David Pender

I work flexible hours within reason to accommodate the lives of my clients - for example, evening appointments are no problem up until 8 PM.  Please with me for availability. 

Feeling Overwhelmed? You’re Not Alone.

If you're finding that daily life feels increasingly overwhelming, like you're running on empty, emotions swinging unpredictably, or a lingering sense of unease about what's ahead, you’re not imagining it. Anxiety can creep in quietly, until eventually it colours every aspect of life.

My name is David Pender, and I work across two private therapy practices in the heart of London. My method is rooted in a collaborative, strengths-based approach, where you remain the expert of your journey, and I walk alongside you. Together, we’ll slow the spiral of stress, restore regulation to your nervous system, and cultivate your inner resilience so you can navigate anxiety with greater confidence and calm.

Reclaiming Balance, Purpose, and Clarity

When the foundations of wellbeing, personal growth, health, relationships, purpose, and security are in sync, life can feel intensely satisfying. But when one or more of these areas fall out of alignment, the effects ripple: joy fades, motivation stalls, and peace of mind slips away.

The good news? Imbalance isn’t a life sentence; it’s a signal. And with the proper support, it’s possible to realign your life and rediscover what gives it meaning. If you’re unsure where to begin, we can explore together.

Client Reflections

Clients often tell me that solution-focused therapy offers a refreshing shift from problem-heavy conversations to building hope and momentum. One shared that while the initial steps were tough, they began to see themselves not through the lens of hardship, but through resilience they hadn’t recognised.

Motivational interviewing, CBT, and directional behaviour therapy all play a role in our work, shining a light on internal strengths, challenging long-held beliefs, and translating insight into action. And mindfulness practices, integrated throughout, provide the tools to stay grounded no matter the weather.

Areas of Focus

• Managing Anxiety
  Targeting intrusive thoughts with CBT tools, tailored coping strategies, and grounding techniques to reduce anxious symptoms.
• Building Self-Esteem
  Cultivating self-acceptance, dismantling critical self-talk, and celebrating progress instead of perfection.
• Overcoming Perfectionism
  Resetting unrealistic standards and exploring the costs of “never enough” thinking.
• Addressing Procrastination
  Tackling avoidance patterns with structured, compassionate tools to boost motivation and follow-through.
• Quieting Catastrophic Thoughts
  Encouraging a presence over ‘what ifs' and nurturing emotional resilience in the face of uncertainty.
• Rediscovering Purpose
  Exploring your core values and desires, reconnecting with what energises and fulfils you.

Relationship tensions, often intensified by anxiety, are another area where many seek support. Overthinking, misinterpretations, and fear-based assumptions can create friction.

Therapy offers a space to untangle those patterns and build stronger emotional insight.

Please visit my  for more information on my service.

Whether you prefer a face-to-face session near London Bridge or King’s Cross, or a convenient online evening appointment, I offer both at affordable rates. A complimentary first call allows us to connect and explore what support might look like for you.

• 馃挰 Online appointments – £60
• 馃獞 In-person sessions – £75

Payments are made weekly in advance via BACS. Let’s take the first step toward easing that inner pressure and finding greater clarity in your life.

I work flexible hours within reason to accommodate the lives of my clients - for example, evening appointments are no problem up until 8 PM.  Please with me for availability. 

Feeling Overwhelmed? You’re Not Alone.

If you're finding that daily life feels increasingly overwhelming, like you're running on empty, emotions swinging unpredictably, or a lingering sense of unease about what's ahead, you’re not imagining it. Anxiety can creep in quietly, until eventually it colours every aspect of life.

My name is David Pender, and I work across two private therapy practices in the heart of London. My method is rooted in a collaborative, strengths-based approach, where you remain the expert of your journey, and I walk alongside you. Together, we’ll slow the spiral of stress, restore regulation to your nervous system, and cultivate your inner resilience so you can navigate anxiety with greater confidence and calm.

