David Chittenden , ACA

David Chittenden is an ACA counsellor with 16 years of clinical experience. He focuses on practical support for stress, anxiety, relationship strain and major life changes. He aims to be respectful and direct, helping people take small steps that make a real difference.

David adapts sessions to each person's needs rather than using a one-size-fits-all plan. He works alongside clients to set clear goals and build skills for everyday challenges. Sessions often focus on improving communication, managing strong emotions and rebuilding confidence.

He also supports people dealing with grief, trauma and issues around intimacy. David has experience with parenting concerns, blended family dynamics and fatherhood matters. He is familiar with concerns common in LGBT communities and with people exploring BDSM, kink and alternative sexual culture.

David uses a mix of approaches to suit the problem at hand. He draws on cognitive behavioural techniques to change unhelpful thinking, and on existential ideas to help people find meaning during big transitions. He can include relationship-focused tools where couples or partners need clearer patterns of interaction.

Sessions are offered in English and delivered online by video, phone, live chat or text messaging. David encourages honest conversation and practical homework between sessions. He asks new clients to complete a short matching questionnaire to start the process.

Approaches online that focus on thinking, meaning and relationships

David commonly uses cognitive behavioural therapy to help people spot and shift unhelpful thoughts and behaviours. CBT is practical and often includes small experiments or homework to change patterns that maintain anxiety, low mood or unhelpful reactions.

He also draws on existential therapy to support people facing major life changes or searching for meaning. This approach encourages honest reflection about values, choices and what matters most during transitions.

For relationship difficulties he uses tools influenced by the Gottman Method to improve communication and reduce repeated conflict cycles. These techniques focus on clear skills for listening, repair and rebuilding connection between partners.

Finding the right mix of approaches is a joint process. The therapist will work with each person to pick methods that match their goals, practical needs and preferences. That plan can change as progress is made and new issues arise.

Online sessions are offered by video, phone, live chat and text messaging to make therapy more flexible. Video allows face-to-face conversation, phone can fit short check-ins or lower bandwidth needs, and messaging suits brief updates or ongoing support between meetings. These formats help people fit therapy around work, family and location constraints.