About me
Are you a dad feeling disconnected from your teenager? A man struggling with stress, anxiety, or feeling overwhelmed by life's challenges? Or perhaps you're a young person aged 12-25 needing support through difficult times?
I'm Jeff, a counsellor and transformational coach who has discovered something powerful: working with men and dads is where I make my greatest impact. There's something incredibly rewarding about supporting men through their challenges, whether that's managing stress, processing difficult emotions, navigating life transitions, or becoming the father and partner they want to be.
Why I'm passionate about supporting men and dads
Too many men struggle in silence, feeling like they have to carry everything alone. Society tells us to 'man up' or 'just get on with it', but that's not how real strength works. Real strength is knowing when to ask for support and having the courage to work on yourself.
For men and dads, I provide:
- Counselling for stress, anxiety, depression, and trauma that's holding you back
- Transformational coaching to help you become the man, father, and partner you want to be
- Practical tools for work-life balance, emotional regulation, and communication
- Support through major life transitions (career changes, relationship challenges, separation, becoming a father)
Specialist support for adolescents and young adults
My work with young people aged 12-25 is equally important and rewarding. As a man working in what's often seen as a female-dominated field, I bring a unique perspective that many young people, especially young men, find incredibly valuable.
For young people aged 12-25, I offer:
- Specialised teenage counselling using my Level 7 equivalent diploma training specifically in adolescent mental health
- Support for anxiety, depression, stress, and the intense pressures of modern teenage life
- Trauma-informed counselling to help process difficult experiences in a safe, gentle environment
- Guidance through family conflicts, school pressures, exam stress, and social challenges
- Support for young men navigating masculinity, identity, and emotional expression
- Life transition support - moving from school to college, college to work, or finding your path in life
- Building resilience, confidence, and emotional regulation skills for the future
What makes my approach with adolescents different is my understanding of youth development combined with my trauma-informed practice. I create an environment where young people can explore their thoughts and feelings without judgement, helping them develop the tools they need not just to cope, but to thrive.
Why men choose to work with me
I get it: As a man myself, I understand the unique pressures, expectations, and challenges that men face. You don't have to explain why certain things are difficult - I already know.
No judgement zone: This is a space where you can be completely honest about your struggles without fear of being judged or told to 'toughen up'.
Practical approach: I combine deep emotional work with practical strategies that actually work in real life. You'll leave sessions with tools you can use immediately.
Specialised training: With extensive training in trauma-informed practice, attachment theory, and transformational coaching, I understand both the emotional and practical aspects of men's challenges.
Flexible support: Sessions available in person in Tavistock, Devon, and Saltash, Cornwall, plus online. My therapy dog Teddy can join sessions if you'd find that helpful.
Real transformation: My male clients don't just feel better, they become better versions of themselves, with stronger relationships, better emotional regulation, and clearer direction in life.
What men say about working with me
"This has been such an encouraging journey for me. You have made me feel safe to explore some really difficult parts of my life. Everything makes a lot more sense now." - Male client, aged 26 (work stress and relationship challenges)
"We are so grateful for all your work. It has made a huge difference not just to our daughter, but to our whole family." - Father of teenage client (parental separation leading to anxiety)
"I feel like I have strategies I can use now, especially when things go wrong." - Young male client (depression)
"You have made me feel safe to explore some really difficult parts of my life, and I've learned so much about myself as a father." - Dad client (disconnection)
Training, qualifications & experience
Specialised expertise in supporting men, dads, and young people
My unique combination of qualifications, combined with my passion for men's mental health and wellbeing, positions me perfectly to support men and young people through life's challenges:
Core qualifications:
- Level 7 Diploma in Counselling Teenagers - Deep understanding of emotional development and mental health challenges
- Postgraduate Certificate in Coaching and Mentoring - Advanced skills in transformational coaching for men and life transitions
- MA in Education - Understanding of learning, development, and relationship dynamics
- BA (Hons) in Youth Work - Extensive experience supporting people through difficult periods
Advanced Training & Specialisations: My commitment to excellence means I continuously expand my expertise in approaches that work particularly well with men:
- Interpersonal Neurobiology - Understanding how relationships and experiences shape the brain (crucial for men's emotional development)
- Attachment Theory - Helping men understand and improve their relationships
- Trauma-Informed Practice - Supporting men in healing from difficult experiences, often carried for years
- Polyvagal Theory - Advanced understanding of the nervous system and emotional regulation
- Person-Centred Theory & Transactional Analysis - Creating safe, empowering therapeutic relationships
- Mindfulness - Practical tools that resonate with men's problem-solving approach
- Non-violent Communication - Essential skills for improving all relationships
- Body Image & Psychiatric Diagnosis - Understanding complex presentations and mental health challenges. Whilst I'm not medically trained to diagnose conditions, I do understand how life-changing receiving a diagnosis can be. My role is to support you emotionally through this process - whether you're seeking answers, processing a recent diagnosis, or learning to live with a long-term condition.
Why this matters: This comprehensive training means I can provide both counselling and coaching support tailored specifically to how men and young people process emotions and challenges. Whether you need:
- Counselling support for anxiety, depression, stress, or trauma
- Transformational coaching to become the man, father, or partner you want to be
- Combined approach addressing both emotional healing and practical life change
- I understand how male clients and young people think, communicate, and process emotions, and I adapt my approach accordingly.