Reclaiming Balance, Purpose, and Clarity

When the foundations of wellbeing, personal growth, health, relationships, purpose, and security are in sync, life can feel intensely satisfying. But when one or more of these areas fall out of alignment, the effects ripple: joy fades, motivation stalls, and peace of mind slips away.

The good news? Imbalance isn’t a life sentence; it’s a signal. And with the proper support, it’s possible to realign your life and rediscover what gives it meaning. If you’re unsure where to begin, we can explore together.

Client Reflections

Clients often tell me that solution-focused therapy offers a refreshing shift from problem-heavy conversations to building hope and momentum. One shared that while the initial steps were tough, they began to see themselves not through the lens of hardship, but through resilience they hadn’t recognised.

Motivational interviewing, CBT, and directional behaviour therapy all play a role in our work, shining a light on internal strengths, challenging long-held beliefs, and translating insight into action. And mindfulness practices, integrated throughout, provide the tools to stay grounded no matter the weather.

Areas of Focus

• Managing Anxiety
  Targeting intrusive thoughts with CBT tools, tailored coping strategies, and grounding techniques to reduce anxious symptoms.
• Building Self-Esteem
  Cultivating self-acceptance, dismantling critical self-talk, and celebrating progress instead of perfection.
• Overcoming Perfectionism
  Resetting unrealistic standards and exploring the costs of “never enough” thinking.
• Addressing Procrastination
  Tackling avoidance patterns with structured, compassionate tools to boost motivation and follow-through.
• Quieting Catastrophic Thoughts
  Encouraging a presence over ‘what ifs' and nurturing emotional resilience in the face of uncertainty.
• Rediscovering Purpose
  Exploring your core values and desires, reconnecting with what energises and fulfils you.

Relationship tensions, often intensified by anxiety, are another area where many seek support. Overthinking, misinterpretations, and fear-based assumptions can create friction.

Therapy offers a space to untangle those patterns and build stronger emotional insight.

Please visit my  for more information on my service.

Whether you prefer a face-to-face session near London Bridge or King’s Cross, or a convenient online evening appointment, I offer both at affordable rates. A complimentary first call allows us to connect and explore what support might look like for you.

• 馃挰 Online appointments – £60
• 馃獞 In-person sessions – £75

Payments are made weekly in advance via BACS. Let’s take the first step toward easing that inner pressure and finding greater clarity in your life.

I work flexible hours within reason to accommodate the lives of my clients - for example, evening appointments are no problem up until 8 PM.  Please with me for availability. 

Feeling Overwhelmed? You’re Not Alone.

If you're finding that daily life feels increasingly overwhelming, like you're running on empty, emotions swinging unpredictably, or a lingering sense of unease about what's ahead, you’re not imagining it. Anxiety can creep in quietly, until eventually it colours every aspect of life.

My name is David Pender, and I work across two private therapy practices in the heart of London. My method is rooted in a collaborative, strengths-based approach, where you remain the expert of your journey, and I walk alongside you. Together, we’ll slow the spiral of stress, restore regulation to your nervous system, and cultivate your inner resilience so you can navigate anxiety with greater confidence and calm.

Reclaiming Balance, Purpose, and Clarity

When the foundations of wellbeing, personal growth, health, relationships, purpose, and security are in sync, life can feel intensely satisfying. But when one or more of these areas fall out of alignment, the effects ripple: joy fades, motivation stalls, and peace of mind slips away.

The good news? Imbalance isn’t a life sentence; it’s a signal. And with the proper support, it’s possible to realign your life and rediscover what gives it meaning. If you’re unsure where to begin, we can explore together.

Client Reflections

Clients often tell me that solution-focused therapy offers a refreshing shift from problem-heavy conversations to building hope and momentum. One shared that while the initial steps were tough, they began to see themselves not through the lens of hardship, but through resilience they hadn’t recognised.

Motivational interviewing, CBT, and directional behaviour therapy all play a role in our work, shining a light on internal strengths, challenging long-held beliefs, and translating insight into action. And mindfulness practices, integrated throughout, provide the tools to stay grounded no matter the weather.

