David Stirling

I am an accredited member of the BACP.

I have established a private practice since January 2021, working both face-to-face and online. I have found both to be effective mediums for working.

I have an eclectic past, having worked in youth work for over 12 years, 11 years in a Probation Board (NI) residential project as a counsellor and group worker. 9 years in business establishing and running my Chip shop and Café (taking 9 of my staff on a social education experience, to build houses for others in Costa Rica with Habitat for Humanity).

I consider myself to be an Integrative counsellor, greeting clients with Person Centred genuineness, empathy and acceptance, while sharing with the client the intentionality of working towards a beginning; middle and end. My work is built on the developing needs and issues of the client, often using CBT to enlighten, challenge and grow perception. I work in the different modes of ‘person to person’ therapy, in my own home, in a set apart room for counselling, affording safety and confidentiality to clients. I also work online and find both methods effective.

The integrative way of working is about responding to the clients needs as they emerge. Person Centred therapy and Personal Construct Psychology  approaches help clients develop the confidence to express their thoughts and describe experiences. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy gives a framework for the thoughts, emotions, choices and behaviours attached to their key experiences or the difficult situations they are in. Psychodynamic understanding enables me to bring the reality of how a client is ‘being’ in any one moment or phase. Together with other theories and modalities I seek to apply the most relevant approach to my client.