Clients describe me as a warm and dynamic counsellor who is helpful both for people new to counselling and those who have had counselling in the past. My nature is curious, non-judgmental and compassionate and my counselling practice reflects my core values of respect, integrity and kindness. I believe that counselling should be a place for you to explore your personal struggles and feel supported as you enjoy personal growth and success.
I first developed an interest in counselling and psychotherapy in my late teens but, like many people who come to this profession, I had a varied career path before starting my counselling training in my late 30s. I lived in Scotland and London before returning to the North East and, now in my 40s, I bring knowledge and experience from rich life experiences and past careers in the media, charity sector and in the NHS. I draw from these as a counsellor but I use my professional training and experience to ensure that your therapy is focussed entirely on you.
As an integrative counsellor and psychotherapist I combine tools from a number of therapies including Transactional Analysis, CBT, Gestalt, person centred counselling, creative therapies, neuroscience and psychotherapy in order to help you gain a deeper understanding of the issues you are facing so that you can find your way forward.
I’ve worked with a wide range of people: both men, women and people who identify in other ways, ranging in age from 18 to 70, each with diverse backgrounds and life experiences.
I am a fully qualified psychotherapeutic counsellor and psychotherapist (read more about the difference between counselling and psychotherapy here).
Clinical experience:
- NHS Primary Care – working in a GP surgery providing short- to medium-term counselling for a variety of issues, including anxiety and depression.
- Rape Crisis – working with survivors of sexual violence and childhood sexual abuse.
- University Student Wellbeing Service – undertaking clinical assessments and providing counselling to students for a range of issues.
- Private practice – I have worked successfully in private practice since 2014 providing counselling and psychotherapy to a wide range of people facing a variety of issues.
Qualifications:
- Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling with Distinction, Northern Guild of Psychotherapy (equivalent to Level 6)
- Post-graduate Diploma in Psychotherapy with Distinction, Newman University (equivalent to Level 7)
- Diploma in Psychotherapy with Distinction, Northern Guild of Psychotherapy (equivalent to Level 7)
Professional registrations:
- Registered member of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP) (registration number 112241). The training I undertook at the Northern Guild is the only BACP-accredited training in the North of England.
- Accredited member of the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) (registration number 2011165471). Only therapists who meet the UKCP’s exacting professional standards and training requirements can be on its register.
If you have any questions or if you’d like to talk to me before deciding to make an initial appointment, I offer a free phone conversation of up to 15 minutes or I’ll be happy to answer your questions via email if you prefer.
I look forward to working with you.
Warmly, Alison