David Mayes, BACP

David Mayes is a counsellor who offers talking therapy in the United Kingdom. He holds BACP accreditation and has eight years of experience working with a wide range of concerns. He welcomes conversations about stress, anxiety, depression, loss, addiction and relationship or intimacy-related issues.

David uses a humanistic, client-centred style that aims to make people feel safe and listened to. He is approachable and polite in sessions, and focuses on building a respectful working relationship. That way clients can talk openly about difficult topics and begin to explore change at their own pace.

His background includes work in IAPT services, the NHS and a forensic setting, including prison work. He has experience offering therapy both in person and remotely, and has worked with domestic and international clients. This variety has shaped a practical approach to different life situations.

David also supports people dealing with trauma and abuse, bereavement and loss, addictions including substance misuse and pornography, and a wide range of interpersonal and identity concerns. He notes particular awareness of racial, cultural and identity issues, including Chinese and South East Asian contexts.

Sessions tend to focus on helping people talk through what matters to them, identify patterns that cause distress, and find realistic steps forward. David aims to empower clients to develop stronger self-esteem, healthier boundaries and clearer communication. He encourages people to take the next step when they are ready.

How client-centred work translates to online therapy

Client-Centred Therapy focuses on listening closely and responding to each person with empathy and respect. It helps when someone needs space to talk about emotions, relationships, self-esteem or identity without pressure to follow a fixed plan.

David’s humanistic approach means sessions aim to be warm and non-judgemental. In practice this looks like the therapist reflecting what is said, asking questions that help people clarify their goals, and encouraging small, manageable steps forward. This approach can support concerns such as anxiety, grief, addiction and relationship struggles.

Finding the right way of working is part of the process. The therapist will work with the client to decide how best to address their needs and preferences, and may adapt the style as therapy progresses. That collaborative discussion helps shape goals and what a typical session will cover.

The practical benefits of online therapy include easier fitting of sessions into a busy life and not needing to travel to appointments. When session formats are unspecified here, people should check which options are currently offered before booking. Many clients find remote work useful for shorter check-ins, quieter conversations when bandwidth is limited, or to maintain continuity while travelling.