David Bird, Coach, Counsellor & Cognitive Hypnotherapist, working with people in Leighton Buzzard and Milton Keynes and online via Zoom
David Bird, Counsellor, Coach, and Hypnotherapist in Leighton Buzzard UK
In addition to my one-to-one client work, I work at local GP Surgery for the NHS. I also co-hosted the mental health and well-being podcast project, The Notcast Podcast: Life, Love, Misery & Deep Sh*t.
Before qualifying as therapist, I was both a listening volunteer and trainer for the Samaritans, providing anonymous support for people from all walks of life in emotional distress and despair. I’ve also run mental health and wellbeing support groups as a Peer Support Facilitator for Mind BLMK.
I love learning and personal developnent, so I’m often working with someone or on some sort of programme. I think it’s a good rule of them that we best guide people to where we’ve been ourselves.
I’m currently studying a BPS-accredited BSc (Hons) in Psychology and Counselling undergraduate degree with the Open University.
Why did I become a coach and therapist?
I’ve always had a fascination for people and what makes them tick. But they confused me. And that included myself.
I remember struggling with my mental health from about 11 years old. Years later it came to a head on being promoted to a position out of my depth. My triggers and depressive episodes increased, but I had no idea why. And I couldn’t keep hiding it.
When I sought help through the regular channels it led to a dead-end. “I’m going to have to figure this out myself”. And through the unconventional route I found help, healing, and transformation. And a desire and passion to help others create real change.
I’ve also had my share of difficult relationships along the way. From communication issues and rubbing each other up the wrong way, to those which involed fighting, hurt, and infidelity. And those which many would label co-dependent, controlling, abusive, or even narcissistic.
I now run a busy and successful Coaching, Counselling & Cognitive Hypnotherapy practice in Leighton Buzzard and online via Zoom. And there isn't a day goes by where I'm not rewarded seeing and hearing about the changes my clients are making.
Tools of the trade
As a Life Coach, Counseller & Cognitive Hypnotherapist I've trained in and studied a broad range of skills and techniques.
These include:
Clarity Coaching & Subtractive Psychology
Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP)
Metaphors Of Movement
Integral Eye Movement Therapy (IEMT) (similar to Eye Movement Densensitisation and Reprocessing, or EMDR)
Human Givens Approach
Parts Integration (similar to Internal Family Systems Therapy, or IFS)
Timeline Reconsolidation (similar to Timeline Therapy and Regression work)
Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT or Tapping)
Wordweaving (hypnotic language & script-writing)
Qualifications and Certifications
graduation from the quest institute at regent's University in london, with trevor silvester and rebecca silvester
Certified Advanced Clarity Coach
Awarded by The Clarity Coaching Academy, the founding organisation of Clarity Coaching and Subtractive Psychology.
Metaphors of Movement - Level 1, 2, & 3
Metaphors of Movement works with the client’s ‘autogentic’ (automatically internally-generated) metaphors to help gain insight and new perspectives.
Integral Eye Movement Therapy (IEMT) Advanced Practitioner
More than just an eye-movement therapy, IEMT and its protocols are effective in addressing trauma, underlying problematic cognitive-behavioural patterns, and core issues of identity.
MNLP - Master Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming
NLP is about "modelling human excellence" and (de)coding a person’s experience through both language and observation.
DipCHyp - Diploma in Cognitive Hypnotherapy
Awarded by The Quest Institute, the founding organisation of Cognitive Hypnotherapy.
HPD - Hypnotherapy Practitioners Diploma
Verified by the National Council for Hypnotherapy, the HPD is accredited by the NCFE.
“Working with David was a hugely positive experience… He was empathic, warm and professional. He provided a safe space in which to be able to uncover my darkest fears. He was open and knowledgeable… He made me feel part of my therapy, not just a counsellor and client. I was in the driving seat.”