David Shaw

I practice from Tuesday to Thursday (daytimes/evenings) and on Saturday mornings. 

I don't currently offer sessions on Mondays, Fridays or Sundays.

I'm warm, open-minded and supportive. Together we'll explore aspects of yourself, your relationships, and any difficulties and concerns. I'll listen for your underlying feelings and needs, and tentatively offer fresh viewpoints. As we work towards your therapeutic goals, greater clarity will emerge, and you can begin to move through some of the hurt, loss or confusion of the past - and present.

“Where things become truly difficult and unbearable, we find ourselves in a place already very close to its transformation." (Rainer Maria Rilke)

I offer in-person, face to face sessions from a comfortable, spacious room dedicated to counselling work. Through our regular meetings a therapeutic relationship will grow, based on confidentiality, trust, and a spirit of creative curiosity. 

About me

I'm a fully qualified therapeutic counsellor and registered member of BACP. I'm currently engaged in post-diploma training to expand my psychotherapeutic approach.

What I can help with 

I currently work with people aged 16 and up. Areas of difficulty and concern I have experience of working on with clients include common mental health problems such as depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. I've also worked with people struggling with loss, grief and bereavement, as well as those coming to terms with separation, divorce or estrangement. I've worked with people in (or contemplating) recovery from addiction, dependency and gambling; chronic illness and pain; sexual abuse; social anxiety; trauma and C-PTSD. I have a particular interest in exploring difficulties stemming from a wounded/neglected/self-abandoned 'inner child', and poor experiences of attachment. Also drawn to working in the area of spirituality and the 'transpersonal'. 

How I work

My approach focuses on exploring your inner struggles and conflicts. It's founded on the ideas underlying psychodynamic counselling, which helps us understand how we relate to our ourselves and others, and why this can sometimes be difficult and even painful. I work in a relational way that is also integrative, sometimes incorporating person-centred theory, a cognitive-behavioural understanding, dreamwork, and skills for regulating emotions. There's some scope for using imagery and creativity therapeutically, if that feels right for you. 

"Go into yourself and test the deeps in which your life takes rise." (Rilke) 

Training, qualifications & experience

I hold a CPCAB Level 4 Professional Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling, along with a Counselling Foundation Degree from the OU and a CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Counselling Children. I have 8 years experience covering therapy with adults & children, and distinctions in all my degree modules. Additional qualifications include a certificate in Trauma-Informed Counselling, awarded by the OU. 

I'm currently engaged in Level 5 post-diploma training to expand and enhance my psychotherapeutic approach.

My work is underpinned by the BACP's Ethical Framework.

The fee is £40 per session from Tues -Thurs. For Saturday morning sessions I charge £50. A concessionary rate is occasionally possible, based on my availability, so do enquire and I'll let you know if I can offer you a more affordable rate.

The session length is 50 minutes.

First session

There's no fee for your inital session. It helps you get a sense of what it would be like to come for therapy here, without any obligation. 

You'll have an opportunity to tell me something of what's been happening to/for you recently, as you see it. I'll probably ask you a few questions, but mostly I'll be listening and beginning to get a sense of how life feels to you at present, and where your therapy might usefully begin should you decide to return. You can also ask about how I work. 

Further sessions

“Sometimes in the waves of change we find our true direction.” (Anon)

If you opt to work with me as your therapist, we'll consider some potential goals and begin to explore what seems most relevant and important to you. Throughout your time here we'll reflect upon and review your goals as the therapeutic relationship develops, alongside any ongoing and new challenges in your life.