About
The story behind Elements of Mind
If you're here, something has probably brought you to this point — and whatever that is, you've already taken a positive step simply by looking.
My Story
If you're here, you've already taken a positive step
I'm David Gowans, founder of Elements of Mind, based in Inveraray. I offer an integrated approach to therapy, drawing on a range of therapeutic modalities and tailoring each session to the individual and their specific needs. No two clients are the same, and no two sessions need to be either.
I am an EFTi Accredited Certified EFT Practitioner, currently completing my Diploma in Clinical Hypnotherapy — integrating these approaches with transformational Life Coaching to support lasting positive change. My work draws on a range of therapeutic approaches depending on your goals, experiences, and individual needs, rather than working from a rigid formula or single method alone.
My background is probably a little different from most practitioners you'll come across. I've spent 23+ years working on the frontline of emergency services — as a police officer and within the ambulance service — and I continue to serve as a Paramedic. I understand anxiety, stress, and trauma not just in theory, but as realities I've lived and worked alongside throughout my career.
Outside of practice, I'm a husband, father, and continuing frontline Paramedic — roles that keep me grounded in both everyday life and the realities of frontline service.
Professional Notice: My HCPC registration relates solely to my role as a Paramedic and is entirely separate from my therapy practice. Sessions provided through Elements of Mind are complementary and non-medical in nature. I do not provide medical, psychiatric, or psychological diagnosis or treatment.
“Whatever brings you here, you don't need to have everything figured out. We'll work through it together.”
— David Gowans, Elements of Mind
What Makes Me Different
This isn't a therapy brand. It's a real person.
Here's what you can expect when you work with me.
Uniformed Services Specialist
23+ years in policing and ambulance services. I understand the culture, the cumulative toll, and the difficulty of asking for help. Blue light professionals, veterans, and anyone in uniformed service will find a space here that understands without needing everything explained.
Lived Experience of Loss & Illness
I lost my sister to cancer in 2007 and my father in 2021. I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in 2023. I bring genuine understanding — not textbook knowledge — to grief, loss, and life with chronic conditions.
Properly Qualified
EFTi Accredited Certified EFT Practitioner, Diploma in Clinical Hypnotherapy (in progress). I engage in regular clinical supervision and continuing professional development.
Integrated, Tailored Approach
No two clients are the same, and no two sessions need to be either. I draw on whichever therapeutic approaches best serve your goals — not a rigid formula.
Credentials & Accreditation
Professionally qualified
DHP
ACC.HYP
Diploma in Clinical
Hypnotherapy (in progress)
HCPC
REGISTERED
HCPC Registered
Paramedic
23
YEARS
Emergency
Services
In David's Words
Real experience. Real support. Real change.
“I've sat with people in some of the worst moments of their lives.”
For the past 23 years, I’ve worked in emergency services — as a police officer and now as an HCPC-registered practising paramedic.
I haven't studied stress, trauma, and burnout from a distance. I've lived and worked within environments where people experience some of the most challenging moments of their lives. I understand the pressures, the culture, and the barriers that can make asking for help feel like one of the hardest things to do.
Alongside my emergency services career, I built Elements of Mind — through which I work as a therapist, using Clinical Hypnotherapy, EFT, and other therapeutic approaches to help people overcome anxiety, trauma, stress, low confidence, and many of life's challenges.
Recently, I've been incredibly proud to become part of the Piece of Mind team in a Training & Development role. This opportunity allows me to bring together my experience from emergency services, therapeutic practice, and my passion for supporting others. As part of the team, I deliver training, practise as a therapist, and contribute to the continued development and direction of the organisation — helping ensure everything Piece of Mind produces is professionally rigorous, evidence-informed, and, above all, genuinely human.
“You don't have to face it alone. Let's take the first step together.”
If you're struggling with anxiety, stress, trauma, confidence, or feel like life has become overwhelming — I offer a complimentary, no-obligation 20-minute consultation. It's an opportunity to ask questions, talk through what you're experiencing, and see if I could help.
Elements of Mind
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Let's have a conversation
No forms to fill, no waiting list. Just a real conversation about what you need.