David Pattison Counseling
Individual psychotherapy in a calm, judgment-free space
Talk to a therapist about what’s really going on.
If you’ve been feeling anxious, stuck, overwhelmed, or just not like yourself lately, therapy can help you make sense of it and move forward. I’m David Pattison, a licensed psychotherapist offering one-on-one counseling for adults and young adults.
Start with a free 20-minute consultation to see if we’re a good fit and get clear on what you’d like from therapy—no pressure, no obligation.
- Understand what’s driving your stress, anxiety, or low mood
- Learn what starting therapy with me practically looks like
- Get suggestions for how to get the most out of our first few sessions
Sessions are held online via secure video. Serving clients across the region.
Meet your therapist
Hi, I’m David Pattison.
I’m a licensed psychotherapist specializing in anxiety, life transitions, relationship challenges, and feeling stuck or burned out. Clients often come to me when they’ve been “holding it together” for a long time on the outside but feel anything but okay on the inside.
My style is warm, collaborative, and grounded. I bring evidence-based approaches—such as CBT, ACT, and insight-oriented therapy—into a conversation that feels human, practical, and focused on what matters most to you.
In our work together, you can expect a space where all of you is welcome—your questions, your doubts, your fears, and your hopes for something different.
Is therapy with me a good fit?
You don’t have to wait for a crisis to get support.
Many of my clients describe themselves as thoughtful, responsible people who are used to “handling it” on their own—until they realize they’re exhausted from doing it all alone.
You might be struggling with:
- Persistent worry, racing thoughts, or panic
- Feeling down, unmotivated, or disconnected
- High-functioning anxiety or burnout at work or school
- Conflict, loneliness, or patterns repeating in relationships
Therapy can help you:
- Feel calmer and more grounded in daily life
- Understand and shift unhelpful patterns
- Set boundaries that protect your time and energy
- Reconnect with what actually feels meaningful to you
You’re welcome here if you’re:
- Starting therapy for the first time
- Returning after a break and wanting a fresh start
- Unsure whether therapy is right for you and just wanting to explore
- Looking for a therapist who is thoughtful, direct, and compassionate
Starting therapy with me
A clear, simple process from first contact to first session.
Therapy can feel intimidating if you’re not sure what to expect. Here’s exactly what happens when you reach out for a free consultation.
Step 1
Reach out for a free consultation
You submit the short form on this page with a bit about what brings you in. I’ll respond within one business day with available times and any quick clarifying questions.
Step 2
We meet for 20 minutes online
During the consultation, you can share what’s bringing you to therapy, ask any questions, and get a feel for my style. I’ll offer initial thoughts on how we might work together and what you could focus on in therapy.
Step 3
You decide how you’d like to move forward
If it feels like a good fit, we’ll schedule your first full session and I’ll share simple intake forms. If not, I’m happy to offer referrals or suggestions for other next steps. Either way, you’ll leave with more clarity than you had before.
Getting the most out of therapy
A few guidelines I share with new clients.
Therapy is most powerful when it feels like a real, honest conversation. Here are a few ways to make our work together as helpful as possible—whether you’ve been in therapy before or this is your first time.
- Come as you are, not as you think you “should” be. You don’t have to have the perfect explanation before you show up. We’ll sort through it together.
- Say the thing you’re afraid to say. If something feels confusing, uncomfortable, or not quite right in therapy, naming it is often where the real work begins.
- Notice what comes up between sessions. Jot down thoughts, reactions, or situations that you’d like to bring in—we can use them as a roadmap.
- Be curious, not perfect. Progress in therapy is rarely linear. Our goal is understanding and choice, not flawless performance.
During our consultation, I’ll also share more specific suggestions tailored to what you’re bringing in, so you can feel oriented before your first full session.
It’s okay if you don’t know where to start.
You don’t need the perfect “therapy story” prepared. Many people begin by saying, “I’m not even sure how to talk about this…” and that is more than enough.
Part of my role is to help you turn vague, heavy feelings into clear, workable pieces we can explore together at a pace that feels safe for you.
“Therapy with David has been a place where I could finally say things out loud that I'd been carrying alone for years. I leave our sessions feeling clearer, lighter, and more able to handle my life without pretending everything is fine.”
— Former client (shared with permission, identifying details changed)
Individual results vary, but many clients describe a similar sense of relief in having a dedicated, consistent space to sort through what they’ve been holding.
Questions about getting started
Therapy logistics, in plain language.
If you have a question that isn’t answered here, feel free to ask during your consultation or include it in your initial message.
What happens in the free consultation?
The consultation is a 20-minute video call focused on you getting a sense of what it would be like to work together. I’ll invite you to share what’s been going on, what you’re hoping might be different, and any questions you have for me. I’ll share how I might approach your concerns and what early sessions could look like. There’s no obligation to schedule further sessions unless it feels like a good fit.
Do you offer online or in-person sessions?
At this time, I offer sessions online via a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform. Many clients appreciate the flexibility and comfort of meeting from home or a private space. If you’ve never done therapy online before, I’m happy to walk you through what to expect and how to set yourself up for a focused, private experience.
How often would we meet and for how long?
Most clients start with weekly 50-minute sessions so we can build momentum and a strong foundation together. As therapy progresses, we may decide to move to every other week or a different rhythm based on your needs, goals, and what’s realistic in your life.
What about fees and insurance?
We’ll discuss current fees and payment options during your consultation so you have clear information before committing. I can provide invoices (superbills) you may submit to your insurance for possible out-of-network reimbursement, depending on your plan. I’m also happy to talk about budgeting, frequency, and ways to make therapy sustainable for you.
What if I’m not sure therapy is right for me?
That’s a completely valid place to be. You’re welcome to use the consultation purely as a space to explore that question. Together we can look at what you’re carrying, what you’ve already tried, and whether therapy—or something else—might be the next best step for you.
Free 20-minute consultation
Request your free consultation
Share a bit about what you’d like support with, and you’ll receive a follow-up within 1–2 business days to schedule your free 20-minute video consultation. There is no obligation to continue afterward.
- Meet via secure online video from wherever you are
- Talk through what’s been most on your mind lately
- Get a sense of whether working together feels like a good fit
- Ask questions about therapy, fees, and scheduling
Your information is kept confidential and used only to follow up about scheduling. If you are in crisis or concerned about immediate safety, please contact emergency services or a local crisis line instead of using this form.