Dave Dobson, MBACP

I am a UK trained and qualified Psychotherapist / Counsellor. I graduated with a First Class Honours Degree from Warwick University which specialises in Person-Centred Therapy. I am proud to be registered with the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy. I have worked with adults and young people across a range of issues, including anxiety, depression, addiction, bereavement, self harm, PTSD, relationship problems, and sexual/physical abuse. I have also been the lead Psychotherapist for the Police Firearms Officers Association (UK), working with officers whose mental health and well-being has been affected by their job. I worked for several years with Samaritans, and am a former Director of their Peterborough branch. I offer a free 30 minute assessment appointment so we can meet and discuss what has brought you to therapy. This will give you an opportunity to see how we would work together, and allow you to decide if you wish to continue. Person-centred therapy was established by Carl Rogers in the 1940s. It is a humanistic approach which believes that all individuals have an innate ability to reach their full potential. Such growth, however, can be stopped and restricted by how we view ourselves, and our value. We find ourselves held back by 'conditions of worth' which we learn throughout life, and which disrupt and distort our ability to function - we start to live for others rather than ourselves. Person-centred therapy works to redress this imbalance. This approach helps individuals look at their true self in regard to problems which are affecting them, and as such it has been found to be of help to all age ranges across a range of issues. Person-centred therapy has been found particularly useful in helping individuals to overcome problems such as: depression, anxiety, relationship issues, bereavement, personality disorders, eating disorders, and addictions. Such issues have significant impacts on self-esteem, and self-awareness. Person-centred therapy helps individuals to reconnect with their inner self in order to address these issues. The core of person-centred therapy is based on the belief that you are the 'expert' in your own world. As your therapist I want to understand you, and be with you to the best of my abilities. This can only be achieved from a completely non-judgemental standpoint. I want you to be able to know that you can talk about anything, and that it will be met by understanding and compassion. Confidentiality is also a key component here. This needs to be a safe place where you are respected, heard, and can work at your own pace without feeling pressured. Our working relationship is paramount. Trust plays a vital part in this, and I believe it is established by non-judgemental warmth and empathy on my part, to build an environment where you feel safe and valued. It is also about honesty - I work hard to be a true person in our interactions, not hiding behind a mask of authority and expertise. I want to be a genuine presence standing alongside you. I will never tell you what to do, but together we can work at understanding what is affecting you, what your options are, and how you can learn to trust yourself to reach your full potential.