Dave the Counsellor

Dave the Counsellor David is a registered mental health practitioner. He has more than 20 years of counselling experience. No Referral Require.

Investing in yourself and putting yourself first is a big step in creating a better life. David Nielsen is a skilled and insightful counsellor with over 20 years' professional experience. He is a member of the Australian Counselling Association, and has worked extensively in the private, public and not-for-profit sectors. David specialises in providing effective therapeutic support to adolescents, individual adults, couples and families. David is down-to-earth, nonjudgmental and respectful: he creates a safe and trusting environment for his clients to discuss, explore, and resolve their concerns. Even in the most trying of circumstances, David gives his clients the support they need to turn their most challenging circumstances into opportunities for positive change. David equips his clients with practical strategies and workable solutions to all manner of concerns and difficulties. David is especially skilled at helping clients to manage conflict and improve their relationships. David has a client-centred and outcome-focused approach to counselling. He tailors each session according to his clients’ unique personal needs and situations. David integrates several contemporary modalities of counselling into his practice, including Gottman Method Couples Therapy, Systemic Family Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy. He is strongly committed to helping his clients achieve their personal and professional life goals. David is a Level 4 Member of the Australian Counselling Association and is on the Australian National Register of Counsellors. A Clinical Member of the ACA,

Has graduated from an ACA Accredited Course of study at minimum Degree Level. Has a minimum of 6 years post qualification counselling experience, including minimum 1,000 client contact hours. Has completed a minimum of 100 hours Professional Supervision and completes 10 hours Professional Supervision per annum. Completes 25 Points of ACA approved Ongoing Professional Development per annum. David has completed Level 2 Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy, and he uses Gottman Method Couples Therapy in his therapy work.. David has completed training in family education and therapy with a special interest in relationship counselling, addiction and sexuality. David has been a trainer and lecturer in a large national counselling organisation, and has three counselling qualifications. David has been a popular international speaker on issues related to family, marriage and sexuality. He has also managed a not-for-profit counselling centre and has supervised a wide variety of people, including counsellors and administrators. He has also had experience in a large NFP where most of the workers were volunteers, and where people skills were even more critical. BA Family Therapy
Adv Dip Counselling and Family Therapy
M.A.C.A (Level 4)
MBTI Accredited
Prepare/Enrich Accredited Presenter

16/07/2025

Depression is not a chemical imbalance. The idea that depression stems from a simple chemical imbalance, particularly involving serotonin, has been widely circulated for decades. But comprehensive reviews now challenge that narrative.
🔍 What the science says:
• A major umbrella review led by researchers at University College London found no convincing evidence that depression is caused by low serotonin levels or reduced serotonin activity.
• The “chemical imbalance” theory gained traction in the late 1980s with the rise of SSRIs like Prozac, but it was more of a marketing simplification than a scientific certainty.
• Studies that artificially lowered serotonin in healthy individuals didn’t consistently induce depression, further weakening the serotonin-depression link.
đź§  A more nuanced view:
• Depression appears to be a complex interplay of genetic vulnerability, brain circuitry, environmental stressors, and personal history—not just neurotransmitter levels.
• Researchers are now exploring how neuroplasticity, trauma, and social context shape depressive experiences. For example, adverse life events show a strong correlation with depression onset.
đź’ˇ Why this matters:
• Many people have been led to believe their depression is purely biochemical, which can feel disempowering. But if depression is more about how we respond to life, it opens doors to healing through therapy, mindfulness, and meaning-making.

The shift doesn’t invalidate medication—it just reframes it as one tool among many.

Send a message to learn more

Address

49 Philip Avenue
Dickson, ACT
2602

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 7pm
Tuesday 9am - 7pm
Wednesday 9am - 7pm
Thursday 9am - 7pm
Friday 9am - 7pm
Saturday 10am - 12pm

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