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David Atlay

Therapist profile

David Atlay

United Kingdom

Calm practical therapy for everyday struggles

Continue with David

Review online therapy options and next steps on BetterHelp.

  • Person-centred
  • CBT strategies
  • Men's wellbeing

About David

David Atlay is a counsellor with ten years of experience based in the United Kingdom. He holds a PGDip in Counselling and is a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). David focuses on helping people who feel overwhelmed by stress, anxiety or low mood. He aims to create a calm, respectful space where people can talk through what is happening in their life.

David uses a person-centred approach that puts the client’s perspective at the heart of sessions. He listens without judgement and works to build a trusting working relationship. He also draws on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, using practical strategies to tackle unhelpful thoughts and behaviours.

Sessions are collaborative and goal-focused when that suits the person. Conversations often start with what is most pressing and move toward small, manageable changes. David supports people dealing with work pressures, parenting strain, grief, relationship issues, addictions and life transitions.

He also has additional focus on topics such as body image, attachment concerns, blended family issues, and caregiving stress. For people wanting clearer boundaries or better coping skills, he offers coaching-style guidance alongside therapeutic work. The aim is to help people find more energy and reduce patterns that hold them back.

David presents a warm and approachable style. He encourages straightforward talking and practical steps people can use between sessions. To begin, clients complete a short matching questionnaire and arrange sessions according to his availability.

Therapeutic approaches and online working

David commonly uses a person-centred approach that focuses on listening, empathy and the client’s own goals. This approach helps people feel heard and encourages them to identify what they want to change.

He also uses Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, which involves noticing unhelpful thoughts and testing practical changes in behaviour. CBT is often useful for anxiety, low mood and problems that respond to clear strategies and short-term experiments.

Choosing the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will talk through options and try methods that match the person’s goals and preferences. Plans are reviewed and adjusted as needed so the approach stays useful and relevant.

If you are considering online work, please confirm the exact session formats offered before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, reduce travel time and allow shorter check-ins when that is helpful. It can also be useful when a quieter setting or lower bandwidth is needed rather than an in-person appointment.

Areas of expertise

Also works with

AddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefEating disordersParenting issuesAnger managementCoachingCompassion fatigue

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesBDSM, kink, and alternative sex cultureBlended family issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stressCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDependent personalityDivorce and separationEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily problemsForgivenessGuilt and shameHoardingImmigration issuesImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMulticultural concernsNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPost-traumatic stressPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexual dysfunctionSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Experience

10+ years

Credentials

United Kingdom

Languages

English

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of problems does he help with?

He supports people facing stress, anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. Other common concerns include career pressure, relationship difficulties, grief, addictions and life changes.

What is his approach in sessions?

He uses a person-centred style that focuses on what matters to the client. He also uses Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to introduce practical techniques for thinking and behaviour.

How much experience does he have?

He has ten years of experience working with adults on a wide range of issues, bringing both counselling and coaching elements to his practice.

What credentials and location are relevant?

He holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling and is a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). He practises from the United Kingdom.

Which languages are supported?

Sessions are offered in English.

Can people outside the UK work with him?

He does not accept international clients at this time.

How much do sessions cost?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability and sessions are provided through a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.

How do I start therapy with him?

Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to his availability.

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