David Mattis, NCPS

David Mattis is a counsellor with ten years' experience who helps people facing stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, low self-esteem, depression and major life changes. He aims to build a trusting relationship where people can talk openly at their own pace. David works collaboratively so clients feel heard and involved in decisions about their sessions.

He practises an integrative approach and draws on a range of methods to suit each person's needs. David uses Client-Centred Therapy alongside Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Emotionally-Focused Therapy to address thoughts, feelings and everyday habits. Motivational Interviewing and Solution-Focused Therapy also appear in his work for shorter-term goal setting and practical steps.

Sessions focus on what is most pressing for the client. That can mean talking through past hurts and trauma, building coping strategies for anxiety, or addressing low mood and substance use. He also supports people dealing with caregiver stress, chronic illness, relationship problems, issues around fatherhood, grief and life purpose.

David describes his core values as empathy, respect and congruence. He aims to create an environment where people can offload, reflect and decide on next steps. The emphasis is on practical change as well as understanding how thoughts and everyday habits affect daily life.

People interested in starting are encouraged to consider whether this collaborative, flexible style feels right for them. David works from the United Kingdom and offers sessions in English, including with international clients.

How these approaches translate to online counselling

Client-Centred Therapy focuses on listening and responding to what matters most to the person. The therapist offers empathy and reflection so people feel understood and can find their own solutions. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) looks at how thoughts and behaviours keep problems going and uses practical exercises to change those patterns, which can help with anxiety, low mood and stress. Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) concentrates on identifying and working with strong emotions to improve how people relate to themselves and others, which can be useful for attachment and relationship-related issues.

Choosing the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences and what feels most useful, then try methods that fit the client's needs. Sessions are collaborative and can shift over time as new priorities emerge.

If you are considering online sessions, confirm the exact session formats offered before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy day, reduce travel time and allow shorter check-ins when needed. It can also let people use therapeutic exercises, worksheets and homework between sessions to reinforce changes in thoughts and everyday habits. Registered or accredited professionals aim to adapt their way of working so the sessions fit into everyday life while focusing on practical progress.