David Hennessy

David Hennessy is a member of the BACP and a registered Gestalt counsellor and therapist. He has worked in health and social care for over 17 years in various settings, including the NHS, charity, and private sectors, with diverse client groups experiencing a range of challenges. David has recently completed BACP accreditation in counselling and continually seeks to upgrade his skills by attending continuing professional development groups on a monthly basis. He works in private practice at The Awareness Centre in Clapham.

David offers a warm, friendly, safe, confidential, and non-judgmental environment for you to explore your innermost thoughts and feelings. Practicing one-to-one therapy, you will soon find that his therapeutic approach is as unique as your relationship with him. As a qualified Gestalt therapist and experienced CBT and mindfulness practitioner, David has a carefully honed integrative model and a wisely developed pluralistic outlook to “the work.” The main theme underlying these approaches is focusing on you becoming a more ‘whole’ person.

David’s integrative model combines elements of Gestalt therapy, cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), and mindfulness practices. This approach allows him to tailor his methods to meet the specific needs of each client, ensuring a personalized and effective therapeutic experience. Gestalt therapy emphasizes the present moment and the client’s experience in the here and now, promoting awareness and self-acceptance. CBT helps clients identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviours, while mindfulness practices encourage a non-judgmental awareness of one’s thoughts and feelings.

With lived experience of complex trauma and a personal background of recovery from substance misuse and other process addictions (e.g., gambling, food), David has a deep understanding and empathy for those struggling with various types of addiction. His firsthand experience provides him with unique insights into the challenges and intricacies of addiction recovery, enabling him to connect with clients on a profound level. David helps individuals process blocked emotions tied to past issues and experiences, offering tools and coping strategies to aid in self-regulation in the present moment.

David’s therapeutic practice is not only about addressing immediate concerns but also about empowering clients to achieve long-term personal growth and emotional well-being. By providing a supportive and compassionate space, he encourages clients to explore their inner worlds, uncovering underlying issues and fostering a deeper understanding of themselves. His goal is to help clients build resilience, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and ultimately lead more fulfilling and balanced lives.

Through his commitment to ongoing professional development and his integrative approach to therapy, David Hennessy strives to offer the highest quality of care to his clients, guiding them on their journey toward healing and self-discovery.