DC Portrait of David Chittenden

David Chittenden, ACA

Practical, respectful counselling for anxiety and life change

16 years in practice · based in Australia · sessions in English · online sessions

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About David

David Chittenden is an ACA counsellor with 16 years of professional experience. He helps people who are feeling overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, relationship strain or big life changes. He aims to make the first steps into therapy feel manageable and respectful.

David takes a practical and flexible approach to conversations. He listens first, then works with each person to shape a plan that fits their situation. Sessions are calm and direct, with simple tools you can try between meetings.

Book with David Now Review online therapy options and next steps.

Background and approach

He draws on a mix of approaches depending on what a person needs. That can include practical thinking skills from cognitive behavioural therapy, deeper meaning work from existential and Jungian ideas, or relationship-focused methods such as the Gottman approach. Hypnotherapy is also one of the options he may suggest when it fits a client's goals.

David has supported people with a wide range of concerns including grief, trauma and abuse, parenting and fatherhood issues, intimacy and sexual culture topics such as BDSM and kink, chronic illness and pain, and work-related strain like compassion fatigue. He also helps with eating issues, ADHD-related challenges, and career transitions. In sessions he aims to be respectful, sensitive and down-to-earth.

Conversations are tailored to the person in front of him rather than a one-size-fits-all plan. He encourages small, achievable steps and practical strategies that people can use in daily life.

Therapeutic approaches you can try online

David often combines practical thinking work with deeper meaning-focused methods. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) teaches simple ways to notice and change unhelpful thinking and behaviour patterns, which can be useful for anxiety, stress and mood changes. Existential therapy focuses on personal meaning and values, helping people navigate big life transitions and questions about purpose or identity. The Gottman Method is relationship-focused and offers concrete skills for improving communication and reducing conflict in partnerships.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will talk through your goals and preferences, then suggest which methods might work best. You can try one method and adapt it over time if it does not fit, and decisions are made together based on what you find helpful.

Online formats offer practical benefits. Video calls let you see body language and hold a full conversation. Phone sessions work well if bandwidth is limited or you prefer not to be on camera. Live chat and text-based messaging suit shorter check-ins or ongoing coaching between sessions. These options increase flexibility so therapy can fit around work, family and daily routines.
Book with David Now Review online therapy options and next steps.

Questions people ask

What concerns does David commonly help with?
He helps with stress, anxiety, relationship and family difficulties, grief, trauma and abuse, self-esteem and coping with life changes among other issues.
What is his general therapy style?
David uses a practical, down-to-earth style that combines listening with simple tools and steps people can try between sessions.
How much experience does he have?
He has 16 years of professional experience working with a wide range of concerns and situations.
What credentials and location are listed?
He is listed as an ACA counsellor and practises in Australia.
Which languages and international options are available?
Sessions are offered in English and he does not accept international clients.
What session formats are offered?
Therapy is available via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
How does costing work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and scheduling according to the therapist's availability.

What this therapist works with

Most often

Experience
16 years
Licensed
Languages
English

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