David Pender
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This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
Hi, my name is David Pender. I am an integrative counsellor specializing in anxiety. My counselling approach focuses on addressing anxiety and its interconnected elements, such as low self-worth, perfectionism, and feelings of not being good enough. The goal is to help you navigate these challenges, reduce procrastination, and overcome the paralysing "ifs and buts" that hinder your progress. Counselling empowers you to lead a more fulfilling life by fostering a sense of purpose and self-connection.
I understand that men sometimes lose their way, yet I believe in the power of each person to find their path to healthy emotional well-being and reconnection. I offer deep-level support and challenge to facilitate permanent change, self-growth, and autonomous mental health. I will offer an honest evaluation and an empathic response to your needs, working with you in a collaborative process to develop your personal power and make a lifetime change. I often find that once the initial contact has been made, clients often comment that they wish they had acted sooner.
Mental illness is not limited to any particular gender. While the manifestations may vary, it is wrong to think that men do not suffer because they are depicted or expected to be tough and not complain. This is a concept called toxic masculinity, which refers to the cultural norms that equate masculinity with emotional suppression, dominance, and aggression and has led to a negative impact on the mental health of men. Men are also likely to abuse substances and be violent and are also likely to die by suicide. The positive news is in recent years, the percentage of men who are prepared to be open about mental health issues is on a constant increase. Do you care enough about yourself and your loved ones to step forth? A sign of healing is being prepared to sit with our emotions rather than rush to escape them.
Core Focus Areas
Anxiety Management
Utilising cognitive-behavioral techniques to identify and challenge negative thought patterns.
Implementing relaxation and mindfulness practices to reduce anxiety symptoms.
Developing personalised coping strategies to manage stress and anxiety effectively.
Addressing Low Self-Worth
Exploring the roots of low self-esteem and building a positive self-image.
Encouraging self-compassion and self-acceptance.
Setting achievable goals to foster a sense of accomplishment and self-worth.
Overcoming Perfectionism and Feelings of Not Being Good Enough
Identifying perfectionistic tendencies and understanding their impact on mental health.
Creating realistic standards and expectations to reduce self-imposed pressure.
Promoting a growth mindset and celebrating progress over perfection.
Tackling Procrastination
Analysing the underlying causes of procrastination, such as fear of failure or overwhelming tasks.
Developing time management and organisational skills.
Using motivational techniques to increase productivity and reduce procrastination.
Navigating "Ifs and Buts" Thinking
Challenging catastrophic thinking and the overuse of hypothetical scenarios.
Encouraging present-focused thinking and realistic goal setting.
Building resilience to handle uncertainty and change.
Finding Purpose and Self-Connection
Assisting in the exploration of personal values, interests, and passions.
Encouraging engagement in meaningful activities that align with one's purpose.
Strengthening self-awareness and promoting personal growth through reflective practices.
Anxiety can significantly impact relationships, often manifesting in various ways. One common manifestation is constant worry and overthinking. Individuals with anxiety might excessively analyze their partner's words and actions, seeking hidden meanings or potential signs of issues. This can lead to misunderstandings, as the anxious person may misinterpret neutral or positive interactions as negative or threatening, creating unnecessary tension and conflict.
Another way anxiety shows up in relationships is through avoidance behaviours. People with anxiety might avoid discussing important topics or addressing conflicts for fear of triggering stress or rejection. This avoidance can create a communication gap, leading to unresolved issues and a lack of emotional intimacy. Additionally, anxiety can cause individuals to doubt their own worth, leading to feelings of inadequacy and a constant need for reassurance from their partner. Over time, these patterns can strain the relationship, highlighting the importance of seeking support and working together to manage anxiety effectively.
Approach
This counselling profile adopts an integrative approach, combining cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), mindfulness practices, and authentic being. The emphasis is on creating a supportive and non-judgmental environment where men can openly discuss their concerns and work towards positive change. By addressing anxiety and its related issues holistically, this approach aims to enhance overall mental well-being and personal fulfilment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, navigating life's challenges can be less daunting when you have a compassionate, non-judgmental, confidential source of facilitation to explore new opportunities. By offering a free introductory call, I allow you to experience firsthand how my support can make a difference. With sessions priced at a reasonable £60, I offer online and a limited number of face-to-face appointments in Maidenhead to serve East Berkshire. I aim to make effective and empathetic guidance accessible to those in need. Let's work together to ease your internal pressure and help you find clarity and balance in your life.
