David Bridges
Registered Clinical Counsellor, Director, Norwest
Couples, Clinical Supervision, Trauma
20+ years exp.
M Counselling, Grad Cert Emotionally Focused Therapy, B Counselling, B Sc
David has over 25 years’ experience counselling couples and men within a faith-integrated, evidence-informed framework. He specialises in complex and abusive relationship histories, trauma, and emotional regulation, offering a safe, structured space grounded in compassion, accountability, and hope. David has lectured in counselling programs, and has provided clinical and pastoral supervision since 2008.
Areas of Counselling Practice
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Couples therapy
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Complex couples – abusive histories
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Men’s issues in relationships
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Trust issues, affairs and betrayal
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Anger management in relationships
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Sexuality and gender issues
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Clinical supervision
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Ministry supervision
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Trauma-informed therapy
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Mental health, anxiety, depression
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Emotional, physical and sexual abuse
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Coercive control and DV
- Clinical supervision for students and counselling professionals
- Consultation, supervision, support and accountability for Christian leaders
- Consultation for running your own counselling or psychology practice
- Pre-marital preparation & counselling (Prepare/Enrich)
- Same-sex attraction
- Transgender issues and gender dysphoria
- Career counselling, life coaching, workplace issues
- Grief and loss
Professional Experience
David brings a calm, purposeful and compassionate client-focused approach to his work.
His main theoretical training over many years is in Emotionally Focused Therapy. David’s early training was in various family models including Bowen systems theory and Gottman couples therapy. He applies a wide range of modalities, such as CBT, DBT and trauma-informed therapy, when helpful. More recently, he has integrated Internal Family Systems into his eclectic and creative approach with clients.
David has a special interest in working with couples with complex histories and clients with sexual identity struggles.
In his early years as an individual and couples therapist, David worked with Relationships Australia and number of Christian organisations. In 2008, he pioneered Bridges Counselling with a handful of other colleagues also launching into private practice.
Since 2008, David has specialised in clinical supervision of counsellors, community workers and those in Christian ministry.
Through his professional career, his passion has been to apply biblical themes and lenses in understanding the practice of therapy and psychology. He is a keen follower of the work of scholars in developing a Christian worldview that adds a third dimension of understanding to professional practice.
David has provided extensive clinical and pastoral supervision, both individually and in groups, for over 15 years. David has served on several leadership teams in churches and understands well the dynamics and workings of local churches.
He has provided leadership on boards of the Christian Counsellors Association of Australia (CCAA) for over 10 years and has assisted as a part-time adjunct staff member at Excelsia and Hillsong colleges.
Counselling Style
- Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples and Individuals
- Trauma-informed Therapy
- Systemic Therapy
- Internal Family Systems
Professional Memberships
- PACFA – Registered Clinical Counsellor and Accredited Supervisor
- CCAA – Registered Clinical Counsellor and Accredited Supervisor
