David O'Hara, BACP

David O'Hara is a counsellor who draws on psychology and mindfulness to help people facing stress, anxiety and midlife concerns. He works in a non-judgemental, person-centred way and aims to create a trusting space where people can speak openly. He uses straightforward language and focuses on practical steps for change.

With three years of professional experience and a background in psychology, David blends person-centred counselling with consumer psychology and mindfulness practice. He studied psychology for 10 years and holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master of Science in Consumer Psychology. He also completed postgraduate diplomas in counselling and teaching mindfulness-based approaches.

Sessions often include listening, reflective conversation and practical exercises. David can introduce mindfulness techniques, help reframe unhelpful thoughts using cognitive approaches, and use motivational conversation to encourage change. The aim is to build on strengths and clarify values so people can make choices that feel right for them.

People come for a wide range of concerns including relationships, low self-esteem, depression, coping with life changes, addiction issues, grief and career worries. He also works with those facing communication problems, men's issues and midlife crisis concerns. David adapts pace and focus to each person’s needs.

He offers therapy in English and practices in the United Kingdom. His training credentials include a PGDip in Counselling and Psychotherapy, a PGDip in Teaching Mindfulness-Based Approaches, a Certificate in Counselling Skills, a BSc in Psychology and an MSc in Consumer Psychology. He encourages anyone thinking about change to complete the initial match questionnaire and begin a conversation.

How therapeutic approaches translate to online work

Client-centred therapy focuses on listening, empathy and helping people find their own answers. In practice this means the counsellor reflects what is said, asks clarifying questions and supports each person to explore feelings and choices. It is useful for relationship worries, low self-esteem and life changes.

Cognitive behavioural therapy, or CBT, looks at how thoughts, feelings and actions connect. A counsellor helps identify unhelpful thinking patterns and tries small experiments or exercises to shift them. This approach can be useful for anxiety, depression and coping strategies.

Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the work. The counsellor will discuss goals, preferences and how comfortable you feel with different methods. Together you decide whether to focus more on reflection, practical CBT techniques or mindfulness practices.

Check which session formats are currently offered before booking, as the profile does not list them explicitly. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins where helpful and reduce travel time. Some people prefer phone conversations for less bandwidth and others choose video when they want face-to-face interaction, so discuss what suits your daily routine.