Ian Davis

As a counsellor and clinical supervisor I have worked with many issues including anxiety, depression, OCD, sexuality, spirituality, bereavement, meaning, relationships and addictions. This list is not exhaustive. With  over twenty six years post-qualification experience, including ten years managing an alcohol counselling service, I hope the following will help in your search.:

1. My main aim is always to provide a safe, quiet and therapeutic space, in which a trusting relationship can develop.

2. I have found that clients who have a sense of meaning or personal philosophy of life, tend to be more at ease.

3. Exploring our personal histories, including how childhood experiences, both positive and negative, have helped shape our present is often a key part of healing. But we also need to avoid getting caught up in the 'drama' of our personal stories and allowing them to determine or limit our lives.

4. I believe we need to learn to 'Tread lightly in life' which doesn't mean not living fully, deeply and intensely, but does mean consciously trying to avoid being sucked into the heaviness of self despair and pity.

5. Mindfulness and meditation can help this process, enabling us to gently and compassionately notice and be curious about our lives.

6. I always try to be sensitive to issues around race, culture, sexuality, gender, disability and other 'differences' and avoid making assumptions about people.

7. As a gay man I have over twenty years experience working with LGBTQ clients both in my individual practice and in an LGBTQ counselling agency

8. I am also trained as a Psychological Astrologer and can provide chart readings as well as ongoing astrological counselling. I have a Fellowship with The Association Professional Astrologers International