Therapy for Men in High Peak, Derbyshire | David O'Hara Counselling

Feeling stuck, stressed, or struggling to find your way forward? You're not alone.

As men, we're often expected to "power through" or "tough it out" when life gets difficult. Many of us wake up each day going through the motions—work, responsibilities, repeat—with a growing sense that something meaningful is missing. Perhaps stress and anxiety have become unwelcome companions, making it difficult to switch off. Or maybe your relationships feel increasingly distant, despite your genuine efforts to connect.

These feelings are not only normal responses to life's challenges— but they're also important signals that something needs to change. And you don't have to figure it out by yourself.

As a male therapist who's navigated these waters myself, I offer a different kind of therapy for men—one that's practical, down-to-earth, and free from psychological jargon or judgment. Together, we'll cut through the noise, identify what's keeping you stuck, and develop real-world strategies that bring meaningful change to your everyday life—helping you build a life that feels not just manageable but authentic and genuinely yours.

Therapy for Men Can Help When

  • ✺

    You're feeling overwhelmed by stress or burnout – The constant pressure at work, home, or in relationships has become too much to manage alone

  • ✺

    You're questioning your purpose or direction – Life looks good on paper, but something still feels missing or unfulfilling

  • ✺

    You want more fulfilling relationships – But find yourself repeating patterns that leave you feeling disconnected or misunderstood

  • ✺

    You're going through a major life transition – Whether it's career changes, relationship shifts, or significant personal challenges

  • ✺

    You feel stuck in patterns that don't serve you – And find yourself repeating behaviors that limit your growth and satisfaction

  • ✺

    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

  • ✺

    You're navigating career pressure or workplace stress – Feeling unfulfilled in your professional life despite your achievements

  • ✺

    You're struggling with low mood or anxiety – These feelings are affecting your daily life, work performance, or relationships

  • ✺

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

  • ✺

    You want to talk to someone who gets it – Without judgment, clinical detachment, or the pressure to "open up" before you're ready

  • ✺

    You just need some space to think things through - Away from the views and opinions of others

  • ✺

    You're seeking personal growth and self-understanding – Developing the skills, resilience, and self-awareness to face life's challenges with confidence

How Therapy for Men Helps

Through our work together, you'll gain practical tools and perspectives that make a real difference:

  • Developing strategies that actually work in real life – Not just theoretical concepts, but practical approaches you can implement immediately

  • Gaining greater clarity about what you actually want, not what you "should" want

  • Learning to identify and manage stress before it becomes overwhelming – Recognizing triggers and building resilience against life's pressures

  • Discovering how to balance strength with vulnerability – Finding that middle ground where you can be both strong and human

  • Building more authentic relationships – Through improved communication, healthy boundary-setting, and deeper connections with others and yourself

  • Reconnect with your sense of purpose and what brings genuine meaning to your life

  • Making confident decisions that align with your authentic self and values

  • Creating sustainable solutions for long-term wellbeing – Moving beyond quick fixes to lasting positive change

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: £50

  • In-Person Sessions (High Peak, Derbyshire): £65

Student Rates (valid student ID required)

  • Online Sessions: £40 per session

  • In-Person Sessions: £55 per session

Introduction Call

  • 15 minutes: Free

  • Available online or by phone

A Different Kind of Therapy for Men

I understand that many therapy approaches weren't designed with men in mind. As a male therapist who's navigated my own well-being journey,
I offer an approach that:

01

Keeps it real and practical - No psychological jargon or endless talking without direction—just authentic conversations and tangible solutions.

02

Respects your process -You’re in control of what and how much you share; we move at your pace.

03

Balances reflection and action - We'll find the right mix of talking through issues and developing concrete strategies that create real change.

Why Men Choose to Work with Me

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

A 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.

No-Nonsense Communication - Therapy with me feels like having a straightforward conversation, not a clinical evaluation. We skip the technical terminology and focus on what actually helps.

Balanced Approach - I recognize that men often want both emotional support AND practical solutions. We'll work together to find that balance.

Male Perspective - Sometimes it helps to work with someone who inherently understands certain aspects of the male experience. As a male therapist, I understand the unique pressures men face today.

