DJC Counselling | COUNSELLING & PSYCHOTHERAPY IN DUNSTABLE & ONLINE

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Welcome to DJC Counselling

Hi, I’m Dave Chesterton. I would like to thank you for taking time to consider me and what I can offer you with whatever you may be struggling with. I am a CPCAB (Counselling and Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body) qualified Counsellor and a member of the NCPS (National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society).

I became a Counsellor because at different times in my life growing up, I struggled and didn’t have anybody that I felt I could talk to. I’ve always had a strong desire to help people and decided to become the person I needed but didn’t have.

I have been told that I am not what most people would expect a Counsellor to be, but the challenges I have faced in my life have given me the ability to connect and empathise with people in a safe, caring and non-judgmental way. My training and studies have given me the qualifications and skills to be able to practice in a person-centred, ethical way to meet your needs.

I have experience of working with adults, children and young people aged 10-25 years of age.

Langley Therapy and Training Centre

Commencing October 2025 - CPCAB Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling

June 2025 - CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Integrative Counselling

June 2023 - CPCAB Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies

The Bedfordshire Centre for Therapeutic Studies

June 2021 - CPCAB Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills

Enfield Counselling Service via WPF Therapy

March 2012 - WPF Certificate in Psychodynamic Counselling Skills

Sorted Counselling Services via Jess van der Hoech

June 2025 - Unlocking The Hidden Impact of Early Trauma

HM Government e-Learning

May 2025 - Prevent Awareness

May 2025 - Prevent Referrals

Virtual College e-learning

May 2025 - Attachment Theory

May 2025 - Level 1 Child Criminal Exploitation and County Lines

May 2025 - Level 2 Safeguarding Children

June 2025 - Level 3 Safeguarding Adults

June 2024 - Self Harm

Mindbody Breakthrough

November 2023 - OCD The Brain and Recovery

MY APPROACH

As an integrative Counsellor with a person-centred approach, you are always the key to our sessions. Being integrative allows me to tailor the sessions to your needs, and allows you to safely explore whatever is troubling you at a pace that is comfortable for you. There is psychodynamic which can help you to understand and join the dots between your past and your present. CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) to help understand your thoughts feelings and behaviours and how they influence each other. TA (Transactional Analysis) how we interact or react to others and why.

All of these are talking therapies and together, we will find what best suits your needs. YOU are the expert of you and your life, I am here to help you understand where you are at, and how you can navigate your way towards achieving your goals, whatever they may be.

So, whether you are feeling overwhelmed, a little low, lost, struggling with life, depression or anxiety I am here for you and here to listen and support you in a warm and approachable way. We will work together to give you back the power over your life. Our sessions are confidential and I have experience of working with adults, children and young people aged 10-25 years of age.

People come to me for help a wide range of issues. Here are a few of the more common difficulties that can be supported through counselling:

Feelings of stress or anxiety

Panic attacks

Relationship problems

Grief, loss or bereavement

Problems with addiction

Trauma and post-traumatic stress

Depression

Problems with confidence or self-esteem

Anger management

Issues relating to sexuality

Difficulties at work or in retirement

Problems with family or school life

SPEAK IN CONFIDENCE

Counselling takes place in a safe space, where you can meet with someone who will listen with sensitivity and empathy - and without judgement. In the therapy space thoughts and feelings can be expressed freely and in confidence.

A PROBLEM SHARED...

Trouble with a relationship; anxiety or panic attacks; mood swings or depression - many people face difficulties in their everyday lives that can be hard to get on top of. Counselling gives us a set of tools we can use to help gain a better understanding of what’s causing these problems - and how you can move towards managing or resolving them.

MAKE BETTER, HEALTHIER NEW CHOICES

Working together I can help you gain greater insight into the difficulties you are facing, help you understand why you act or react to them the way you do, and see how you can start to make better, heathier choices moving forward.

CONTACT ME

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about how counselling works, or to arrange a free initial consultation. This enables us to discuss the reasons you are thinking of coming to counselling, whether it could be helpful for you and whether I am the right therapist to help.

You can also call me on 07359 852889 if you would prefer to leave a message or speak to me first. I am happy to discuss any queries or questions you may have prior to arranging an initial appointment.

INITIAL CONSULTATION

I offer a free initial 15-minute session either by telephone or online, this is for us to get to know one another a little, to ease any nerves and is an opportunity for you to ask any questions. This also allows us to see if we are both happy to continue before starting any sessions.

My aim is to make sure you are comfortable talking to me, not to sell you therapy. If you are comfortable, hopefully you will open up more and that is where the healing can begin.

SESSION INFORMATION

Sessions are usually weekly at the same date and time, however I also offer fortnightly sessions.

Everyone’s needs are different and with this in mind, I offer open ended sessions, allowing as many as you need, giving you the best opportunity to fully meet your goals.

I also offer short term which can help with specific areas.

This can be discussed and agreed with you prior to starting.

Sessions are 50 minutes long.

FEES

Face to face in person £50.00

Online £45.00

Telephone £45.00

I have a limited number of concessionary places for students and people on low income or benefits. Please contact me for more information.

Please note that I require at least 24 hours’ notice for cancellations otherwise payment for the session will still be required. I accept payment via cash or bank transfer on the day of the session.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Counselling is talking therapy. I will create a safe space for you to feel comfortable to share.
Sessions help you understand and manage issues and provide you with useful tools to use in your daily life.
Counselling helps you understand yourself, others and the world around you.
Counselling is Confidential.

I offer an initial free 15 minute session where we will get to know each other a little bit, this will involve some questions and information sharing in order ascertain what you would like to get out of our counselling sessions.
We then agree a contract to work towards your desired outcome. This is usually in weekly sessions on the same agreed day and time.
We review how sessions are going for you throughout the process.
When we are nearing our final sessions, this is discussed and our work acknowledged.
Feedback is welcomed.

It is impossible to say how many sessions you will need. However, every six sessions, we review how the therapy is going to help you decide how much longer you wish to continue.

Having a safe, confidential space is an integral part of counselling, so it’s not appropriate to have a friend present during the counselling session. However, I recognise that you might be anxious or nervous about coming to therapy and could benefit from being accompanied by another person but they will not be able to join us in the therapy room.

If I know that I need to cancel a session in advance, e.g., for holidays or training, I will give you at least 2 weeks’ notice.
If you know you won’t be able to attend a session in advance, e.g., you are going on holiday, please let me know in the previous session.
If you can’t make a session, please give me at least 24 hours’ notice where possible, otherwise the full fee is payable.