Promoting positive Mental Health & Well-being.
Promoting positive Mental Health & Well-being.
We’re passionate about creating positive change, both in our own lives and in the lives of others. There's something truly rewarding about making a real difference. Life can be tough, and everyone faces challenges. Talking Therapy offers a safe space for those who need support, especially during stressful times or difficult events. In everything we do, we aim to offer hope, guidance, and practical tools to help people through life’s toughest moments.
D R Downes Associates employs highly trained, experienced, and licensed staff to support clients. Our key personnel have over 15,000 clinical hours and 16 years of experience in mental health and workplace well-being.
They are accredited psychological practitioners and approved experts for Medico-Legal case management and private healthcare insurers.
Most of us are creatures of habit. When things go as planned, we feel in control. But, what happens when life throws a series of severe and mutually reinforcing shocks: COVID 19 pandemic the Ukraine war, food and energy crisis, surging inflation, debt tightening, as well as the climate emergency. All of these of which have contributed to battering the world economy in 2025. it's natural to feel overwhelmed, anxious or stressed.
David’s journey began in the Royal Navy, where he served on submarines before transitioning to civilian life. He went on to found a successful IT startup in the North West, which grew to employ 115 people across six locations before being sold in the late 90s. Along the way, David also earned both his CAA and FAA Pilot's License, showcasing his passion for continuous learning. Eventually, he retrained in psychotherapy, driven by a desire to help others.
With a background in both military service and business leadership, David has developed a strong ability to connect with people from all walks of life. He’s worked with everyone from serving and retired military personnel to government employees and senior business executives, using his experiences to engage and communicate effectively with diverse audiences.
David’s personal experience with adult ADHD adds another layer to his story. Diagnosed later in life, he has learned to navigate the challenges of ADHD, which has given him valuable insights into how it impacts daily life.
This experience has not only helped shape his work but also deepened his ability to relate to others facing similar challenges, allowing him to offer genuine support and understanding to clients dealing with ADHD and other personal or professional hurdles.
Rebecca’s career began in strategic human resource management and talent acquisition, where she had the opportunity to work with start-ups, non-profits, and global brands. Throughout her journey, she supported organizations and their employees through periods of change, and in doing so, developed a deep understanding of how critical context is to navigating transitions successfully.
Alongside her professional achievements, Rebecca was a single mother of three, neurodiverse, and living with chronic pain. She has also overcome a history of abuse, navigated significant, complicated grief, shaping her deep empathy and resilience.
Rebecca’s natural passion for helping people grow and build meaningful relationships eventually led her to make a career shift. She retrained as a psychotherapist, alongside her husband, and they both became accredited professionals. Now, Rebecca combines her business expertise with her desire to help others navigate their personal journeys.
Her own life experiences, along with her professional background, allows her to approach her work with a unique blend of compassion and insight, offering support to those facing challenges, whether in personal growth, life transitions, or mental health.
D R Downes & Associates
We began our journey in Integrative Counselling Psychotherapy over 15 years ago, and since then, we've continued to grow and refine our skills. We expanded our knowledge through Cognitive Behavioural Therapy training at university and a one-year course in Clinical Supervision.
Our expertise in EMDR Therapy was shaped by training with two former Presidents of the EMDR Association of the UK & Ireland, followed by further accredited training in Children & Adolescents through EMDR Europe.
Along the way, we’ve deepened our knowledge with additional training in areas such as Neuroscience of Trauma, Dissociation, Ego State, Feeling State Addiction Protocol, Image Transformation Therapy, Somatic CBT, Critical Incident Stress Debriefing, and HeartMath Resilience Coaching.
Further studies at King’s College London, known for its research in ADHD and related disorders, combined with a Master’s degree in Coaching and Mentoring from Chester University, allow us to bring a holistic approach to both mental health support and professional coaching services.
We are not qualified medical doctor’s and are therefore unable to provide diagnosis/advice services in support of any medical condition. However, in seeking to design a treatment program for any given client, a formulation of the clients presenting symptoms, supported by psychometrics collected, is used in developing a working hypothesis.
Such an hypothesis is further supported by the criteria’s as set out in the International Classification of Diseases – 11th Revision (ICD-11), and/or the The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders – 5th Edition (DSM-V). In session, we deliver treatments based upon the Biological, Psychological and Socialogic model of a clients presentation (BioPsychoSocial).
Although not medically qualified, we might express an opinion based upon many years of experience working with clients. Especially, as to how the client might alleviate their symptoms based upon the BiopPsychoSocial model. Such opinions are just that and it is entirely a matter for the client to discuss such opinions with their GP.
Therapy isn’t easy and can be, at times distressing for a client. Coming from an integrative trained backgrounds. We may use an eclectic blend of different styles of approaches. Especially with what we believe or feel’s our experience tells us will work best. Either in general or suiting the often immediate needs of our clients. Whilst working within our own preferences and capabilities as practitioners.
In supporting GP’s, Private Healthcare & EAP Providers, Medical legal insurers, Solicitors and Self-Referrals. Our commitment to continuing professional development (CPD) ensures, we continue to be competent in our profession.
For us it’s an ongoing process and shouldn’t be underestimated, as it is a career-long obligation for us as practicing professionals. Ultimately it safeguards our clients, profession and our professional career’s.
Our passion and determination ensures we remain at the leading edge of our profession.