David Harrison

Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, low in mood, facing life changes, grief, low self-esteem, suicidal thoughts, self harm or navigating neurodivergence, to mention a few. You'll be welcomed into a safe, compassionate, non-judgemental space, where you will be listened to, heard and validated. Together, we'll collaborate towards a greater understanding of yourself, improved day-to-day well-being, personal growth and the confidence to thrive. I have had personal counselling myself over several years and lived experience of trauma. Five years ago, my life changed dramatically. Following the effects of accumulated trauma, I experienced a significant mental health crisis that completely changed the direction of my life. I live with Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD). There were times when I felt lost in the darkness and struggled to find a way forward. When everything felt overwhelming, it was difficult to imagine that life could ever feel different. I have been in therapy myself since 2017 and know what it is like to make the first step to showing vulnerability. I used to hide my thoughts and feelings from the world but therapy created a safe space for me to explore this. I have had hundreds of hours of therapy as a client so I know what it feels like — and can share that experience. During those moments, some incredible people held a light for me whilst I was in the darkness. They didn't try to fix me or tell me what to do. Instead, they listened without judgement, believed in me when I struggled to believe in myself, and offered me hope, compassion and understanding. I slowly found my own path out of the darkness. That experience has stayed with me ever since. Like many people, my recovery wasn't straightforward. There were frustrations, relapses, dark moments, setbacks and moments where progress felt slow. I gradually discovered that recovery isn't one-dimensional and doesn't come from one single source. Alongside therapy, I found support through books, education, research, mindfulness, time in nature, physical activity, spirituality, support groups and learning to better understand myself. Every part of that journey taught me something valuable. It also taught me that every person's journey is unique. Before counselling Before becoming a counsellor, I spent two decades working alongside people of all ages and backgrounds in a wide variety of challenging and emotionally demanding situations in emergency services. This showed me the many and varied aspects of human behaviour. Those experiences taught me the importance of listening without judgement, remaining calm under pressure, and recognising that every person deserves compassion, dignity and respect. No matter who the person is, everyone is a human being with a story. How I work today Today, I work as an Integrative Counsellor, with Person-Centred therapy at the heart of my practice. I tailor counselling to your individual needs. Alongside talking therapy, where appropriate we may use creative and visual approaches, grounding techniques, body awareness, reflection exercises and other therapeutic approaches that help make sense of thoughts, feelings and experiences. My understanding of somatic approaches, together with my Reiki training, has further developed my appreciation of the connection between the mind, body and emotional wellbeing. I also believe that the journey often extends beyond the counselling room. Where appropriate, we can explore together what additional support might be helpful — self-care practices, books, support groups, well being activities or other resources that complement your counselling journey. Outside of my work, I am a husband and a dad to two teenage children — which keeps me grounded, grateful, and constantly reminded of what matters most. The counselling space itself has been thoughtfully designed to help you feel safe, comfortable and at ease from the moment you arrive. With soft lighting, comfortable seating and calming décor, it is a warm, welcoming and therapeutic environment created to promote openness, reflection and healing, a peaceful space that is yours for the time we are together. Above everything else, I aim to offer a warm, welcoming and non-judgmental space where you can work at your own pace. Whatever the situation you are going through, my hope is that you will feel genuinely heard, understood and accepted.