of experience. He holds a PGDip in Counselling and works with adults on practical problems such as stress, anxiety, depression and anger.
David uses a person-centred style that keeps conversations focused on what matters to the client. He listens and helps people notice patterns in their thinking and behaviour. He also draws on solution-focused ideas to identify small, manageable steps forward.
In sessions he talks through what is causing day-to-day difficulties and looks at realistic strategies to reduce their impact. This can include spotting unhelpful thoughts, testing new ways of responding, or practising alternatives to avoid self-sabotage. The emphasis is on simple, doable changes rather than lengthy theory.
He also supports people dealing with career pressures, relationship problems, grief, and life transitions. Additional focus areas include issues around attachment, body image, adoption and foster care, and caregiver stress. Anger and coping with addictive behaviours are listed among his concerns.
People who prefer a direct, conversational counsellor may find his approach helpful. He invites clients to set clear goals and to work at a pace that suits them. To begin, clients follow the site process to complete a short questionnaire and book a first session.
How his approaches work in online counselling
David draws on client-centred counselling which focuses on listening, understanding and helping the client lead the conversation. This approach helps people clarify what matters to them and decide on practical next steps.He also uses Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) ideas to spot and test unhelpful thoughts and habits. CBT-style work is useful for problems like anxiety, low mood, anger and coping with stressful routines because it breaks issues into concrete thoughts, feelings and actions.
Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the process and is decided together. He will discuss your goals and preferences and try different methods until a useful fit is found. The work is collaborative and focused on achievable change.
If you want to use online sessions, please confirm the current session options before booking since formats are not specified in the biography. Online work can make it easier to fit counselling into a day, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and remove the need to travel to an appointment. Registered or accredited professionals can adapt exercises, thought records and practical tasks to an online format to help you practise between sessions.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
10+ years
Listed in
United Kingdom
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does he help with?
He works with stress, anxiety, depression, anger and related concerns such as grief and relationship strain.
What is his therapy style like?
He uses a person-centred approach combined with solution-focused techniques and some CBT ideas to build practical coping strategies.
How long has he been practising?
He has ten years of experience working with adults on a range of emotional and practical difficulties.
What are his credentials and where is he based?
He is a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and works in the United Kingdom.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the UK work with him?
He is not currently accepting international clients.
How are sessions paid for?
Costs vary with location; sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I start working with him?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.