“Community is fundamental to happiness and positive mental health; and life is about giving more, not getting more.”
WORK
- Clear Counselling
- Sony Pictures Entertainment
- Home and Health Care Society of BC
Volunteer Downtown Eastside - Union Gospel Mission – Volunteer
EDUCATION
- Canadian Certified Counsellor – #10004988
- Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC #17234)
- Master of Counselling Psychology (Honours), Yorkville University
- B.A. Communications (Suma Cum Lauda), Long Island University
- Adlerian Psychology Association of BC
- Gottman Couples Therapy
Level 2 Training
AREAS OF PRACTICE
Overall Health
- Anxiety and/or Panic
- Burnout and Chronic Stress
- Depression
- Emotional Overwhelm
- Fear of Failure
- Grief and Loss – General
- Life Transitions
- Panic Attacks
- Perfectionism
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Procrastination
- Professional Burnout
- Self Esteem Issues
- Trauma Counselling
Relationship Concerns
- Attachment Styles
- Communication Breakdowns
- Conflict Avoidance and Shutdowns
- Cultural, Religious, or Family of Origin Differences
- Divorce and/or Separation
- Escalating Arguments
- Infidelity and Trust Repair
- Intimacy Issues (Emotional, Physical, Sexual)
- LGBTQ Relationship Challenges
- Marriage and/or Relationship Issues
- Open Relationships / Ethical Non Monogamy
- Pre Marital Counselling
- Rebuilding Connection After Major Life Transitions
- Relationship Infidelity
- Relationship Strengthening
- Reconnecting Sexually
- Recurring Conflict Cycles
Men’s Sexual Health & Identity
- Addictions – Sexual
- Intimacy Anxiety
- Masculine Identity Concerns
- Men’s Issues
- Relationship Insecurities
- Sexual Functioning Concerns
- Shame or Discomfort Discussing Sexual Concerns
Identity, Personal Growth & Self Development
- Assertiveness Training
- Becoming “Unstuck”
- Enhanced Communication
- Establishing Boundaries
- LGBTQ Issues
- Personal Growth
- Self Compassion
- Self Worth
- Resolving Unhelpful Behaviour Patterns
Work, Career & Life Direction
- Career Issues
- Job Transition
- Workplace Issues
- Workplace Concerns
Neurodiversity & Behavioural Patterns
- Attention Deficit Disorder – ADHD
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Addictions & Compulsive Behaviours
- Addictions – Pornography
- Addictions – Sexual
Safety & Crisis Related Concerns
- Suicide Ideation / Survivor Support
- Crisis Related Emotional Overwhelm
APPROACHES USED
- Adlerian Depth Psychology
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Gottman Method Couples Therapy
- Marriage & Couples Counselling
- Internal Family Systems
- Mindfulness Approaches
- Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)
- Sex Therapy
- Solution Focused
David Holmes provides individual and couples counselling to men and women across diverse backgrounds and life experiences.
He is an Adlerian Psychotherapist and Canadian Certified Counsellor at Clear Counselling in Downtown Vancouver, specializing in:
- Couples Counselling & Cross Cultural Relationships
(communication breakdowns, trust repair, emotional distance, intimacy challenges) - Anxiety, Perfectionism & Fear of Failure
(chronic worry, self criticism, burnout, pressure to perform) - Men’s Sexual Health & Identity Concerns
(sexual functioning, relationship insecurities, masculine identity, intimacy)
David supports clients who are navigating emotional, relational, and identity shifting challenges, whether they are feeling stuck, overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure of their next steps. It is his belief that “human connection and a sense of belonging are fundamental to personal fulfillment, meaningful relationships, and lasting growth.”
His background in high pressure corporate environments, years of community volunteering, and additional training in Adlerian depth psychotherapy and Gottman Relationship Counselling allow him to bring both clinical depth and real world experience to his practice with empathy, steadiness, and a deeply human understanding of stress, transition, and identity.
His goal is to help clients understand their patterns, reconnect with their strengths, and move toward a more grounded, confident, and meaningful life.
