Meet the Therapist: David Hughes
David Hughes is a therapist in M3, Manchester
What attracted you to become a therapist?
Having gone through some major life changes, I wanted to give some time back in a positive way. The counsellor who I saw at the time was relaxed and patient with me and I felt I wanted to emulate this.
Where did you train?
I trained with the Open University over three years.
Can you tell us about the type of therapy you practise?
I practise in a few types: solution-focused , person-centred, CBT and mindfulness. This means within my practise I can tender my approach to match the client’s needs but occasionally dependant on the client’s situation I will all approaches to give an all rounded approach.
What sort of people do you usually see?
Over the years, I have seen clients of various ages, from 18 to 75. Their main areas of concern are anxiety or depression and self-esteem.
What do you like about being a therapist?
Being able to listen and working with the client through their concerns to come to a result they feel comfortable with.
What is less pleasant?
Sometimes the isolation of working alone.
How long you’ve been with welldoing.org and what you think of us?
I am a newbie, I joined on the 31st January 2019. I've signed up for the booking system and joined the Facebook therapist community; I enjoy the support of the group.
Do you ever suggest books or apps to clients?
Sometimes, depending on the situation. I mainly recommend apps for mindfulness.
What you do for your own mental health?
I practise mindfulness and I exercise, and I'm about to restart doing yoga.
You are a therapist in Spinningfields, Manchester. What can you share with us about seeing clients in this area?
My practice is situated in an area which is mainly corporate but there are restaurants and bars nearby, there is a small green space being developed so will be great in the summer in-between therapy sessions for me to enjoy. There is local free transport links (Free Bus) that will take you to all the major train stations in the city centre so feel this is an added bonus for potential and existing clients due to parking restrictions however there are car parks within a short walking distance.
What’s your consultation room like?
I am based on the 10th Floor in a quiet part of the building and it’s a relaxed environment without distractions. The colours of the walls are very pastel. One of my clients refers to it as a Zen room and that pretty much sums it up.
What do you wish people knew about therapy?
Therapy is not has hard as people may think, and it does really work.
What did you learn about yourself in therapy?
In therapy I learnt I was stronger and much more resilient than I thought, and that I had confidence to do things. I learnt that it was ok to feel the way I did and the counsellor was there to help me and they did a great deal.