Areas of Specialization:
Fears That Limit You: Together, we will identify the fears that hold you back from living your fullest life and develop strategies to overcome them.
The Root of Your Self-Talk: Uncover the origins of your inner dialogue and reshape it into a more positive and empowering narrative.
The Thoughts That Keep You Awake at Night: Address anxiety and overthinking by learning techniques to calm your mind and find peace.
Childhood Wounds: Heal from past traumas that continue to impact your present, fostering resilience and growth.
Past Relationships That Hurt You: Process and recover from relationships that have caused pain, enabling you to move forward confidently and clearly.
Grudges You Hold: Work through unresolved anger and learn to let go, freeing yourself from the burden of past grievances.
Internalised Shame & Guilt: Address feelings of shame and guilt that undermine your self-worth, fostering a healthier self-image.
Why Choose Me:
Choosing the right counsellor is a deeply personal decision. With years of experience and a genuine commitment to your well-being, I am here to support you every step of the way. Let’s work together to transform pain into power and create the life you deserve.
Collaborative Goal Setting: We'll define and work towards your aspirations.
.Don't hesitate to seek help. Being vulnerable takes courage but is the first step toward meaningful change. You are worth it.
- Integrative counselling
- Anxiety specialist
- Trauma practitioner
- Addiction trained
Contact Information:
- BACP Registered. If you feel ready for empowerment in 2024, please contact me to book a free consultation. You can book this conveniently here, call me at 07391 279680 or 02036 217 939, or email me.
* Please note that I work online for many anxiety sufferers; access from home is a tremendous benefit.
My Psychotherapy begins with a free Google Meet or Zoom chat to discuss your requirements. We work on an open-ended basis, and all that is required is seven days' notice of termination when you want to take a break.
- Appointments are priced at a very reasonable £60 per session.
- Payment is by BACS weekly in advance before each session.
Training, qualifications & experience
- BA(Hons) Integrative Counselling
- Registered on B.A.C.P Register
- Gold Standard Trauma Informed Practitioner
- Certificate of Online Telephone & Internet Competency
- Access to Higher Education Diploma (Psycho social Studies)
- CP CAB Lv2 Counselling Skills Lv 3 Counselling Studies
- Certificate of Facilitation Skills
- R.A.P.t Addiction Training
Member organisations
BACP is one of the UK’s leading professional bodies for counselling and psychotherapy with around 60,000 members. The Association has several different categories of membership, including Student Member, Individual Member, Registered Member MBACP, Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Accred) and Senior Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Snr Acccred). Registered and accredited members are listed on the BACP Register, which shows that they have demonstrated BACP’s recommended standards for training, proficiency and ethical practice. The BACP Register was the first register of psychological therapists to be accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA). Accredited and senior accredited membership are voluntary categories for members who choose to undertake a rigorous application and assessment process to demonstrate additional standards around practice, training and supervision. Individual members will have completed an appropriate counselling or psychotherapy course and started to practise, but they won’t appear on the BACP Register until they've demonstrated that they meet the standards for registration. Student members are still in the process of completing their training. All members are bound by the BACP Ethical Framework and a Professional Conduct Procedure.
Accredited register membership
The Accredited Register Scheme was set up in 2013 by the Department of Health (DoH) as a way to recognise organisations that hold voluntary registers which meet certain standards. These standards are set by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).
This therapist has indicated that they belong to an Accredited Register.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Therapies offered
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Fees
£60.00 per session
Free initial telephone or online session
When I work
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Further information
Anxiety in London: Navigating Mental Health Challenges
Are you feeling overwhelmed by anxiety or suffering from trauma in the bustling city of London? You’re not alone. The fast-paced lifestyle, constant stimuli, and high expectations can affect anyone’s mental well-being. But fear not; help and support are available through my website link, email or telephone.
Understanding Anxiety
Anxiety is more than just occasional worry; it’s a persistent feeling of unease, fear, or apprehension. Whether triggered by work pressures, social situations, or personal concerns, anxiety can impact your daily life and relationships.
Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Whether you’re a busy professional, a student, or a lifelong Londoner, prioritising your mental health matters. Reach out, connect, and take steps toward healing. You’re not alone on this journey!