Specialized Topics of Concern
Couples Counselling & Cross Cultural Relationships
David supports couples navigating:
- Trust Repair
- Shutdowns
- Commitment
- Disconnection
- Intimacy Anxiety
- Infidelity, Betrayal
- Relationship Roles
- Emotional Distance
- Conflict Avoidance
- Escalating Arguments
- Expectation Let Downs
- Reconnecting Sexually
- Feeling “Like Roommates”
- Pre-Marital Counselling
- Recurring Conflict Cycles
- Relationship Strengthening
- Communication Breakdowns
- Mismatched Expectations Around Closeness
- Cultural, Religious, or Family of Origin Differences
- Rebuilding Connection After Major Life Transitions
- Intimacy Challenges – Emotional, Physical, or Sexual
His approach is collaborative and grounded, helping partners understand each other’s needs, shift unhelpful patterns, and rebuild connection with clarity and intention.
Anxiety, Perfectionism & Fear of Failure
David works with clients who experience:
- Burnout
- Avoidance
- Overworking
- Overthinking
- Panic Attacks
- Chronic Worry
- Fear of Failure
- High Self Criticism
- Imposter Syndrome
- Difficulty Saying No
- Difficulty “Turning Off”
- Ruminating Thoughts
- Fear of Making Mistakes
- Fear of Disappointing Others
- Feeling “Never Good Enough”
- Difficulty Setting Boundaries
- Pressure to Perform in High Stakes Environments
He helps clients understand the roots of their anxiety and perfectionism, build self compassion, and develop healthier ways to relate to themselves and their goals.
Men’s Sexual Health & Identity Concerns
David provides a supportive, non judgmental space for men navigating:
- Shame
- Disconnection
- Porn Addiction
- Desire Changes
- Being Authentic
- Sexual Concerns
- Sexual Expression
- Arousal Changes
- Feelings of Shame
- Performance Anxiety
- Emotional Closeness
- Rebuilding Confidence
- Relationship Insecurities
- Fear of Not Being “Enough”
- Communication Difficulties
- Masculine Identity or Role Expectations
- Identity Related Stress or Internal Conflict
- Psychological Factors Influencing Sexual Difficulties
His work helps men understand themselves more deeply, reduce shame, and reconnect with confidence and authenticity.
How He Works
David integrates Adlerian Psychology with modern therapeutic approaches, including:
- Adlerian Depth Psychotherapy
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Gottman Informed Couples Work
- Internal Family Systems
- Mindfulness Based Strategies
- Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT)
- Sex Therapy
- Solution Focused Therapy
His approach is:
- Insight Driven — Helping Clients See Patterns Clearly
- Strengths Based — Building on What’s Already Working
- Practical — Offering Tools That Can Be Used Immediately
- Relational — Creating a Steady, Grounded Space for Honest Conversation
David’s work is collaborative, paced with care, and grounded in trust and respect.
He attends closely to clients’ emotional worlds, helping them understand longstanding patterns of meaning, connection, and adaptation.
Why Clients Choose Him
Clients often choose David for his ability to bring warmth, clarity, and steadiness to complex emotional experiences. He is:
- Compassionate Without Being Passive
- Clear and Grounded Without Being Harsh
- Emotionally Steady When Clients Feel Overwhelmed
- Efficient and Focused — He Respects Clients’ Time and Intelligence
- Highly Relatable Due to His Diverse Professional and Personal Background
Clients often describe feeling seen, understood, and supported in ways that help them move forward with renewed confidence and direction because he brings a rare combination of professional training, lived experience, and human warmth.
Who He Is
A native Vancouverite, David has a long history of working with diverse communities.
Before becoming a counsellor, he built a successful marketing career with Sony Pictures (Los Angeles, Toronto) and spent years volunteering in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. These experiences shaped his ability to connect with people from all walks of life and understand the pressures of fast paced, high stakes environments.
He continues to deepen his craft through ongoing professional development with the Health Initiative for Men (HIM), the Adler Centre, and the North American Society for Adlerian Psychology.
David understands pressure, transition, identity, and the courage it takes to ask for help, and his work reflects that understanding.
Book a Session
David offers in person counselling in Downtown Vancouver and secure online therapy across British Columbia.
