David O'Hara

David O'Hara is a Person-Centred counsellor who helps people facing stress, anxiety, relationship strain, depression, addiction and life changes. He works with adults and offers LGB-friendly, neurodivergent-affirming support. He describes a calm, non-judgemental approach that aims to help people reconnect with direction and self-trust.

He has nearly five years post-qualification experience and more than 15 years working in mental health. Before training as a counsellor he worked in care homes, forensic step-down services and mental health charities. That background means he is used to supporting people with complex needs, including addiction and enduring mental health difficulties.

In sessions he uses Person-Centred Therapy, a non-directive style based on empathy, acceptance and genuine engagement. He listens without trying to diagnose or fix, and encourages people to set the pace and focus of the work. This can suit people who want space to think things through and rebuild confidence.

Clients can expect a collaborative relationship where the therapist follows the person’s lead while reflecting back what he hears. He aims to help people find more clarity, steadiness and self-trust over time. His practice is trauma-aware and attentive to issues such as attachment, abandonment and codependency.

David also supports people dealing with grief, intimacy concerns, parenting strain, compassion fatigue, career questions and separation or divorce. He frames therapy as a practical space to talk through feelings, make sense of difficult events and work out next steps.

How Person-Centred work translates to online therapy

Person-Centred Therapy focuses on empathy, acceptance and following the person’s lead. It involves the counsellor listening closely, reflecting feelings and thoughts, and offering an accepting presence that helps people make sense of their experience. This approach often helps with anxiety, depression, relationship stress and issues around self-esteem.

Because the work is non-directive, the counsellor adapts to what the client needs in each session. That means sessions can focus on emotional processing, practical problem-solving, or rebuilding a sense of direction depending on the person’s goals. The therapist will work collaboratively to find the right mix as therapy progresses.

The therapist's profile does not specify which session formats are offered, so please confirm the available online or in-person options before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit counselling around work, childcare or travel, and it can allow shorter check-ins when that is useful. It also removes the need to travel to an appointment, which helps some people maintain continuity of contact while they manage busy lives.