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David Atlay

David Atlay, BACP

United Kingdom

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Counsellor - Young adult issues and anxiety

  • Client-Centred Therapy
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
  • Career and relationships

About David

David Atlay is a counsellor registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and has ten years' experience. He holds a PGDip in Counselling and works with common concerns such as stress, anxiety, low self-esteem, depression, relationship issues and life changes. He also supports people facing career questions, addictions, grief and parenting strains.

David uses client-centred therapy alongside cognitive behavioural approaches to help people talk through what feels hard. Sessions focus on listening, clarifying what matters and identifying practical steps that suit each person. He aims to help people reduce overwhelming feelings and build clearer ways of coping.

Sessions begin by looking at the immediate issues and what the person hopes to change. Conversations can cover patterns of thinking, unhelpful behaviours and everyday routines that keep problems going. He works at a steady pace and concentrates on skills and small adjustments that fit day-to-day life.

David also addresses areas such as attachment concerns, body image, blended family difficulties, and the often complex effects of adoption and foster care. He lists additional work with anger, commitment and communication problems, and aspects of kink and alternative sexual culture when relevant to a person's wellbeing.

People who book can expect straightforward language and a focus on practical steps. The counsellor explains things plainly and invites questions about the process. To begin, readers should use the site booking flow to complete the short matching questionnaire and arrange a first session.

How his approaches work in online sessions

Client-centred therapy places the person’s experience at the heart of the work. The counsellor listens without judgement, reflects back what he hears and helps the person decide where to focus. This approach suits issues that need careful listening, like feelings of abandonment, relationship trouble or low self-worth.

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) looks at how thoughts, feelings and actions link together. It offers clear strategies to test and change unhelpful thinking and small behavioural steps to reduce anxiety or depressive symptoms. CBT can be useful for stress, panic, low mood and problems with unhelpful routines.

Finding the right mix of approaches is a collaborative process. The counsellor will discuss goals, try methods and adjust based on what works. Clients and the counsellor decide together whether to use more listening-based work, CBT techniques or a combination over time.

The original biography does not specify which online session formats are offered, so please confirm available formats before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit counselling into a busy life, for example by avoiding travel, reducing time away from study or work, or allowing shorter check-ins when schedules are tight. Registered or accredited professionals can adapt exercises and worksheets for remote sessions so practical progress continues even when meeting remotely.

Areas of expertise

Also works with

AddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefEating disordersParenting issuesAnger managementCoachingCompassion fatigue

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesBDSM, kink, and alternative sex cultureBlended family issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stressCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDependent personalityDivorce and separationEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily problemsForgivenessGuilt and shameHoardingImmigration issuesImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMulticultural concernsNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPost-traumatic stressPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexual dysfunctionSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Experience

10+ years

Listed in

United Kingdom

Languages

English

Frequently asked questions

What problems does he help with?

He works with stress, anxiety, low self-esteem, depression and life changes, and also addresses relationship issues, grief, addictions and parenting concerns.

How would he describe his approach?

He combines client-centred listening with cognitive behavioural techniques to talk through thoughts and habits and to try practical steps for change.

How much experience does he have?

He has ten years' experience in counselling practice and holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling.

What professional credential does he hold in the UK?

He is registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).

Can sessions be held in other languages or for international clients?

Sessions are offered in English and international clients are not accepted at this time.

What session formats are offered?

The original biography does not list specific session formats; please confirm current session options before booking.

How much do sessions cost?

Cost varies by location; sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.

How do I start working with him?

Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire and schedule a first session.

Online talk therapy through BetterHelp is for adults aged 18 and over and is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Find someone else by name.

David AtlayBACP

Continue with David