David Vaughan MBACP
Hi, I'm Dave.
I was born and raised in North London during a time in which mental health was rarely spoken about or acknowledged.
For the past 15 years I have worked alongside a number of Local Authorities in providing Alternative Education solutions for excluded pupils and individuals who have struggled to feel like they "fit in".
I created and designed a number of programmes and interventions to empower and assist young people in meeting their full potential, with a focus on developing their understanding of the importance of their own emotional wellbeing.
Over the past few years I have formalised my training and knowledge within this field to qualify as a Therapist.
I now offer Counselling support to adults as well as young people on a 1:1 basis: In person, via Skype/Zoom, or over the phone.
I continue to work in local schools as a Visiting Counsellor, in addition to providing Consultancy in connection with Wellbeing and Mental Health and promoting understanding of the links between this and negative behaviour.
Further information on these services can be found within the In-School Support section.
I strongly believe that we can all access change, and that we all have the capacity to find a way forward if we are supported and guided appropriately. This is where a therapeutic relationship with a Counsellor can help, with the outcome often life changing and life affirming.
My approach is simple, thoughtful, and above all relevant to the ever changing world in which we live.
I consider my process to be real and to the point holding the core values of trust and respect at the forefront, allowing me to forge a therapeutic relationship with my clients thus enabling them to access change and inspire growth.
Please get in touch if you would like to arrange an initial Consultation.
Dave.
Our Services
Counselling
I adopt a person centred approach utilising various methods of therapuetic support from Cognitive behavioural therapy to psychodynamic. Our goal is always to enable each individual to gain a better insight and understanding of their emotional barriers and fears, which in turn may be impacting on their behaviour and relationships.
I offer sessions online, over the phone or in person and clients are able to meet within whatever setting they feel is right for them.
Counselling can powerfully help you to regain control and feel more able to navigate the ever changing word in which we all live.
An example of areas in which I can help are:
Addictions, Anger management, Anxiety, Bereavement, Depression, Identity issues, Loss, Men's issues, Post-traumatic stress, Relationships, Self esteem, Self-harm, Stress, Trauma, Work related issues
Corporate Services
The importance of staff wellbeing is essential now more than ever. The Covid 19 Pandemic has caused a significant rise in the number of staff now working for their organisations remotely and from home. In some cases this can compound feelings of isolation and cause additional pressures which can negatively influence a person's mental health.
The Smart Collaborative can provide your organisation with consultancy on all aspects of staff wellbeing.
We offer group sessions to raise awareness in connection with mental wellbeing and empower your staff in being able to spot the early warning signs of mental ill-health, along with suggestions for easy to implement strategies which can assist in helping to relieve the all too common issue and feelings of overwhelm.
An option to provide more formal 1:1 support to your employees is also available upon request.
Please contact us for more information.
Supporting Schools
On-site Support for Schools
The Visting Counsellor - 1:1 In-School Counselling service. Regular weekly scheduled appointments are available to book on a half daily rate (4 hours = 6 x 30 minute sessions) on a termly basis.
Group workshops and assemblies are offered across Years 7-11 in connection with raising awareness of the following:
The Dangers of Drugs and County Lines,, Knife Crime, Gang participation, Actions and Consequences, Online Safety and Cyberbullying. Risky behaviours, Managing healthy relationships.
I also work with small groups in supporting school pastoral teams to identify and improve ongoing behaviour concerns.
Please get in touch for an information discussion around how we can work together effectively to support your students in connection with their Wellbeing and Mental Health.
My School Village
Join the ultimate Wellbeing and Family Support Platform for Schools and Organisations working with young people and their families.
- Relatable & Informative: Access a library of on-demand evidence-based information created by experts with a background in Counselling, Education and Family Support.
- Quick & Engaging: 6-12 minute video guides on crucial topics like Mental Health, Anxiety, ADHD, Body Image, Self-Esteem, School Avoidance, and much,much more.
- Always Evolving: See something missing? Let us know, and we'll add it!
- Interactive Webinars & Parenting Courses: Monthly live sessions with subject area experts and Q&A. Access a host of parenting courses held online and real time throughout the academic year.
- Relevant Topics: We expand our content regularly based on the issues parents, carers and educators are experiencing and discussing, ensuring timely and targeted support.
- Empowerment: Learn about the importance of emotional resilience and wellbeing for both adults and children as well as the impact that this can have on behaviours.
- Safe Space: For parents and carers within a dedicated online community. A space within which they can speak openly and seek peer support in a moderated environment, free from the noise of social media.
- Supportive Network: Just as with the work that we do we know that building positive relationships is at the heart of driving effective change. We provide the platform for parents to connect with one another and take their frustrations away from community social media pages
- Monitored Trends: We keep an eye on emerging issues and provide feedback and solutions promptly
