David Linford-Smith MSc MBACP GMBPsS

I am a qualified, BACP-registered Psychotherapist with Relational Transactional Analysis as my primary therapeutic model, which I integrate with elements of Gestalt, Existential Therapy, Trauma-Focused CBT, Mindfulness, Brainspotting, and Biological Psychology. I have been in supervised clinical practice since 2018 and adhere to the ethical framework and professional standards of the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy. I hold a Master's degree in psychology, 

diplomas in coaching and clinical supervision, and I am an EMCC senior-accredited coach.

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Empathetic in nature, with excellent communication skills, my personal and professional ethics are based on attunement, independence, autonomy, and inclusion. I work with a trauma-informed approach, co-creating and promoting personal empowerment and spontaneity of expression. With training in Gender, Sex and Relationship Diversity Therapy, my practice is LGBTQIA+ inclusive. I am committed to working with people whose native language is not English. My practice is disability-friendly, as well as neurodiversity-informed. I am committed to providing a number of therapy spaces on a reduced-fee basis for students and those with low income. These are limited and allocated discretionally.

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My Clinical Practice 

I work with a wide range of mental health issues, and specialise in supporting clients who have experienced complex trauma, often from childhood, providing a safe, brave, and supportive environment to explore difficult and challenging themes. I typically work with clients weekly or fortnightly.

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I work with adults on an individual basis as well as couples. In addition to my 4-year core psychotherapy training, I hold an Advanced Certificate in Couples Therapy and work with a range of issues including relationship breakdowns, infidelity, dealing with divorce, communication problems, and sexual issues. Although I work primarily with adults, I offer a range of therapy and coaching services for young people aged 13 - 17 years old. I hold a Certificate in Therapeutic Work with Children & Young People. 

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I am also trained in Brainspotting: a powerful, focused treatment method that identifies, processes and releases core neurophysiological sources of emotional or body pain, trauma, dissociation and a variety of challenging symptoms. As well as clinical work, I offer a range of coaching services for personal and professional development, using many of my psychotherapeutic skills to dive into deep discovery for growth.

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What I Support People With

 

Adults: 50-Minute Sessions

Anxiety, Depression, Self-Esteem, Stress, Work Issues, Bereavement, Cultural Issues, Sexual Issues, Sexual and Gender Identity, Health Issues, Spirituality, Neurodiversity, Relationships, Addictions, Chronic Illness and Disability, Service Veterans, Childhood Trauma, Mood Disorders, Sexual Trauma, Spiritual Abuse, Trauma, Personality Disorders, Dissociative Identity Disorder, Human Trafficking, Sexual Exploitation, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Complex PTSD.

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Couples: 80-Minute Sessions

Communication Problems, Expressing Feelings and Needs, Dealing with Infidelity, Conflict Resolution, Intimacy and Sexual Issues, Trust, Emotional Distance, Life Transitions, Separation, Divorce, Parenting Challenges, Financial Disputes, Cultural and Family Issues, Mental Health Issues, Addiction and Substance Abuse, Premarital Counselling, Personal Growth, Falling in Love Again.

 

Young People (13–17): 50-Minute Sessions

Mental Health Issues, Emotional Regulation, Stress, Grief and Loss, Self-Esteem, Identity Issues, Gender and Sexual Identity, Family Relationships, Friendships, Bullying or Cyberbullying, Academic Stress, School-Related Issues, Behavioural Issues, Communication and Interpersonal Skills, Life Transitions, Chronic Illness and Disability, Processing Experiences of Physical, Emotional, or Sexual Abuse, Healing from Traumatic Events, Substance Misuse and Addiction.