David Wheatley , NCPS

David Wheatley is a Leeds-based therapist who combines clinical training with hands-on experience to support people facing relationship, family and life transition challenges. Working face-to-face, online and by telephone, he has built a practice that addresses issues such as stress and anxiety, grief and loss (particularly where children are involved), self-esteem concerns, intimacy and LGBT-related matters, as well as career difficulties, ADHD and compassion fatigue.

He completed a Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling in 2021 and earned a BSc in Therapeutic Counselling in 2024. David began practising in 2019 during a placement for his diploma and moved into paid roles thereafter, working privately, with the NHS and via online services. Across those years he has accumulated more than 800 hours of client work carried out under regular supervision, meeting with his supervisor every two weeks. David also holds the NCPS credential, a counselling qualification that reflects formal training and professional standards.

David works in a person-centred way - believing that the individual is the expert on their own life and that the therapist’s role is to listen, reflect, reframe and clarify. He aims to offer a respectful, sensitive and compassionate space where people can explore their options rather than be told what to do. If a different direction or pace is needed, he supports clients in finding the approach that fits them. He recognises that therapeutic fit matters, and if after a few sessions the match is not right clients are encouraged to seek what best supports their wellbeing.

Client-Centered and Solution-Focused Online Therapy

David practices with a client-centered stance that treats the person as the expert on their own life. In this approach he listens attentively, reflects back what is shared and helps clients clarify their feelings and priorities - an approach well suited to work on grief, relationship concerns, self-esteem and complex life changes.

He also draws on solution-focused techniques that are brief and goal-oriented, helping people identify small, practical steps and strengths to move forward. This method can be especially helpful for managing stress, anxiety, decision-making and situations where clients want tangible progress in a limited time frame.

Finding the right therapeutic approach is part of the process and is determined collaboratively. David will work with each person to explore which methods best match their needs, goals and preferences, and adapt the work as those needs evolve.

Online therapy by video call, phone, live chat or text-based messaging allows flexible access to care that can fit around work, family and other commitments. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of support, meet from different locations and choose the format that feels most comfortable for the individual, while still working with licensed professionals and therapists to address the issues people bring.