As a humanistic and integrative therapist, I work with you at your pace to understand your needs and identify the most helpful supports. I provide a safe, compassionate, and non-judgmental space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings and start to create lasting change, one step at a time.

I have a strong focus on men’s mental health, especially around fatherhood. I founded From Lads to Dads, a support service for new and expectant fathers facing the emotional challenges of parenthood, including stress, birth trauma, and the often-overlooked areas of perinatal and paternal mental health. This work focuses on relationship building to support the strengthening of family bonds.

I also work with adolescents as they explore their identities, emotions, and relationships. I foster a space for honest and trusting conversations that promote growth, confidence, and self-awareness during complex life stages.

My experience involves supporting individuals through trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, grief, low self-esteem, stress, anger, birth trauma, perinatal and paternal mental health, and neurodivergence, especially ADHD and dyslexia

About Me

Dave Saunders

BSc in Counselling & Psychotherapy

How Can I Support You

I offer a warm, supportive space to explore the challenges you’re facing. Whether you're navigating overwhelming emotions, feeling stuck in patterns that no longer serve you, or simply seeking a place to be heard without judgment — you're not alone.

I work with adults and adolescents across a range of issues, including:

Everyone’s journey is unique, and therapy can help you make sense of your thoughts and feelings, and reconnect with what matters to you, and find new ways forward.

• Trauma

• Grief & Loss

• PTSD & birth trauma

• Depression & Anxiety

• Stress, anger, Low self-esteem

• Perinatal and Paternal Mental Health

• Neurodivergence, especially ADHD and dyslexia

• Challenges in parenting or becoming a parent

A Human-Centred Approach to Therapy

As a humanistic and integrative therapist, I work with you at your pace to understand your needs and explore the most helpful support for your personal growth and well-being.

It’s the relationship that heals.

-Irvin Yalom

Media Mentions & Features

Dave Saunders and his work with From Lads to Dads have been highlighted across leading Irish media and community platforms

Coverage on fatherhood, mental health, and the stigma men face when seeking support.
➤ Read Article

Dave discussed becoming a dad at 17, the challenges he faced, and how it led him to establish From Lads to Dads.
➤ Listen on RTE

A personal feature about Dave’s late dyslexia diagnosis and how it shaped his path as a community leader and therapist.
➤ Read Feature

RTE Radio 1 – The Ryan Tubridy Show

Adult Dyslexia Hub

The Irish Examiner

Virgin Media – The Elaine Show

Dave appeared on Virgin Media’s Elaine Show to share his story as a young father and the inspiration behind From Lads to Dads.

The Echo

“From Lads to Dads creates a positive pathway for men”
➤ Read Article

“From Lads to Dads to build positive parenting”
➤ Read Article

“Tallaght fathers call for greater equality and engagement in their parenting role.”
➤ Read Article

NewsGroup.ie

• Foroige

• Barnardos

• FamiliBase

• Doras Bui

• Parenting NI

• One Family Ireland

• Deansrath Family

• Family Resource Centres

• Killinarden Family Resource Centre

• Deonach Tallaght Probation Project

Organisations We’ve Worked With

Youth Reach

Academic Institutions

Mental Health & Parenting Networks

• University of Limerick (UL)

• University College Cork (UCC)

• Dublin City University (DCU)

• University College Dublin (UCD)

• Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin)

• Jigsaw

• Fathers Network Scotland

• DCYA Parenting Support Policy Unit

Ready to Talk?

Schedule Your Complimentary 15-Minute Consultation

Take the first step today—no obligation. In this session, we’ll explore what brought you here, what you’d like from therapy, and whether I’m the right fit for you.

Individual Therapy: €60 per 50-minute session

Adolescents (under 18): €60

From Lads to Dads (1:1 format): €60

Location

Sessions are available both in-person (Dublin area) and online, depending on your needs.

• Portobello: My primary practice is at 11 South Circular Rd., Dublin 8.

• Clondalkin: I also practice as part of somerspsychotherapy.ie

Phone & WhatsApp

085 183 5953

Fees

Connect with Me On Socials

Frequently asked questions

Q: Is everything I say confidential?

Absolutely. Confidentiality is the cornerstone of therapy. Everything we discuss is held in the strictest confidence, except in rare situations where there is a risk of harm to yourself or others, as required by law and professional ethics.

Q: How many sessions will I need?

This varies for everyone. Some people find benefit in a few short-term sessions to address a specific issue, while others engage in longer-term work for deeper exploration. We will discuss your needs and goals together.

Q: What does "humanistic and integrative" mean for me?

It means I draw on several therapeutic approaches and tailor them to you as a unique individual. The "humanistic" part means I trust in your capacity for growth and self-healing, and our work together is a collaborative partnership.

Q: Do I need a referral from a doctor?

No, you do not need a referral. You can contact me directly to schedule your free consultation.