Directory entry

David Spivey, BACP

Credentials: BACP
Experience: 16 years
Practising in: United Kingdom
Languages: English
Sessions: Online only
Client ages: Adults, 18 and over

Works with Relationship issuesGrief Self esteem Coping with life changes Compassion fatigue

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David Spivey welcomes people who are feeling stuck, overwhelmed or worn out by life. He invites straightforward conversation about what is happening now, and what someone hopes will change. David writes simply and listens closely so people can begin to make small, practical steps forward.

He has 16 years of experience working in the UK across many roles. His background includes retail, running a construction business for 20 years, and managing services in the voluntary sector for homeless young adults and unpaid carers.

Background and approach

He has also volunteered in a hospice supporting bereaved relatives and mentored for the Prince's Trust. People come with problems that look similar on the surface - anxiety, low mood, relationship strain or financial pressure. David focuses on how those problems show up in each person’s life.

He helps people notice patterns and try different ways of responding. Sessions blend humanistic, relational work with a wider transpersonal view that makes room for symbolism, dreams and stories where they are useful. He also draws on attachment perspectives, mindfulness and motivational approaches to shape sessions around what the client needs.

Practical issues such as compassion fatigue, caregiving stress, divorce, fatherhood concerns, grief and workplace pressure are among the areas he commonly helps with. He aims for clear, down-to-earth conversation that leads to new perspectives and manageable next steps. David offers counselling and coaching in English and works with people across the United Kingdom and internationally.

He frames the relationship as a collaborative exploration of what will help someone move forward.

How David’s approaches work online

David uses attachment-based ideas to look at how early and current relationships shape reactions today. This helps when intimacy, trust or repeated relationship patterns cause pain and frustration. He also draws on client-centred counselling which focuses on building an accepting, non-judgemental space where a person’s own goals lead the work. That approach suits people who want a steady, listening presence while they sort things out.

Finding the right approach is part of the process and will be decided together. The therapist will talk with the client about needs, goals and what feels helpful, then shape sessions around those preferences. This collaborative way means techniques are chosen to match what the person wants to achieve rather than following a fixed formula.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text-based messaging which offer flexibility for different days and needs. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation when visual connection matters, phone sessions work well when bandwidth is limited or a quieter audio check-in is required, and chat or messaging suits short check-ins or people who prefer writing. These options make it easier to fit therapy around work, caregiving or travel and to continue progress even when life is busy.

What kinds of problems does David work with?

He helps with relationship concerns, grief, self-esteem, coping with life changes, stress and anxiety, compassion fatigue and workplace issues among other practical life challenges.

What is his therapeutic style like?

He uses a humanistic, relational approach with elements of attachment work, mindfulness and motivational interviewing to help people notice patterns and try different responses.

How much experience does he have?

David has 16 years of professional experience that includes roles in retail, business ownership, voluntary sector management and hospice volunteering.

What credentials and location are listed?

He holds BACP credentials and practices in the United Kingdom.

Which languages and international options are available?

Sessions are offered in English and he accepts clients from outside the United Kingdom.

Which session formats are offered?

David works online using video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text-based messaging.

How are sessions paid for and what does cost look like?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be cancelled at any time.

How do I begin a series of sessions?

Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.

Areas of focus

What this therapist works with

Most often

Relationship issues
Grief
Self esteem

Also listed

Therapeutic approaches

Experience: 16 years
Registered with: BACP
Languages: English

Contacting David

David takes enquiries through BetterHelp. You answer a few questions about what you are looking for, then arrange sessions if it seems like a fit. Browsing costs nothing and you are not committing to anything by reading this page.

David Spivey, BACP

Background and approach

How David’s approaches work online

Areas of focus

What this therapist works with

Others working with relationship