Individual Therapy & Counselling in High Peak, Derbyshire

Feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or wondering "is this it?" You're not alone.

Sometimes life looks perfect on paper, yet feels empty inside. You might wake up each day going through the motions—work, home, repeat—with a growing sense that something meaningful is missing. Perhaps stress and anxiety have become unwelcome companions, making it difficult to enjoy even the simplest moments. Or maybe your relationships feel increasingly distant, despite your genuine efforts to connect.

Not only is it completely normal to feel this way from time to time, but these feelings are also important signals that something needs to change. And you don't have to figure it out by yourself.

Individual therapy & counselling provides a supportive space where you can explore what truly matters to you. Together, we'll uncover the patterns keeping you stuck and develop practical strategies that bring real change to your everyday life—helping you build a life that feels not just manageable but, meaningful, authentic, and genuinely yours.

Individual Therapy Can Help When

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    You feel stuck in patterns that don't serve you – Life sounds good on paper, but something still feels missing

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    Stress, anxiety, and burnout are making it hard for you to relax or have the energy to enjoy your life

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    You struggle with self-doubt, feeling like you're never quite "enough" no matter what you do

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    You want more fulfilling relationships, but you have a hard time relating to people and just being yourself around others

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    Your passions and interests are overshadowed by the immense pressure you feel to live up to expectations—society's, your family's, or even your own

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    You're interested in therapy and know it can help, but you're worried that talking to a professional will feel too stuffy and uptight

How Therapy Helps

Through our work together, you'll discover practical tools and fresh perspectives that can help you:

  • Gain greater self-awareness about your thoughts, emotions, and behaviours

  • Learn techniques to manage difficult emotions like anxiety, stress, and low mood

  • Develop communication skills and the ability to set boundaries that foster more meaningful connections

  • Clarify your values so you can make decisions that align with your authentic self

  • Build practical coping strategies which you can apply to real-life situations

  • Rediscover joy and meaning in your life, even during challenging times

1:1 THERAPY

Schedule an introductory call to get started.

TESTIMONIALS

  • James

    “Before working with David I constantly felt anxious, I worried about making decisions and unnecessarily worried about disappointing the people around me. He helped me to appreciate and embrace my strengths,  asses what I wanted from life and helped me to understand and address why I was feeling lost. Working with David helped me to recognize the causes of my anxiety, see why I was feeling this way and put boundaries in place to alleviate these feelings. I used to say I was feeling fine and ignore my emotions. Since working with David I am far more aware of how I am feeling, I am more open with those around me. My wife has repeatedly commented that I am happier, less anxious, and more open and confident since working with David. I always thought that going to therapy was a sign of weakness, but working with David has made me mentally resilient and a feel stronger than I knew was possible.”

  • Mike

    “I initially sought therapy because I found it challenging to process my emotions. I struggled with accepting criticism, which often left me feeling angry and upset. I experienced bouts of rage that, at one point, almost led me to take my own life, though it was likely more a cry for help. This turmoil affected both my personal and professional life. I tried to manage on my own, but it became clear that I needed professional assistance. After trying several therapists without much success, I was fortunate to find David. He is incredibly patient and never gets annoyed when I interrupt him. He listens to my rants about what has upset or annoyed me, providing a cathartic outlet for my frustrations. David offers an objective perspective on my situation and helps me develop coping strategies for difficult times. He has also guided me in finding time for myself outside of work and family life, which has been immensely beneficial.”

  • Peter

    “I sought help from David during a difficult time in my marriage. I've never been very comfortable talking about feelings, but having an almost immediate rapport with David gave me a safe space where I could air psychological problems without fear of judgment. He has a wonderful way of collating my jumbled thoughts and mental wanderings into a form that I can understand, and this enables me to find concrete solutions or move on from painful ruminations. David also helped my family with some very useful parenting tips. A big thank you from an expat former-addict family man.”

  • Lewis

    “I had some big changes and health challenges in my life last year and was looking for someone to speak with who wasn't in my family or friends circle.

    David has been everything I hoped for in a counsellor.  I always look forward to our sessions and every week I come away with plenty to think about and to do.  I can't recommend him highly enough.”

How Much Does Individual Therapy Cost?

Standard Session Rates

  • Online Sessions: ÂŁ50

  • In-Person Sessions (High Peak, Derbyshire): ÂŁ65

Student Rates (valid student ID required)

  • Online Sessions: ÂŁ40 per session

  • In-Person Sessions: ÂŁ55 per session

Introduction Call

  • 15 minutes: Free

  • Available online or by phone

Evidence-Based Approaches for Lasting Change

01

Person-Centered Approach - Creating a therapeutic relationship that sees you as a whole person—so you can feel genuinely heard, accepted, and empowered to grow.

02

Mindfulness-Based Techniques - Learning to observe your thoughts and feelings without judgment, helping you stay present and reduce overwhelm when difficult emotions arise.

03

Positive Psychology - Focusing on your strengths and resilience rather than just addressing problems, helping you build a more fulfilling life.

Why Clients choose to work with me

My approach to therapy combines professional expertise with genuine human connection. When working with me, you'll find:

A Warm, Judgment-Free Space - Therapy with me feels like talking to someone who gets it—because I've been there too. Having navigated my own well-being journey, I bring both professional training and personal understanding to our work together.

Practical, Real-World Focus - I believe therapy should translate into tangible improvements in your everyday life. We'll go beyond just talking about problems to develop actionable strategies you can start using right away.

Personalized Approach - I don't use one-size-fits-all methods. Instead, we'll collaborate to discover what works best for your unique situation, preferences, and goals.

Balance of Acceptance and Growth - I'll meet you exactly where you are, while also gently helping you explore new perspectives and possibilities for positive change.

Solid Professional Foundation - My extensive training in psychology, counselling, and mindfulness practices provides a strong foundation for our work together, ensuring you receive evidence-informed support tailored to your needs.

Frequently asked questions

  • This varies for each person. Some find significant benefit from short-term therapy (8-12 sessions), while others prefer longer-term work. We'll regularly review our progress together and adjust our approach as needed.

  • Many people, especially at the beginning, attend sessions once per week and then move to once a fortnight. Ultimately, the frequency is up to you and can change throughout our work together.

  • Yes, everything discussed in therapy is confidential. There are some standard exceptions related to safety (risk of harm to yourself or others) that we'll review in detail during our first session.

  • Both provide the same quality of care. Online therapy offers more flexibility, while some people prefer the in-person experience. I offer both options so you can choose what works best for you.

  • I offer both online appointments and in-person sessions at the Riverside Wellbeing Centre in Whaley Bridge.

  • Sessions are 50 minutes long.

Are you ready
to make a change?

Starting therapy is a courageous decision that shows your commitment to your wellbeing. Whether you're facing specific challenges or simply feel that something needs to change in your life, I'm here to support you on your journey, right here in High Peak, Derbyshire.

Together, we can explore who you really are and what truly matters to you—without pressure or judgment. By applying science-backed techniques in a practical, human way, we'll reflect on what you really want in life and challenge the perspectives that keep you stuck.

Ready to take that first step? Book your free 15-minute consultation today to see if we're a good fit for working together.