About Us
The Practice
First Steps forward is a single person practice based in the Tandridge, Surrey. Dave runs the counselling from his home, from an office shed in the garden for face to face, as well as from an indoor office where he contacts clients for online sessions.
Dave has used his extensive and broad life skills and previous roles to develop the practice to now cover many separate elements which can be found under their own distinct tabs.
Counsellor/therapist and more
Briefly, Dave is a counsellor/therapist, accredited to deliver counselling to adults, and also to young people from the ages of 11-18. There are many concerns and issues that he is able to support clients with, the list is flexible and can be found in the counselling section. These range from abuse, addictions to sexual assaults and trauma. While also including Autism Spectrum Condition. Dave also coaches both adults and young people. Utilising both approaches of coaching and counselling enables a richer and more diverse way to explore and develop ways to support clients. Coaching may also work alongside offering support to families which may also include family support and parenting skills for parents of children with behaviour that is challenging, or challenging behaviours.
Counselling and Autsim.
A lot of clients, adults, young people, and families, come to the practice from other counsellors, CAMHS and the National Autistic Society, to name but a few and seeking support, advice and understanding about Autism Spectrum Conditions and neurodivergence. Many of whom have felt let down by the system as well as not supported. Many state that other therapists or professionals profess an understanding of this area, but few have as extensively as this therapist. This is an area of particular interest and part of the expertise that Dave brings to this particular area comes from personal experiences, teaching, parenting and foster parenting, working for the National Autistic Society, as well as an array of qualifications including a Master’s degree in Education (Autism). As well as Post Graduate qualifications in Special Educational Needs and Psychological and Learning Disabilities.