Areas of Focus

• Managing Anxiety
  Targeting intrusive thoughts with CBT tools, tailored coping strategies, and grounding techniques to reduce anxious symptoms.
• Building Self-Esteem
  Cultivating self-acceptance, dismantling critical self-talk, and celebrating progress instead of perfection.
• Overcoming Perfectionism
  Resetting unrealistic standards and exploring the costs of “never enough” thinking.
• Addressing Procrastination
  Tackling avoidance patterns with structured, compassionate tools to boost motivation and follow-through.
• Quieting Catastrophic Thoughts
  Encouraging a presence over ‘what ifs' and nurturing emotional resilience in the face of uncertainty.
• Rediscovering Purpose
  Exploring your core values and desires, reconnecting with what energises and fulfils you.

Relationship tensions, often intensified by anxiety, are another area where many seek support. Overthinking, misinterpretations, and fear-based assumptions can create friction.

Therapy offers a space to untangle those patterns and build stronger emotional insight.

Please visit my  for more information on my service.

Whether you prefer a face-to-face session near London Bridge or King’s Cross, or a convenient online evening appointment, I offer both at affordable rates. A complimentary first call allows us to connect and explore what support might look like for you.

• 馃挰 Online appointments – £60
• 馃獞 In-person sessions – £75

Payments are made weekly in advance via BACS. Let’s take the first step toward easing that inner pressure and finding greater clarity in your life.

I work flexible hours within reason to accommodate the lives of my clients - for example, evening appointments are no problem up until 8 PM.  Please with me for availability. 

Feeling Overwhelmed? You’re Not Alone.

If you're finding that daily life feels increasingly overwhelming, like you're running on empty, emotions swinging unpredictably, or a lingering sense of unease about what's ahead, you’re not imagining it. Anxiety can creep in quietly, until eventually it colours every aspect of life.

My name is David Pender, and I work across two private therapy practices in the heart of London. My method is rooted in a collaborative, strengths-based approach, where you remain the expert of your journey, and I walk alongside you. Together, we’ll slow the spiral of stress, restore regulation to your nervous system, and cultivate your inner resilience so you can navigate anxiety with greater confidence and calm.

Reclaiming Balance, Purpose, and Clarity

When the foundations of wellbeing, personal growth, health, relationships, purpose, and security are in sync, life can feel intensely satisfying. But when one or more of these areas fall out of alignment, the effects ripple: joy fades, motivation stalls, and peace of mind slips away.

The good news? Imbalance isn’t a life sentence; it’s a signal. And with the proper support, it’s possible to realign your life and rediscover what gives it meaning. If you’re unsure where to begin, we can explore together.

Client Reflections

Clients often tell me that solution-focused therapy offers a refreshing shift from problem-heavy conversations to building hope and momentum. One shared that while the initial steps were tough, they began to see themselves not through the lens of hardship, but through resilience they hadn’t recognised.

Motivational interviewing, CBT, and directional behaviour therapy all play a role in our work, shining a light on internal strengths, challenging long-held beliefs, and translating insight into action. And mindfulness practices, integrated throughout, provide the tools to stay grounded no matter the weather.

Areas of Focus

• Managing Anxiety
  Targeting intrusive thoughts with CBT tools, tailored coping strategies, and grounding techniques to reduce anxious symptoms.
• Building Self-Esteem
  Cultivating self-acceptance, dismantling critical self-talk, and celebrating progress instead of perfection.
• Overcoming Perfectionism
  Resetting unrealistic standards and exploring the costs of “never enough” thinking.
• Addressing Procrastination
  Tackling avoidance patterns with structured, compassionate tools to boost motivation and follow-through.
• Quieting Catastrophic Thoughts
  Encouraging a presence over ‘what ifs' and nurturing emotional resilience in the face of uncertainty.
• Rediscovering Purpose
  Exploring your core values and desires, reconnecting with what energises and fulfils you.

