FindGottmanTherapists

The therapist listings come from BetterHelp. We will earn a commission if you sign up through our link, at no cost to you.

DC Portrait of David Chittenden

David Chittenden

Down-to-earth counsellor for relationships and stress

ACA Australia

Experience
16 years in practice
Focus areas
Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Family
Approaches
Gottman Method, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Languages
English

About David

David Chittenden is an ACA counsellor with 16 years of clinical experience in Australia. He aims to make therapy straightforward and practical.

Background and approach

He encourages people to take that first step and talks through what they want to change before planning sessions together. David focuses on everyday problems like stress, anxiety and low self-esteem.

He helps with relationship and intimacy concerns, family conflict, parenting stress and career pressure. He also supports people facing grief, trauma, chronic illness and the challenges of major life change.

His work often includes attention to sexual diversity, kink and BDSM culture, and issues that come up in blended families. He also helps people with commitment and communication problems, codependency, and coping with dissociation or co-morbidity.

David uses straightforward language and practical steps rather than clinical jargon. Therapy sessions are shaped around each person.

David draws on a mix of approaches, including the Gottman Method for relationship work and cognitive and existential ideas for individuals. He adapts the pace and style to match what someone needs and what feels achievable.

People who contact him can expect a respectful, non-judgemental space to talk about difficult topics. He works collaboratively to set goals and build skills for day-to-day life.

If you want clear, down-to-earth help with relationships or personal stress, he aims to make the process manageable and useful.

How David's Approaches Work Online

David often combines the Gottman Method for relationship work with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to help people change patterns in thinking and behaviour. The Gottman Method focuses on improving communication, managing conflict and rebuilding connection in relationships. CBT looks at unhelpful thoughts and builds practical skills to reduce anxiety, low mood and stress.

He also draws on existential ideas when people are facing major life questions or transitions. Existential therapy helps people weigh values, find meaning and make clearer choices about the life they want. Together, these approaches give both practical tools and a chance to reflect on deeper concerns in a collaborative way.

Online sessions are offered by video call, phone, live chat or text-based messaging to fit different needs. Video is useful for longer therapy work that benefits from visual cues. Phone works well when bandwidth is limited or for a focused check-in. Live chat and text messaging suit shorter updates or when someone prefers writing to speaking. These options make it easier to fit therapy around work, family or mobility limits while keeping the focus on clear goals and usable strategies.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does David help with?
He works with stress, anxiety, depression and relationship issues, plus family conflict, parenting challenges and intimacy-related concerns.
What is his therapeutic style like?
David uses plain language and practical techniques to solve everyday problems. He combines relationship work with individual strategies for coping and growth.
How much experience does he have?
He has 16 years of professional experience working with a wide range of concerns in Australia.
What credentials and location are listed?
He is listed with the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) and practises in Australia.
Which languages and international clients are supported?
Sessions are offered in English. He is not accepting international clients at this time.
What session formats are available?
Sessions can be done via video calls, phone sessions, live chat or text-based messaging.
How is cost handled for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, then schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemCoping with life changes

Also works with

LGBTTrauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersParenting issuesAnger managementCareer difficultiesDepressionCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD

Therapeutic approaches

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)Existential TherapyGottman MethodHypnotherapyJungian TherapyMindfulness TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapyInternal Family Systems

Experience

16+ years

Registered with

ACA

Languages

English