David Wakely MA UKCP Reg.

Bristol BS6	Bristol BS8
078 495 19 277 www.davidwakely.co.uk Click here to Email me

Profile

I am a fully qualified, experienced and registered counsellor and psychotherapist, offering a constructive, grounded approach in a safe and confidential environment. My aim is to help you explore and gain clarity on aspects of your life and to resolve problems which are troubling you.

I work with people on a wide range of recognised problems, including anxiety, depression, confidence and self-esteem, anger, difficulties in relationships, sexual problems, addictions etc.

I also help people with problems that are more difficult to define - a sense of confusion about their lives and about who they are, a lack of direction, a loss of meaning or joy in living, difficulties in relating to others or in sustaining good relationships.

Experience has taught me that each individidual who comes to counselling brings with them a unique set of circumstances, background, values and beliefs. A "one size fits all" approach is not appropriate and consequently I do not offer ready-made solutions. Instead, I aim to work with you towards a resolution which respects who you are and your situation in life.

Making contact

If you would like to make an appointment, then simply e-mail me by using the link on this page or telephone me on the above number. I will get back to you as soon as I can. (Alternatively, take a look at my website if you would like to know more about my approach.)

The first meeting is our chance to decide whether we want to continue working together or not.

If we agree to continue, I will usually suggest a fixed number of meetings at first (normally between four and six), which we can extend later if we wish to.



About myself

I undertook my first counselling training in 1997 at the New School of Psychotherapy and Counselling in London. I also studied psychoanalytic and existential psychology at Birkbeck College. In 2002, I started a Masters degree in existential psychotherapy, validated by the University of Sheffield, which I finished in 2005. I have been registered with the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) since 2006.

I have worked for the Terrence Higgins Trust in London and for EACH (Ethnic Alcohol Counselling) in Hounslow, enabling me to acquire a broad base of experience in the areas of mental and sexual health.

Since graduating, I have undertaken short courses and workshops in couples therapy at the Tavistock Centre for Couple Relationships and in same-sex couple counselling at Pink Therapy. I have also undertaken training workshops in CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) techniques for depression, anxiety disorders (such as social anxiety and generalised anxiety disorder) and anger.

In the past year, I have started to explore the use of mindfulness (meditation) and acceptance strategies in therapy and CBT; and I have undertaken an introductory course in the use of ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy).

I moved to Bristol in 2008, where I now operate a busy private practice and I also work as a counsellor for an international insurance company based in Bristol.

I work with a wide range of issues, but I am particularly interested in the areas of relationships (whether at home, at work or in social life), isolation and loneliness, sexuality and issues of identity.

Training, Qualifications & Experience

MA Existential Psychotherapy & Counselling (University of Sheffield), 2005

Certificate in Counselling Skills (New School of Psychotherapy & Counselling), 1997

Additional training:

Tavistock Centre for Couple Relationships: Introduction to Couple Interaction, 2007

Training workshops in CBT for depression, anxiety and anger, 2008/2009

Pink Therapy:
Same-sex relationship therapy, 2009

8 week mindfulness course, 2010

Mindfulness Training: Introductory course in ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), 2010

Areas of counselling I deal with

• Abuse
• Addiction(s)
• Affairs and Betrayals
• Alcohol Dependence
• Anger Management
• Anxiety
• Asperger's Syndrome
• Avoidant Personality Disorder
• Bereavement
• Career Counselling
• Couples Counselling
• Dependent Personality Disorder
• Depression
• Drug Abuse
• Emotional Abuse
• Gender Identity
• Generalised Anxiety
• HIV/AIDS
• Internet Addiction
• Low Self-Confidence
• Low Self-Esteem
• Narcissistic Personality Disorder
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Panic Disorder
• Personality Disorders
• Physical Abuse
• Relationship Issues
• Schizoid Personality Disorder
• Self Harm
• Separation and Divorce
• Sexual Abuse
• Sexual Issues
• Sexuality
• Stress
• Trauma
• Work Related Issues

Fees

£35/£30 (£20 for introductory session)

Lower rates (£25-30) are available if you are on a low income.

(Please note that cancellations must be made with 24 hours notice. Otherwise, the full fee is payable, although I will always try to find an alternative time for us to meet.)

Member Organisation(s)