David Mayes, BACP

David Mayes is a BACP-registered counsellor based in the United Kingdom with eight years of clinical experience working with a wide range of concerns. He offers talking therapies for issues such as depression, stress and anxiety, substance misuse and addictions including pornography, bereavement and loss, relationship and sexuality difficulties, and trauma and abuse. David is also kink and alternative lifestyle friendly and has experience supporting people with related concerns.

He brings a humanistic, client-centered style to his work, aiming to create a welcoming and approachable environment where people can feel at ease and explore their challenges. As a mixed-race practitioner he has an informed awareness of racial, cultural and identity matters, with particular experience relating to Chinese and South East Asian contexts. David has worked both short and long term and in a variety of settings including IAPT services, the NHS and forensic environments such as prisons, as well as online and over the phone with domestic and international clients.

David describes his practice as genuine and empathic, focused on treating people with politeness and respect and on empowering them to make meaningful changes. He is open to working alongside clients to identify goals and support growth, and welcomes contact from those seeking a collaborative therapeutic relationship. BACP refers to the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, the professional body for counsellors and psychotherapists in the UK.

Client-Centered Support and Online Access

David works primarily from a client-centered, humanistic perspective which emphasizes empathy, genuineness and respect for each person's individuality. In client-centered therapy the therapist aims to provide a non-judgmental space where people can explore their feelings and choices at their own pace - an approach that can help with issues like anxiety, depression, relationship concerns and adjustment after loss.

Alongside this, David draws on humanistic values that focus on empowerment and self-understanding, supporting clients to identify their own goals and strengths. He approaches therapy collaboratively, listening to each person's needs and preferences and helping to find the most suitable way of working together.

Online therapy with David is offered through video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text-based messaging, which provides flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These options make it easier to access regular sessions from home or while travelling, and they allow therapy to fit around work, family and other commitments. David and other registered professionals can adapt format and pace to suit the individual - helping clients get the support they need in a way that works for their life.