Real-World Perspective - Before becoming a therapist, I worked in the business world and understand firsthand the pressures men face in their careers, relationships, and daily lives. This dual experience means I can relate to your challenges in a practical, grounded way.

Science-Backed Approach - I draw from proven therapeutic methods rather than trendy quick fixes. This ensures you receive support that's both effective and tailored to your specific situation.

Collaborative Approach - You are the expert on your own life. I respect your autonomy and work with you as a partner rather than telling you what to do or how to feel.

Respect for Your Process - There's no pressure to share more than you're comfortable with or to fit into traditional therapy expectations. Your journey happens at your pace.

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.

The Reality of Men's Mental Health

The statistics tell a sobering story:

  • Men are 4 times more likely to die by suicide than women

  • Only 16% of men access mental health treatment (compared to 27% of women)

  • 15% of young men report having no close friends—a five-fold increase since 1990

These numbers aren't just statistics—they represent real men facing real challenges and it highlights why creating therapy spaces that work for men is so crucial.

You're not alone in your struggles, and seeking support isn't weakness—it's a strategic decision to improve your life. The hardest part is often taking that first step, is it time to invest in yourself and your future?

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, confidentiality is a cornerstone of therapy. Everything you share remains private, with the standard exceptions for safety that we'll review when we first meet.

  • Our sessions provide a confidential space for authentic conversation about whatever's on your mind. No couch to lie on and no pressure to talk about anything you're not ready to discuss. We'll work collaboratively to identify challenges, explore potential solutions, and develop practical strategies that create real change in your life.

  • Therapy can be effective for a wide range of challenges, from managing stress and anxiety to navigating relationships and career decisions. The key is finding the right approach for you. During our free consultation, we can discuss your specific situation and how therapy might help.

  • The most effective therapy isn't determined by gender, but rather by your individual needs and preferences. Many male clients respond well to person-centered counselling as it provides a judgment-free environment to process emotions while encouraging fresh insights and concrete steps forward. At the end of the day, the right therapeutic approach is one that resonates with your personal circumstances and supports progress toward your specific objectives.

  • Though the therapeutic profession continues to have more female practitioners, the representation of male therapists is steadily growing. Some men find particular value in collaborating with a male counsellor, particularly when exploring issues related to masculine identity, interpersonal dynamics, or workplace challenges. That said, the crucial factor remains finding a therapist with whom you establish genuine rapport and trust, regardless of their gender identity.

  • 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.

  • There's no standard timeline as everyone's journey is different. Some clients notice significant improvements within 6-8 sessions, while others benefit from longer-term support. We'll regularly review your progress and adjust our approach accordingly.

  • Not at all. While emotions are part of the conversation, therapy isn't just about feelings—it's about understanding patterns, developing strategies, and making tangible progress toward your goals. Many men find that therapy is much more practical and solution-focused than they expected.

  • The therapeutic journey rarely progresses in a straight line—ups and downs are part of the process. However, if you're experiencing persistent feelings of stagnation, misunderstanding, or lack of development, it's important to address these concerns with your counsellor. Sometimes a slight modification in technique can make a significant difference, while in other situations exploring alternative practitioners or methodologies might be necessary. Honor your intuition—everyone deserves to experience both support and meaningful progress in their therapeutic work.

  • That's exactly why I offer a free 15-minute consultation. It's a no-pressure way to ask questions, get a feel for how I work, and decide if we're a good fit. There's no obligation to continue.

Are you ready
to make a change?

The hardest part is taking that first step—but it's also the beginning of meaningful change.

I understand the hesitation. Many men tell me they thought about therapy for months or even years before finally reaching out. But almost all of them say the same thing afterward:

"I wish I'd done this sooner."

Therapy isn't about labelling you as "broken" or forcing you to become someone you're not. It's about gaining clarity, developing practical tools, and creating a life that feels more authentic and fulfilling.

Whether you're dealing with specific challenges or simply feel like something needs to change, I'm here to support your journey right here in High Peak, Derbyshire.

Remember, starting therapy is a courageous decision that shows your commitment to your wellbeing - You've handled things on your own for long enough - Let's tackle this together.

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