WORK
- Clear Counselling
- Sony Pictures Entertainment
- Home and Health Care Society of BC
Volunteer Downtown Eastside - Union Gospel Mission – Volunteer
EDUCATION
- Canadian Certified Counsellor – #10004988
- Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC #17234)
- Master of Counselling Psychology (Honours), Yorkville University
- B.A. Communications (Suma Cum Lauda), Long Island University
- Adlerian Psychology Association of BC
- Gottman Couples Therapy
Level 2 Training
AREAS OF PRACTICE
Overall Health
- Anxiety and/or Panic
- Burnout and Chronic Stress
- Depression
- Emotional Overwhelm
- Fear of Failure
- Grief and Loss – General
- Life Transitions
- Panic Attacks
- Perfectionism
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Procrastination
- Professional Burnout
- Self Esteem Issues
- Trauma Counselling
Relationship Concerns
- Attachment Styles
- Communication Breakdowns
- Conflict Avoidance and Shutdowns
- Cultural, Religious, or Family of Origin Differences
- Divorce and/or Separation
- Escalating Arguments
- Infidelity and Trust Repair
- Intimacy Issues (Emotional, Physical, Sexual)
- LGBTQ Relationship Challenges
- Marriage and/or Relationship Issues
- Open Relationships / Ethical Non Monogamy
- Pre Marital Counselling
- Rebuilding Connection After Major Life Transitions
- Relationship Infidelity
- Relationship Strengthening
- Reconnecting Sexually
- Recurring Conflict Cycles
Men’s Sexual Health & Identity
- Addictions – Sexual
- Intimacy Anxiety
- Masculine Identity Concerns
- Men’s Issues
- Relationship Insecurities
- Sexual Functioning Concerns
- Shame or Discomfort Discussing Sexual Concerns
Identity, Personal Growth & Self Development
- Assertiveness Training
- Becoming “Unstuck”
- Enhanced Communication
- Establishing Boundaries
- LGBTQ Issues
- Personal Growth
- Self Compassion
- Self Worth
- Resolving Unhelpful Behaviour Patterns
Work, Career & Life Direction
- Career Issues
- Job Transition
- Workplace Issues
- Workplace Concerns
Neurodiversity & Behavioural Patterns
- Attention Deficit Disorder – ADHD
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Addictions & Compulsive Behaviours
- Addictions – Pornography
- Addictions – Sexual
Safety & Crisis Related Concerns
- Suicide Ideation / Survivor Support
- Crisis Related Emotional Overwhelm
APPROACHES USED
- Adlerian Depth Psychology
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Gottman Method Couples Therapy
- Marriage & Couples Counselling
- Internal Family Systems
- Mindfulness Approaches
- Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)
- Sex Therapy
- Solution Focused
David Holmes provides individual and couples counselling to men and women across diverse backgrounds and life experiences.
He is an Adlerian Psychotherapist and Canadian Certified Counsellor at Clear Counselling in Downtown Vancouver, specializing in:
- Couples Counselling & Cross Cultural Relationships
(communication breakdowns, trust repair, emotional distance, intimacy challenges) - Anxiety, Perfectionism & Fear of Failure
(chronic worry, self criticism, burnout, pressure to perform) - Men’s Sexual Health & Identity Concerns
(sexual functioning, relationship insecurities, masculine identity, intimacy)
David supports clients who are navigating emotional, relational, and identity shifting challenges, whether they are feeling stuck, overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure of their next steps. It is his belief that “human connection and a sense of belonging are fundamental to personal fulfillment, meaningful relationships, and lasting growth.”
His background in high pressure corporate environments, years of community volunteering, and additional training in Adlerian depth psychotherapy and Gottman Relationship Counselling allow him to bring both clinical depth and real world experience to his practice with empathy, steadiness, and a deeply human understanding of stress, transition, and identity.
His goal is to help clients understand their patterns, reconnect with their strengths, and move toward a more grounded, confident, and meaningful life.