Professional standards & safety:
- BACP Member #389980 - Adhering to the highest professional and ethical standards in counselling
- NCPS Accredited Registrant #NCPS897 - Member of The National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society, holding Accredited Register status with the Professional Standards Authority
- Enhanced DBS Check - Ensuring safety for all clients
- Level 2 Safeguarding Certificate - Specialist training in protecting vulnerable individuals
- Professional Indemnity Insurance - Complete professional coverage
- Ongoing CPD - 30+ hours annually of continued professional development
Real-world experience: Beyond qualifications, I bring years of hands-on experience understanding what men really struggle with - the pressure to provide, the difficulty expressing emotions, the challenge of balancing work and family, and the isolation that many men feel. I also bring extensive experience working with young people aged 12-25, understanding the unique pressures of modern adolescence - from social media stress and academic pressure to identity formation and peer relationships.
As a man working in what's often seen as a female-dominated field, I offer young people, especially young men, a different perspective on emotional expression and mental health. I understand the challenges of growing up in today's world, where young people face unprecedented pressures while trying to figure out who they are and where they fit.
This combination of specialist training AND genuine understanding of both men's experiences and adolescent development means I can support your journey towards better mental health, stronger relationships, and a more fulfilling life through both counselling and coaching approaches.
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
Photos & videos
Fees
£60.00 per session
When I work
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I offer flexible session times so please contact me to discuss specific details.
Further information
Taking the first step - for men ready to make a change
Reaching out for support as a man can feel like a big decision, and that's completely understandable. Whether you're struggling with stress, anxiety, relationship challenges, or just feeling stuck in life, I'm here to make this process as straightforward and comfortable as possible.
What to expect in your first session
For men and dads: Your first session is designed to feel safe and practical:
Counselling for men:
- A confidential space to explore stress, anxiety, depression, or past experiences that are holding you back
- Support for processing difficult emotions or trauma in a way that makes sense to you
- Help managing your mental health while maintaining your responsibilities
Transformational coaching for men:
- Practical strategies for becoming the man, father, or partner you want to be
- Tools for managing work-life balance and modern pressures
- Guidance on communication, emotional regulation, and relationship building
- Support through major life transitions or career changes
Combined approach:
Many men benefit from both counselling and coaching elements, addressing both emotional healing and practical life improvements
For young people (aged 12-25)
Your first meeting is all about getting comfortable and feeling safe:
- We'll meet in my purpose-built therapy room in Tavistock or Saltash - a calm, private space where you can be yourself
- The first session lasts about 60 minutes, and you're in complete control of what you share
- We'll talk about what's brought you here and what you hope to achieve
Common questions answered
From men:
- "Will this actually help, or is it just talking?" - My approach combines emotional work with practical strategies. You'll leave with tools you can use immediately
- "Do I need counselling or coaching?" - We'll explore this together in your free discovery call. Many men benefit from elements of both
- "What if I'm not good at talking about feelings?" - That's completely normal. I work with men in a way that feels natural and comfortable
- "How quickly will I see changes?" - Many men notice improvements in their stress levels, relationships, and overall wellbeing within the first few sessions but it takes as long as it takes and I do not place limitations around timescales on the process as this can be counter-productive
From young people:
- "Will you tell my parents everything?" - No. What we discuss is confidential, except if I'm worried about your safety
- "Do I have to talk about everything right away?" - Not at all. We go at your pace, always
- "What if I don't know what to say?" - That's completely normal. We can figure it out together
Practical Information
Flexible options to suit your life:
- In-person sessions: Tavistock, Devon or Saltash, Cornwall
- Online sessions: Available across the UK via secure video platform (perfect for busy schedules)
- Session length: 60 minutes for counselling and coaching
- Pricing: counselling sessions are £60 per hour for individual sessions or £75 for joint parent and child work
- Coaching packages: Available for adults, particularly parents and dads, wanting ongoing transformation (4, 10, or 15 session packages with added resources and workbooks)
- Rescheduling: Just give me 48 hours notice if you need to change an appointment
- Free discovery call: 30-minute discovery call to explore whether counselling, coaching, or both would be most helpful
DIGITAL PROGRAMME FOR DADS
If you're a dad struggling to connect with your teenager, I also offer "Still Their Dad" - a comprehensive digital programme designed specifically for dads who want to rebuild connection with their teenagers, even when they're pushing you away.
The programme includes:
- 134 pages of practical strategies and real case studies
- 3 video lessons on communication and understanding teenage behaviour
- 13 worksheets to apply what you learn
- One personal email question answered by me within 48 hours
Perfect if you want to start with a self-guided approach or complement your counselling journey.
[Learn more at jeffdawson.co.uk/shop]
Special features:
- Therapy dog Teddy: Can join sessions if you'd find his calm presence helpful
- Male-focused approach: I understand how men process emotions and challenges differently
- Trauma-informed practice: Safe, gentle approaches for dealing with past experiences
- Practical focus: Real tools and strategies that work in everyday life
Your next step
For men and dads: You don't have to carry everything alone. Whether you're dealing with stress, anxiety, relationship challenges, or just want to become a better version of yourself, I'm here to support you.
Supporting men to break free from old patterns and create the life they want is some of the most rewarding work I do.
Whether you need:
- Counselling support for anxiety, stress, depression, or past trauma
- Transformational coaching to become the man, father, or partner you want to be
- Both - addressing emotional healing while building practical life skills
For young people: Taking the first step towards counselling can feel daunting, but it can also be life-changing. You deserve support, and you deserve to feel better.
Ready to take the first step?
For dads: Book your free 30-minute discovery call, or explore "Still Their Dad" - my digital programme for dads who want to rebuild connection with their teenagers.
For men: Whether you need counselling, coaching, or both, I'm here to support you. Book your free discovery call to get started.
For young people: You deserve support, and you deserve to feel better. Reach out today.
