Damian Okafor, BACP

Damian Okafor is a counsellor who blends client-centred work with cognitive behavioural tools. He speaks English and Igbo and practices in the United Kingdom. He brings ten years of experience to sessions and aims to make therapy straightforward and respectful.

He keeps sessions warm and interactive. He treats people with sensitivity and avoids stigmatising labels. His starting point is that each person knows their story best, and therapy builds on existing strengths.

Damian uses client-centred methods to create a listening space where people can talk through what matters to them. He also draws on cognitive behavioural therapy, helping people spot unhelpful thinking and try small experiments to change life patterns.

He has worked in GP surgeries and counselling organisations across the UK. That experience shaped a practical, down-to-earth style that focuses on what will help most right now. He has supported people dealing with stress, anxiety, addictions, anger, grief and trauma.

Other areas he often addresses include self-esteem, coping with life changes, intimacy-related issues, parenting pressures, workplace concerns and ADHD. He also offers help around multicultural concerns, immigration issues and difficulties tied to family of origin.

People can expect a collaborative process where goals are agreed and progress reviewed. Damian explains options clearly and adapts sessions to each person’s needs and preferences.

How counselling approaches translate to online work

Client-centred therapy focuses on listening and empathy. Online sessions use that approach to give people space to talk about what matters and to feel heard. It suits issues where understanding and acceptance are the starting point, such as self-esteem, grief or identity concerns.

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) looks at patterns of thinking and behaviour and tries small changes to test new ways of coping. In online sessions CBT can include homework tasks, thought records and step-by-step experiments to reduce anxiety, manage anger or tackle unhelpful routines.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will discuss options, set shared goals and try methods that fit a person's needs and preferences. That collaborative process helps decide whether client-centred listening, CBT techniques or a mix will be most useful.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text-based messaging. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation, phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited, live chat suits brief check-ins and messaging supports ongoing reflection between meetings. These options offer flexibility for different schedules and practical circumstances.