Relationship tensions, often intensified by anxiety, are another area where many seek support. Overthinking, misinterpretations, and fear-based assumptions can create friction.

Therapy offers a space to untangle those patterns and build stronger emotional insight.

Please visit my  for more information on my service.

Whether you prefer a face-to-face session near London Bridge or King’s Cross, or a convenient online evening appointment, I offer both at affordable rates. A complimentary first call allows us to connect and explore what support might look like for you.

• 馃挰 Online appointments – £60
• 馃獞 In-person sessions – £75

Payments are made weekly in advance via BACS. Let’s take the first step toward easing that inner pressure and finding greater clarity in your life.

I work flexible hours within reason to accommodate the lives of my clients - for example, evening appointments are no problem up until 8 PM.  Please with me for availability. 

Feeling Overwhelmed? You’re Not Alone.

If you're finding that daily life feels increasingly overwhelming, like you're running on empty, emotions swinging unpredictably, or a lingering sense of unease about what's ahead, you’re not imagining it. Anxiety can creep in quietly, until eventually it colours every aspect of life.

My name is David Pender, and I work across two private therapy practices in the heart of London. My method is rooted in a collaborative, strengths-based approach, where you remain the expert of your journey, and I walk alongside you. Together, we’ll slow the spiral of stress, restore regulation to your nervous system, and cultivate your inner resilience so you can navigate anxiety with greater confidence and calm.

Reclaiming Balance, Purpose, and Clarity

When the foundations of wellbeing, personal growth, health, relationships, purpose, and security are in sync, life can feel intensely satisfying. But when one or more of these areas fall out of alignment, the effects ripple: joy fades, motivation stalls, and peace of mind slips away.

The good news? Imbalance isn’t a life sentence; it’s a signal. And with the proper support, it’s possible to realign your life and rediscover what gives it meaning. If you’re unsure where to begin, we can explore together.

Client Reflections

Clients often tell me that solution-focused therapy offers a refreshing shift from problem-heavy conversations to building hope and momentum. One shared that while the initial steps were tough, they began to see themselves not through the lens of hardship, but through resilience they hadn’t recognised.

Motivational interviewing, CBT, and directional behaviour therapy all play a role in our work, shining a light on internal strengths, challenging long-held beliefs, and translating insight into action. And mindfulness practices, integrated throughout, provide the tools to stay grounded no matter the weather.

Areas of Focus

• Managing Anxiety
  Targeting intrusive thoughts with CBT tools, tailored coping strategies, and grounding techniques to reduce anxious symptoms.
• Building Self-Esteem
  Cultivating self-acceptance, dismantling critical self-talk, and celebrating progress instead of perfection.
• Overcoming Perfectionism
  Resetting unrealistic standards and exploring the costs of “never enough” thinking.
• Addressing Procrastination
  Tackling avoidance patterns with structured, compassionate tools to boost motivation and follow-through.
• Quieting Catastrophic Thoughts
  Encouraging a presence over ‘what ifs' and nurturing emotional resilience in the face of uncertainty.
• Rediscovering Purpose
  Exploring your core values and desires, reconnecting with what energises and fulfils you.

Relationship tensions, often intensified by anxiety, are another area where many seek support. Overthinking, misinterpretations, and fear-based assumptions can create friction.

Therapy offers a space to untangle those patterns and build stronger emotional insight.

Please visit my  for more information on my service.

Whether you prefer a face-to-face session near London Bridge or King’s Cross, or a convenient online evening appointment, I offer both at affordable rates. A complimentary first call allows us to connect and explore what support might look like for you.

• 馃挰 Online appointments – £60
• 馃獞 In-person sessions – £75

Payments are made weekly in advance via BACS. Let’s take the first step toward easing that inner pressure and finding greater clarity in your life.

I work flexible hours within reason to accommodate the lives of my clients - for example, evening appointments are no problem up until 9 PM. Please get in touch with me for availability. 

Areas of Focus

Managing Anxiety

Targeting intrusive thoughts with CBT tools, tailored coping strategies, and grounding techniques to reduce anxious symptoms.

