ICH Counselling:
insight, change and healing.
I'm David Stark. I set up ICH Counselling to operate my private practice.
I'm an integrative counsellor. I use techniques from several therapeutic traditions in order to meet your needs. I always put you, the client, at the heart of the counselling that I offer. It's my job to support you through the challenges that life may throw at you.
I believe counselling involves 3 key tasks:
Insight - developing an understanding of your self and your concerns. Many of us repeat patterns in our lives or find ourselves caught in difficult situations without knowing why. I can help you build insight into your self, your relationships and your patterns.
Change - most clients come to counselling because they want to make some kind of change in their lives. I can provide the support and therapeutic help which may enable you to enact some changes in your life.
Healing - in therapeutic terms I see healing as the way in which we recover from emotional injuries or trauma, much like the way a wound may need time to repair. For some healing has a spiritual aspect, for others it is solely about being in a better place. I can support you in the process of healing.


Areas of specialism
Bereavement
University students and staff
Men's issues






Grief can feel overwhelming, isolating, and unpredictable. I provide compassionate support to help you process your loss at your own pace. Whether your bereavement is recent or long-standing, we can work together to find meaning and resilience in the midst of sorrow.
University life can be exciting—but also stressful, confusing, and lonely. I have over 10 years experience working therapeutically with students facing academic pressure, identity struggles, anxiety, and life transitions. Together, we’ll create a space where you can speak freely about your concerns.
Men often face unique challenges around emotional expression, identity, relationships, and societal expectations. I offer a non-judgmental environment where you can explore these issues openly and authentically.




Anxiety
Depression & low mood
It's normal to experience anxiety sometimes. But when the feelings of anxiety start to limit what you can do or feel overwhelming then it's time to reach out for help. I can help you understand your anxiety and change your patterns so that you can conquer your fears.
Depression is different from feeling sad. We all experience times of low mood. But if you stop enjoying things that you usually would enjoy, it may be time to seek help. Sleep disruption is another common sign of depression. I can help you understand and process these feelings.
Frequently asked questions
What counselling can help with
The counselling that I provide can help with various concerns. My areas of specialism are working with students in higher education. I have worked for over 10 years as a clinician in university counselling services, and have plenty of expertise in the challenges facing university students. I currently work in a major London university. I also specialise in working with bereaved clients. During my original training, I specialised in the area of bereavement counselling and have continued to develop my research, expertise and knowledge in this area. I have extensive experience working with male clients and the unique challenges that men face in the world today.
I also help clients with concerns such as anxiety, low mood, depression and identity issues. I work with clients of all backgrounds.
How I work
I believe that there are 3 key tasks in counselling - insight, change and healing. Most clients come to counselling to deal with a problem in their lives. Developing insight into how we operate in the world, the patterns we repeat and the way we act in relationships can be very helpful in getting to know ourselves better. Most clients want to make some kind of change in their life. I can help you identify what those changes might be and work with you to figure out how to get there. For some, healing is also important - especially for those who have experienced trauma or hurt in their lives. I can support you to navigate through the pain and hopefully reach a place of healing. For clients who have a spiritual perspective on the world this can be helpful. I work with clients of all faiths and clients who don’t have a faith.
I never seek to impose any ideas or judgements on you. My job is to understand you, support you and work with you to help you navigate the challenges life throws at you. I can collaborate with you on finding your solutions and ways of coping. I believe that the best way to help clients is by building a strong rapport and this is what I always try to do. My starting point for this is by being as authentic and straightforward with you as possible.
What happens during the first appointment?
The first session is an assessment appointment which lasts for 90 minutes, longer than the regular counselling appointments of 50 minutes.
During this first meeting you will have the opportunity to tell me about what is going on for you and what kind of help you are looking for. I’m happy to answer questions you may have about counselling and about how I work.
I usually ask various questions to find out more about your current situation, your family history, previous experiences of therapy, your health and wellbeing, friendships and relationships. I require all clients to share their GP contact details and an emergency contact. These are only used if I’m concerned that you are at risk of coming to serious harm, and I will always inform you before taking this kind of action.
I am not able to work with clients who are currently suicidal. I am happy to direct you to appropriate services via the NHS and other support organisations such as the Samaritans.
The assessment appointment is a chance for us to get to know each other and to decide if we want to work together. If I feel that I am not the best therapist to help with your concerns I will inform you and support you in seeking another therapist. Equally, you have the right to choose whether you would like to work with me.
How many sessions do you need?
The number of sessions can be negotiated during the assessment appointment and reviewed throughout the course of the sessions. I offer both short and longer term counselling. I normally suggest that we contract to meet for 6 appointments after the initial meeting. We can review how the sessions are going and if we agree it would be beneficial and appropriate to continue.
As a rule of thumb, I usually suggest that you come to sessions for as long as you find it helpful. If you no longer feel the need to attend sessions we can arrange a final appointment. I encourage all clients to attend a final appointment, agreed in advance, so that we can have a clear ending, conclude our work together and say goodbye.
Fees and payment
50 minute counselling session £70
90 minute initial counselling assessment £90
Please make payment for all appointments in advance of the session. I will provide full payment details once we have agreed to book a session.
Confidentiality and GDPR
I am registered with the Information Commissioner’s office as a data controller. This means that I am GDPR compliant in storing confidential data.
What happens during your appointments is confidential. There are certain circumstances where I may need to break the confidentiality.
If you are at risk of coming to serious harm, I may need to contact your GP or your emergency contact to alert them to the risk to your safety/wellbeing.
If there is a legal requirement for me to disclose information.
Concerns about the counselling
If you have any concerns about the counselling or any aspect of your experience of working with me, I always encourage you to discuss this with me directly in the first instance.
If this does not resolve your concerns, you can contact the BACP to discuss the issue.
Professional accreditations
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