This Hart therapist works with individuals and couples who are experiencing difficulties in their relationships. These are often linked to lack of emotional connection, resentment, affairs, constant arguments or avoidance patterns. Her approach to couples therapy is one of teamwork. As an energetic and dedicated therapist, she works with couples who are committed to do the work within and outside sessions. Results driven, she supports couples to work towards long-lasting change of unhelpful habits by introducing new ways of listening to each other, feeling safe to express themselves and she guides couples to new ways of communication. She helps couples build a more mindful approach to their relationship.
In her sessions, she focuses on the health of the relationship as her main focus. She adds insight, care and humour into her sessions. She is an advocate of thoughtfulness and authenticity and she brings her compassionate yet honest attitude in to her sessions as a way of modelling. Where couples decide to separate, she supports both parties’ needs and facilitates a safe space for couples to navigate through that painful process.
When working with couples it is important that both parties attend the sessions as this therapist doesn’t provide individual sessions to couples.
She also works with separated parents who are both committed to establish healthy ways for co-parenting.
This therapist does not offer mediation.
She also offers counselling for singles, pre-marriage and life coaching (which she has experience and qualifications in).
How many years counselling experience do you have?
Over 12 Years
What are three strengths you have as a Psychologist/Counsellor?
1. Insightful, experience and warm
2. Results orientated, practical and active
3. Good sense of humour, caring and open minded
What is the most satisfying and fulfilling part of the work you do?
It’s hard for couples to admit they need help and then open up about the flaws in their relationship. I’m honoured to be invited in at a very vulnerable time of a couple’s life. Working as a team with the couple and seeing a positive shift from the first conversation brings hope and strength. Watching couples leaving my sessions with confidence that they can tackle life stronger and more connected is the best feeling a therapist can experience.
What’s an example of a couple you have helped the most?
I recently had a couple who already progressed to temporary separation. They lived with the children but didn’t manage to be around each other without either arguing or feeling hurt by the other. They have seen a number of therapists and had really uncomfortable experiences.
We worked as a team on steps to 1. heal from the hurt, 2. learn to talk with each other differently, 3. understand what the other actually means, and 4. learn about intentions behind words and actions. The couple has gradually moved closer and were able to gradually move back in together. They have grown strong as a couple and have continued seeing me for parenting techniques. This couple still thrives and likes to “check in with me” a couple of times a year when a new challenge overwhelms them.
This Hart psychologist is a registered clinical psychologist with more than a decade of experience as an individual and couple’s therapist. He works with a wide variety of presentations with both individuals and couples seeking either short or long-term psychotherapy or counselling.
Please note, David has an average wait time of 3-4 weeks for new clients. Please contact us for availability.
This Hart psychologist provides a tailored approach to individual client’s needs, drawing on and integrating a range of evidence-based treatments including cognitive and behaviour, acceptance and commitment, schema, dialectical behaviour therapy, solution-focused, EMDR and others.
Individuals presenting to the clinic commonly seek assistance with the following problems (although this is far from an exhaustive list): relational issues, anxiety, depression, sleep disturbance, stress, trauma (PTSD), work and or domestic stressors, alcohol/drug misuse, grief and loss.
He believes relationships are central to life and he is passionate about supporting individuals and couples to achieve their relationship goals. He has extensive experience assisting couples in distress, couples or individuals navigate affairs and breaches of trust, porn addiction and intimacy issues.
How many years counselling experience do you have?
Over 10 years
What are three strengths you have as a Psychologist/Counsellor?
Calm
Authentic
Confident
What is the most satisfying and fulfilling part of the work you do?
I am in a very privileged role and I take the responsibility seriously. It is deeply rewarding to see people grow, learn and move toward their goals. Life is a constant work in progress, and there isn’t much that comes close to witnessing individuals and couples leave therapy happier and more content in their relationships and with themselves.
What’s an example of a couple you have helped the most?
There are many examples and all couples are different in some way. However, an example that comes to mind is of a husband and wife who had experienced a breach of trust and lost almost all hope, whilst also expecting their first child. Arguments, blame and feelings of hurt on both sides were common. I assisted them to develop and commit to honest, clear and respectful communication, through which they were able to increase their understanding of each other, themselves and what drove their conflict. Ultimately the couple was able to restore trust and hope and once again connect with warmth, compassion and love.