Building Self-Esteem

Cultivating self-acceptance, dismantling critical self-talk, and celebrating progress instead of perfection.

Overcoming Perfectionism

Resetting unrealistic standards and exploring the costs of 鈥渘ever enough鈥� thinking.

Addressing Procrastination

Tackling avoidance patterns with structured, compassionate tools to boost motivation and follow-through.

Quieting Catastrophic Thoughts

Encouraging a presence over 鈥榳hat ifs' and nurturing emotional resilience in the face of uncertainty.

Rediscovering Purpose

Exploring your core values and desires, reconnecting with what energises and fulfils you.

Relationship tensions, often intensified by anxiety, are another area where many seek support. Overthinking, misinterpretations, and fear-based assumptions can create friction.

Therapy offers a space to untangle those patterns and build stronger emotional insight.

Please visit my website for more information on my service.

How Anxiety Shows Up in the Mind and Body

As a counsellor, I often meet people who feel overwhelmed by anxiety yet struggle to understand why it affects them. Anxiety can present in a vast array of guises, but at its core, it is an overactivation of the mind and body paired with a deep need to feel calm, safe, and in control. 

Understanding your predominant form of anxiety is an essential first step in beginning effective therapeutic work. 

Where Anxiety Begins:

Early Conditioning and Life Experiences

When clients come to me for anxiety therapy, I begin by understanding their history. Anxiety rarely appears out of nowhere. It often develops from:

鈥� Childhood conditioning

鈥� The nature of early attachment and care

鈥� Conditional love or inconsistent emotional safety

鈥� Expectations placed upon us as we grow

鈥� Setbacks, losses, or overwhelming life events

 Why the Mind Speeds Up: The Body鈥檚 Role in Anxiety

Learning to calm both the mind and body has been a significant part of my own well-being journey, and it is central to the work I do with clients. The amygdala and central nervous system play a huge role in how we think, feel, and behave. 

鈥� Overthinking

鈥� Hypervigilance

鈥� Catastrophising

鈥� Feeling disconnected from the body

How Does Anxiety Show Up for You?

1. Emotional Anxiety

Emotional anxiety often feels like agitation or overwhelm. You may find yourself juggling multiple worries at once, struggling to feel safe, or trying to regain a sense of control.

2. Physical Anxiety

Physical anxiety shows up in the body as tension, tightness, restlessness, or a sense of internal pressure. This is the body holding activated energy that needs to be released.

3. Mental Anxiety

Mental anxiety involves racing thoughts, replaying conversations, imagining worst-case scenarios, or worrying about the future. 

What Type of Anxiety Do You Relate To?

You may recognise yourself in one or more of the following:

鈥� Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

鈥� Social Anxiety

鈥� Stress-related anxiety

鈥� Panic responses

鈥� Phobias

Your first session isn鈥檛 about deep therapy; it鈥檚 about establishing comfort. It鈥檚 about beginning a professional relationship. Think of it as opening the door rather than walking the whole path in one go.

I greet my clients with genuine warmth and an invitation for them to take time to feel comfortable and dispel their fears of engagement in what, for many, is as yet the unknown

There鈥檚 no pressure to dive straight into anything intense.

Before exploring your story, I will outline:

鈥� How sessions work

鈥� Confidentiality and its limits

鈥� My approach or modality

鈥� Practicalities like timing, fees, cancellations

This part is about safety and clarity of the frame that holds the work.

I will invite you when you feel ready to talk about:

鈥� What prompted you to seek counselling

鈥� What鈥檚 been difficult

鈥� What you hope might change

You don鈥檛 need a polished narrative. You can start anywhere. Many people say, 鈥淚鈥檓 not sure where to begin,鈥� and that鈥檚 completely normal.

A good first session feels like:

鈥� Curiosity without pressure

鈥� Questions that help you reflect

鈥� A pace that matches your comfort

You鈥檙e not expected to reveal everything at once. You set the tempo.