David Chittenden

David Chittenden is an ACA counsellor with 16 years of professional experience. He helps people who are under intense stress, dealing with anxiety, or facing big life changes. He also supports those working through relationship difficulties and issues around self esteem and motivation.

David uses straightforward conversations to identify what matters most to each person. He adapts his approach to the individual, so sessions focus on practical ways to manage feelings and solve problems. He aims to create a respectful, compassionate space where people feel heard.

In sessions he often draws on cognitive behavioural techniques to spot unhelpful thinking patterns and build new coping skills. He also uses existential ideas to help clients make meaning when life feels confusing, and the Gottman Method for couples looking to improve communication and connection.

David has worked with people experiencing trauma, grief, anger, intimacy concerns, and issues linked to identity including LGBT matters. He also supports those facing chronic illness, blended family challenges, parenting strains, and workplace stress. He will personalise the plan to suit each person’s circumstances.

Starting therapy can feel daunting. David guides clients through the first steps and helps set realistic goals. He encourages honest conversations and practical change so people can move forward with clearer choices.

Therapeutic approaches that work online and in life

David commonly uses cognitive behavioural therapy, which focuses on spotting unhelpful thoughts and testing practical behavioural changes to reduce stress and anxiety. This approach often helps with mood problems, worry, anger and day-to-day coping.

He also draws on existential therapy to help people examine values, purpose and meaning when life feels uncertain. That work is useful for people facing major life shifts, grief or questions about identity. For couples, the Gottman Method offers clear tools to improve communication and rebuild connection through small, repeatable skills.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences and what feels most helpful, then suggest a plan that can include one or more of these methods. That decision is collaborative and may change as progress is made.

The biography does not list specific session formats, so confirm current online options before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit appointments into busy days, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when schedules demand it. Many people find that talking by video or phone helps them keep momentum between sessions while still working on the same practical skills and insights covered in face-to-face work.