Online Counselling in English
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Living abroad, studying under pressure or facing change can stir unexpected emotions. Therapy provides a space to pause and reflect.

About Me

My name is David Winter, and — in the technical jargon — I'm a psychodynamic counsellor or therapist.

I practice in English and French. English is my native language but I am "naturalised" French.

I have lived in France for over two decades.

I have a number of degrees (including a doctorate from the University of Cambridge in a non-counselling subject), but my most relevant and important qualification is a Master's of Science in Psychodynamic Counselling (specialising in working with young people) from Birkbeck College at the University of London.

I am based near Aix in the south of France, but see English and French-speaking clients remotely across Europe.

I first started working with clients "remotely" over 20 years ago — first by letter (!) and subsequently email.

As well as having had a career in business, I have practised as a therapist in a number of universities, in an acting school and in private practice.

I have also taught in a number of schools (junior and senior) and a university in the UK, and as a school tutor.

I specialise in working with young people and expats.

My work is informed in particular by Melanie Klein and Donald Winnicott.

If you would like to arrange an initial session or ask a question about the work, you are welcome to get in touch by email. I aim to respond within two working days at the most.

David with dog

My practice follows the UK psychodynamic counselling tradition.
It is independent of the French public healthcare system.
I am not a psychologue or psychiatre, and I do not offer diagnostic or medical treatment.

Working with Pupils and Students Studying in France

I support pupils and students experiencing academic pressure, anxiety, friendship difficulties, study blocks, or the challenges of adjusting to a new country or language.

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Psychodynamic Counselling: A confidential, reflective space to think, feel and grow.

Working with Adults living in France

I support adults navigating professional stress, cultural displacement, relationship difficulties and questions of identity that can arise while living abroad.

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Psychodynamic Counselling: A confidential, reflective space to think, feel and grow.

How I Work

Psychodynamic counselling offers a space to reflect on emotional difficulties over time, rather than focusing on techniques or performance strategies.

Academic, professional or relational problems often reflect deeper emotional patterns that benefit from thoughtful exploration.

The work is steady, reflective and grounded in the therapeutic relationship. Sessions are confidential and adapted to the client’s developmental stage, cultural context and personal circumstances.

Over time, this approach can help clarify underlying conflicts, strengthen emotional resilience and support more stable ways of relating to yourself and others.

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Practicalities

Sessions last 50 minutes. The first session, lasting 30 to 40 minutes, is free.

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Language

Sessions are conducted in English. For clients who move between English and French, bilingual sessions are possible, allowing you to speak in the language that feels most natural in the moment.

Location

I am based in the south of France and work with clients across France and internationally. Sessions take place online, allowing you to access therapy from wherever you are based.

This can be particularly helpful if you move between locations, have a changing schedule, or prefer the privacy of working from home.