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David Atlay

Therapist · United Kingdom

David Atlay, BACP

Practical, person-centred counselling for everyday change

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  • Person-centred approach
  • Thoughts and habits
  • Practical strategies

About David

David Atlay is a counsellor with ten years' experience who works from a practical, person-centred position. He holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling and is a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy - BACP. David focuses on helping people find steadier ground when life feels overwhelming.

He listens calmly and without judgement, and helps people talk through what is causing their problems. Conversations are used to identify small, doable changes. David encourages clients to build everyday habits that reduce anxiety and lift energy levels.

David combines client-centred listening with cognitive behavioural ideas in sessions. He uses talking and simple exercises to spot unhelpful thought patterns and replace them with more helpful routines. This approach is aimed at stress, anxiety, low mood, motivation and coping with life changes.

He also supports people facing relationship strain, grief, addiction-related concerns, parenting stress, body image worries and career questions. Additional areas of focus include attachment and abandonment issues, blended family and adoption-related matters, and compassion fatigue for carers.

Sessions are delivered in a down-to-earth manner with clear practical steps and steady encouragement. People who want straightforward, action-focused counselling that still values empathy may find his style helpful. To begin, follow the site's booking steps to match and schedule a first session.

Areas of expertise

Also works with

AddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefEating disordersParenting issuesAnger managementCoachingCompassion fatigue

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesBDSM, kink, and alternative sex cultureBlended family issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stressCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDependent personalityDivorce and separationEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily problemsForgivenessGuilt and shameHoardingImmigration issuesImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMulticultural concernsNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPost-traumatic stressPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexual dysfunctionSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Experience

10+ years

Credentials

BACP · United Kingdom

Languages

English

How client-centred and CBT work together online

Client-Centred Therapy focuses on listening, acceptance and helping people lead the conversation about what matters most. It aims to make space for reflection and to build the person’s own confidence to make changes.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) looks at the links between thoughts, feelings and everyday actions. It uses practical tasks and short exercises to spot unhelpful thinking and develop new habits that reduce anxiety and low mood.

Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the work. The therapist will discuss goals and preferences and help decide whether more listening-led work or structured CBT tasks suit a person's needs. This is a collaborative process that adapts as progress is made.

Please confirm available session options before booking, as the biography does not specify formats. Online therapy can make it easier to fit counselling into daily life, for example by avoiding travel time, allowing shorter check-ins at busy points in the week, or reducing the time needed to attend an appointment. Talk-based approaches and CBT-style exercises transfer well to remote conversation and can be used to build steady routines and new habits.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does David work with?

He works with stress, anxiety, depression and coping with life changes, plus relationship strain, grief, addictions and parenting stress.

How would you describe his therapeutic style?

He blends client-centred listening with cognitive behavioural ideas, using calm, non-judgemental conversation and practical steps to change habits and thoughts.

What is his professional background?

He has ten years of experience and holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling.

What credentials and location are listed?

He is registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and practices in the United Kingdom.

Which languages are supported for sessions?

Sessions are offered in English.

Can international clients work with him?

He is not currently accepting international clients.

How are fees handled?

Cost varies with location and therapist arrangements; sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.

How do I start a first session?

Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist's availability.

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