Specialized Topics of Concern
Couples Counselling & Cross Cultural Relationships
David supports couples navigating:
- Trust Repair
- Shutdowns
- Commitment
- Disconnection
- Intimacy Anxiety
- Infidelity, Betrayal
- Relationship Roles
- Emotional Distance
- Conflict Avoidance
- Escalating Arguments
- Expectation Let Downs
- Reconnecting Sexually
- Feeling “Like Roommates”
- Pre-Marital Counselling
- Recurring Conflict Cycles
- Relationship Strengthening
- Communication Breakdowns
- Mismatched Expectations Around Closeness
- Cultural, Religious, or Family of Origin Differences
- Rebuilding Connection After Major Life Transitions
- Intimacy Challenges – Emotional, Physical, or Sexual
His approach is collaborative and grounded, helping partners understand each other’s needs, shift unhelpful patterns, and rebuild connection with clarity and intention.
Anxiety, Perfectionism & Fear of Failure
David works with clients who experience:
- Burnout
- Avoidance
- Overworking
- Overthinking
- Panic Attacks
- Chronic Worry
- Fear of Failure
- High Self Criticism
- Imposter Syndrome
- Difficulty Saying No
- Difficulty “Turning Off”
- Ruminating Thoughts
- Fear of Making Mistakes
- Fear of Disappointing Others
- Feeling “Never Good Enough”
- Difficulty Setting Boundaries
- Pressure to Perform in High Stakes Environments
He helps clients understand the roots of their anxiety and perfectionism, build self compassion, and develop healthier ways to relate to themselves and their goals.
Men’s Sexual Health & Identity Concerns
David provides a supportive, non judgmental space for men navigating:
- Shame
- Disconnection
- Porn Addiction
- Desire Changes
- Being Authentic
- Sexual Concerns
- Sexual Expression
- Arousal Changes
- Feelings of Shame
- Performance Anxiety
- Emotional Closeness
- Rebuilding Confidence
- Relationship Insecurities
- Fear of Not Being “Enough”
- Communication Difficulties
- Masculine Identity or Role Expectations
- Identity Related Stress or Internal Conflict
- Psychological Factors Influencing Sexual Difficulties
His work helps men understand themselves more deeply, reduce shame, and reconnect with confidence and authenticity.
How He Works
David integrates Adlerian Psychology with modern therapeutic approaches, including:
- Adlerian Depth Psychotherapy
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Gottman Informed Couples Work
- Internal Family Systems
- Mindfulness Based Strategies
- Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT)
- Sex Therapy
- Solution Focused Therapy
His approach is:
- Insight Driven — Helping Clients See Patterns Clearly
- Strengths Based — Building on What’s Already Working
- Practical — Offering Tools That Can Be Used Immediately
- Relational — Creating a Steady, Grounded Space for Honest Conversation
David’s work is collaborative, paced with care, and grounded in trust and respect.
He attends closely to clients’ emotional worlds, helping them understand longstanding patterns of meaning, connection, and adaptation.
Why Clients Choose Him
Clients often choose David for his ability to bring warmth, clarity, and steadiness to complex emotional experiences. He is:
- Compassionate Without Being Passive
- Clear and Grounded Without Being Harsh
- Emotionally Steady When Clients Feel Overwhelmed
- Efficient and Focused — He Respects Clients’ Time and Intelligence
- Highly Relatable Due to His Diverse Professional and Personal Background
Clients often describe feeling seen, understood, and supported in ways that help them move forward with renewed confidence and direction because he brings a rare combination of professional training, lived experience, and human warmth.
Who He Is
A native Vancouverite, David has a long history of working with diverse communities.
Before becoming a counsellor, he built a successful marketing career with Sony Pictures (Los Angeles, Toronto) and spent years volunteering in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. These experiences shaped his ability to connect with people from all walks of life and understand the pressures of fast paced, high stakes environments.
He continues to deepen his craft through ongoing professional development with the Health Initiative for Men (HIM), the Adler Centre, and the North American Society for Adlerian Psychology.
David understands pressure, transition, identity, and the courage it takes to ask for help, and his work reflects that understanding.
Book a Session
David offers in person counselling in Downtown Vancouver and secure online therapy across British Columbia.