Independent Counselling: David Simon
NE1, Newcastle upon Tyne
(12)
NE1, Newcastle upon Tyne
(12)
Hi,
My name is David and I am a therapeutic counsellor and life coach, based in a Grade 2 listed building in the centre of Newcastle upon Tyne.
I work one-to-one with adult clients in a private and confidential setting, for short-term or long-term work.
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12 customer reviews
Alan
David has massively helped me with complex grief (I found my wife’s passing by suicide extremely difficult to process).
I had awful ‘What Ifs’, Guilt and general unhelpful thinking impacting my daily mood, work and quality of life (and possibly my sons!).
After friends & family had done their very best for me (I wore their ears out) David helped me pick my issues apart pretty quickly. I felt noticeably better in about 1month of therapy although my hard work (David said) helped a lot. I found it best to go with a list of my issues and what I wanted to achieve overall out of the work.
He helped me re-focus on a now new different life, not necessarily a worse life. I move forward with what has happened positively where I can with my son and now a new partner without daily guilt.
David is, in my opinion, a thoroughly decent Gent. Not my mate as he professionally reminds - but he’s very good at his job! I soon as I sit in the seat in his office it’s go go go with my list… you can’t do that with friends and family (not all the time anyway….) but you can with David.
After 6 to 8 sessions (approx.) it was David who suggested we start concluding. I now check in for one off ‘tune ups’ every 3 to 4 months at my request.
Life’s never perfect but it’s a lot better now after David’s help… or even damn good mostly I’d say…
Thanks again David.
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Reply from Independent Counselling: David Simon
So many thanks for your thoughtful, constructive, useful and generous feedback, Alan. I know that your willingness to be open and honest – and to put in the effort required for positive change in your life – enabled me to help you as best I could. How you describe the process in ‘Plain English’ will be helpful to others who are thinking about counselling / therapy. Sometimes, we practitioners get carried away with jargon, as you know, so it’s good to have the client’s point of view, and I thank you for all of that. I have very much enjoyed our work together – and I admire your resilience and determination to do the right thing for you and your son. And yes, in a different context, I’m sure we would have enjoyed a pint together! I feel sure that you will find your own way through life’s challenges, of whatever kind … and I’m always in your corner, if needed. David
YS
Counselling
Went into my first session not knowing what to expect. I quickly felt at ease as David early on explained various things such as the service he provides, guidelines, etc. During the many sessions that followed I always felt as if someone was actively listening to me and I was always provided great feedback and guidance when needed. My work with David really helped me to find inner peace and take a more structured approach on life as I was finally able to handle my emotions better. Thank you very much! More...
Reply from Independent Counselling: David Simon
Thank you so much for the feedback, which I am sure will be of value to those considering counselling. I am very pleased that it was a positive process for you, which was a result of your being open and honest. May you continue in your growth and personal discovery.
JSM
Counselling
Such a lovely, kind, professional man. Very efficient and prepared. Informative run through of how he works before you start the sessions. Very understanding and empathetic. Highly recommend this lovely man More...
Reply from Independent Counselling: David Simon
I love my job - and one of the best parts is getting positive feedback. Thank you for taking the time to say something so generous.
Mel
David's approach, way-of-being and experience have had a deep-rooted positive affect on my mental and emotional well-being, and beyond immediate needs, counselling has helped me reassess my approach to life. Off the bat I felt listened-to with full attention, and felt secure in that evaluation felt pretty much spot. What I value is that his approach is not simply about being 'there there' reassuring or aimed at presenting easy wins, and this has worked well for me. More...
Reply from Independent Counselling: David Simon
Many thanks for your positive and honest comments. I'm so pleased that we worked together so well. I confess I smiled at your remark that I'm not a "There there" kind of counsellor, as that's very true! However, I always aim for an underlying kindness and compassion, which I hope is received by my clients.
Abi
Therapist
I would highly recommend David.
I started therapy with David in such a dark place and with his help left with a new feeling of control in my life.
He helped me to get out All the things I needed too and gave me the mental tools to become a more confident and happy version of myself.
I couldn’t thank him enough.
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Reply from Independent Counselling: David Simon
Thank you for your kind words, Abi. It was a real pleasure to work with you and help you find the resources to create positive change in your life.
penny hayhoe
A very positive experience. David supported me through a difficult time and helped me through it. I felt listened to on a deep level and was amazed by how someone entered my world and understood me so much. My concerns were comprehended and worked through. There were also light and funny moments. I liked myself better because he reflected my positive qualities and helped me appreciate them. More...
Reply from Independent Counselling: David Simon
Thank you for the constructive feedback. Your willingness to be open and honest led to fruitful change, I believe. It's been my pleasure to work with you and be an active part of that process.
David
Counselling
David has a very calming voice and is a really nice guy to go with it.
