Counsellor profile
David O'Hara, BACP
Counsellor - Anxiety and Stress
See online counselling options- Client-Centred Therapy
- CBT techniques
- Mindfulness practice
About David
Counsellor David O'Hara is a member of the BACP and has three years' experience. He works with issues such as stress, anxiety, low self-esteem, depression, relationship and intimacy concerns, and coping with life changes. He also lists addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, sleeping problems, parenting strain, anger, career questions, ADHD and compassion fatigue among his areas of focus.
David trained in psychology and has an undergraduate degree in psychology and a master's in consumer psychology. He also holds a postgraduate diploma in counselling and psychotherapy and a postgraduate diploma in teaching mindfulness-based approaches. He trained in counselling skills and has studied mindfulness at the Bangor Centre for Mindfulness Research and Practice.
In sessions he draws on client-centred ways of working. That means he aims to follow what each person brings and respond to their concerns without directing them. He also uses cognitive behavioural ideas to look at thoughts and behaviours that keep problems going. Mindfulness practice is offered for people who want techniques to manage stress and attention.
Practical work can include short-term strategies and longer conversations about values and life direction. Motivational interviewing techniques may be used to clarify goals and strengthen resolve when change is needed. Sessions aim to help people notice patterns, test new ways of reacting and make choices that fit their priorities.
David works from the United Kingdom and holds registration with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, BACP. Sessions are run in English. If you want to begin, follow the site's process to see online counselling options and book an initial session.
How client-centred, CBT and mindfulness work online
David uses client-centred work to listen and reflect what matters to each person. This approach focuses on the person’s own goals and priorities and helps them make sense of their feelings and choices.Cognitive behavioural therapy looks at the thoughts and behaviours that keep problems in place. Online sessions can include simple experiments, planning new behaviours and working on unhelpful thinking patterns to reduce anxiety or low mood.
Mindfulness practice teaches ways to notice thoughts and body sensations with less reactivity. It can be helpful for stress, sleep issues and improving attention, and sessions can include guided exercises and short practices to use between meetings.
Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences and practicalities and then agree how to combine methods. That decision is made together and can change as work progresses.
Session formats are not listed in the biography, so confirm current options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit counselling around work or family commitments, reduce travel time and allow for shorter check-ins when needed. Registered or accredited professionals often adapt techniques so they work well in remote appointments.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
3+ years
Listed in
United Kingdom
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What issues does he commonly help with?
He works with stress, anxiety, low self-esteem, depression, relationship and intimacy issues, and coping with life changes, among other concerns.
What style of therapy does he use?
He uses a client-centred approach alongside cognitive behavioural techniques, mindfulness practice and motivational interviewing when appropriate.
How much experience does he have?
He has three years of clinical experience working in counselling and psychotherapy settings.
Which professional body is he a member of?
He is registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, BACP, and practises in the United Kingdom.
Can I have sessions in another language?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does he take clients outside the UK?
He does not accept international clients at this time.
What session formats are available?
Please confirm current session options before booking by using the site process, as the biography does not list specific formats.
How much do sessions cost and how do subscriptions work?
Costs vary with location and sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
Details come from information the counsellor supplied to BetterHelp. A membership or registration can be checked on the professional body's own register.
Online counselling is not emergency care. In an emergency call 999, or see the help numbers.