David

Mr David Chessman

Specialist Wellness Counselor

“Dialectical Behaviour Skills trainer. 34 years experience working in Multinationals. Registered Specialist Wellness Counsellor.”

About Me

Drawing on 34 years in multinational environments, I understand the unique pressures of corporate life. As a Specialist Wellness Counsellor, I equip clients with practical Dialectical Behaviour Skills. We focus on tools for managing stress, emotional challenges, and building resilience. This background helps professionals navigate demanding careers, fostering well-being and a stronger sense of self.

Approach

My approach is practical and skills-focused, scaffolding clear emotion-regulation and distress-tolerance techniques into everyday work and home routines. I offer sessions in English from Sandton and online, pacing appointments to fit busy professional timetables and short windows between meetings. You’ll leave with simple exercises to practice between sessions, a brief debrief on what helped, and stepwise plans to prevent burnout and stabilise mood. This style suits adolescents and adults navigating career pressure, relationship strain and overwhelming stress.
Contact David

Ask a quick question or arrange a time to meet.

Basic Information

Services

Services Offered:

  • •
    Counseling

    A form of talk therapy providing a safe, confidential space to explore feelings, thoughts, and behaviours with a trained professional.

    Learn more about Counseling

Works With:

  • •Adolescents
  • •Adults

Area of Expertise

Scope of Practice:

  • •
    Life Transitions

    Major life changes, such as relocation, retirement, parenthood, or career shifts, that disrupt routine and require psychological adjustment.

    Learn more about Life Transitions
  • •
    Behaviour or Conduct Issues

    Persistent patterns of defiant, aggressive, or rule-breaking behaviour in children or adolescents that significantly disrupt home, school, or social life.

  • •
    Stress / Burnout

    The body and mind's response to prolonged or excessive demands. When sustained, it can lead to emotional exhaustion, detachment, and reduced functioning (burnout).

    Learn more about Stress / Burnout
  • •
    Self-Esteem

    A person's overall sense of their own worth and value. When chronically low, it can drive self-doubt, avoidance, and difficulty in relationships.

    Learn more about Self-Esteem
  • •
    Anxiety

    Persistent worry, nervousness, or fear that is disproportionate to the situation and interferes with daily functioning.

    Learn more about Anxiety
  • •
    Inadequacy

    A persistent inner sense of not being good enough, often rooted in early experiences and manifesting as self-doubt, comparison, or avoidance.

  • •
    Relationship Issues

    Difficulties in romantic relationships, including communication problems, trust breakdowns, conflict patterns, or uncertainty about the relationship's future.

    Learn more about Relationship Issues
  • •
    Mood Disorder

    A category of mental health conditions, including depression and bipolar disorder, in which a person's emotional state is significantly and persistently disrupted.

    Learn more about Mood Disorder
  • •
    Suicidal Thoughts

    Thoughts about ending one's own life, ranging from passive wishes to active plans. This is a sign of severe emotional distress that requires professional support.

    Learn more about Suicidal Thoughts

Professional Title:

  • •
    Specialist Wellness Counselor

    A counselor specialising in holistic well-being, integrating mental, emotional, and lifestyle support.

Qualifications

University of South Africa (UNISA)

University of South Africa (UNISA)

Witwatersrand University

Institute of Marketing Management

Registrations

Association for Supportive Counsellors and Holistic Practitioners (ASCHP)

Specialist Wellness Counselor

Service Area

Lonehill

In-person & Online

Fourways

Sandton, Gauteng

South Africa