He makes you feel at ease from the moment you meet him.
Reply from Independent Counselling: David Simon
What a kind thing to say - Thank you so much for that, David.
Adam
I had the pleasure of working with David during an unsteady period of my life earlier this year and I'm overwhelmingly happy that I took the opportunity.
David a very good listener, and often challenges you to explore how you would feel had scenarios gone differently, which did wonders for my development and helped me grow out of the anxiety and depression that had engulfed my life at the time.
Not only is David a good counsellor, he is also a great person. Should I ever need these services again I would return. Highly recommend his services.
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Reply from Independent Counselling: David Simon
Many thanks for that, Adam. I’m always pleased when a few weeks is enough to help a client find their feet. You are strong, thoughtful and capable – and I feel that you will succeed in your life goals.
Kezia
Counselling
I have been working with David for many months now and it has been a very eye opening and a self aware experience.
I was extremely nervous to start counselling and was very cautious to discuss personal experiences with a complete stranger!
Over the first few initial sessions we just spoke about my general day to day life style and then moved on when I felt ready to do so at no point did I feel hurried or pushed to discuss anything I wasn't comfortable to talk about.
I can honestly say through counselling with David I have learnt so much about myself , overcome personal hurdles and changed my way of thinking towards situations in life.
David is a very friendly and respectful person going to a counselling appointment especially if it's your first time as it was for me is a very daunting experience, David made me feel completely relaxed and I would highly recommend.
Thank you
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Reply from Independent Counselling: David Simon
Many thanks for the lovely review! I've enjoyed our work together and it's been a privilege to help you find your way ...
David
I was contacted by David Simon after placing a request for help on Bark.com following a personal crisis. I was also contacted by several others, but I decided that the person-centred approach described by David was the most attractive sounding option at a difficult time. Five months on and I am still attending regular counselling sessions with David. Bringing the initial crisis out into the open by talking it through, and the perspective that this process offered, was extremely therapeutic. That particular issue soon diminished in its relevance, but the sessions spontaneously moved on to discuss much wider issues, some buried quite deep. I have found this to be an unexpected and rewarding consequence of the counselling. It has taken me some time to be able to talk about some of the issues involved, but reaching that stage has always ultimately been a positive experience. As much as the sessions can sometimes be challenging for me, it is also true that the discomfort has been outweighed by actual enjoyment, which is not something I would have anticipated from experiences with counselling earlier in life. More...
Reply from Independent Counselling: David Simon
Many thanks for those words, David. For some clients, only a few weeks of solution-focussed therapy is required. For others, like yourself, a journey unfolds over a longer period. I’ve sincerely enjoyed our time working together.
Scott
David is a very friendly guy who does make it very easy for you to relax which makes it better for you to talk. Some of our sessions have run over the time limit but he does not just cut you off which is very nice. Feel much more positive in myself now from where I was. But deff worth a visit to David simon More...
Reply from Independent Counselling: David Simon
Hi Scott, I guess that my relaxed style is part of who I am – and I do try to be flexible about timing, etc., whenever possible. Really glad that the work you’re putting in to the sessions, and in between of course, are paying dividends.
Lee Bradford
I found David to be very professional and incredibly helpful to my situation. I would have no hesitation in recommending David to anyone who feels they need a counsellor
Reply from Independent Counselling: David Simon
Many thanks for that, Lee. You achieved a lot in four weeks – well done!
What do you love most about your job?
I suppose it must be the satisfaction that comes from helping someone to find that they have the ability to change their life for the better. Once people realise that they have the resources within themselves to grow and develop, it frees them to make further progress on their own.
When a client says: “Thank you” to me – that they can see a way forward or can cope better with a significant loss – then that’s worth all the study and training!
What inspired you to start your own business?
"Being my own boss" means I take the decisions, the responsibility and the satisfaction of the rewards.
I've done many other things in my life, and often been pretty good at them, but counselling is something I love. I'm committed to being the best I can be, because, compared to other jobs, this is where I feel I make a real difference.
Working for myself means I can choose if and how to specialise, without needing permission. Actually, I love the variety I get, in private practice! It's not primarily about the money, you don’t get rich in this profession, but I do get out what I put in. Self-employment can be tough - yet having more control over how I live my life is worth it.
Why should our clients choose you?
That's up to the client! Finding a "good fit" between client and counsellor / life coach is crucial, which is why I offer a half-price consultation – it gives us a chance to find out if we are likely to work well together.
Can you provide your services online or remotely? If so, please add details.
Yes - I am using the Zoom secure platform for online sessions. However, I do not provide telephone counselling.
What changes have you made to keep your customers safe from Covid-19?
Regular sterilisation of relevant surfaces in my office, with occasional "fogging". The room is large enough for us to be 2 metres apart. Hand sanitiser is provided. I am fully vaccinated and take regular Covid-19 tests.
