Alison Slinn

'I constantly feel anxious, nervous and on edge,' I want to be happy,'  'Life seems empty,'  'I am struggling to come to terms with grief and loss,'  'I have lost control,'  'I overthink all the time,' 'I am struggling in my relationships,'  'I am finding it very difficult to cope'.  If any of these sound familiar to you it is likely that you are experiencing some kind of crisis in your life and hopefully I can help you.  Life is rarely straight forward and at times we can all feel lost and overwhelmed.  We are constantly being presented with change and challenges.  Sometimes you may think that your problem is too small when compared to those of other people but if it is important to you, that is all that matters.

I am an accredited member of BACP, hold degree level qualifications in counselling and adhere to the BACP Ethical Framework.  I work with adults, including older adults, teenagers and young adults and have a  wide experience of anxiety (generalised anxiety disorder, health anxiety, social anxiety,  panic attacks and OCD) as well as experience in dealing with trauma and PTSD,  relationship issues, bereavement and loss, depression,  stress and low self esteem and confidence.

Free initial session prior to counselling taking place

I fully believe that in counselling, issues may be spoken about which are not easy and that for this reason it is very important that you feel comfortable working with me.  I therefore offer a free initial session which lasts about 30-40 minutes prior to any counselling taking place.  This places you under no obligation and after this session you can either make an appointment for your first 'proper' counselling session, go away and think about it or decide it is not for you.  There is no pressure.  After this initial meeting my hourly rates are £55 for individuals and £70 for couples.  Some concessions including students and trainees are available on request.

I have a dedicated counselling room (see image below) in a tranquil setting in Wooburn Green which is convenient for High Wycombe, Beaconsfield, Marlow and Maidenhead.  There is ample car parking.  I work with adults, teenagers and couples, and offer flexible day and evening appointments.  I also work some weekends and Bank Holidays.

Why come to counselling?

Friends and family, although usually very well meaning, can often have their own agenda in trying to help, or we may not want to impose on them.  Counselling can offer a safe and supportive environment to talk through feelings and concerns with someone who is trained to listen and understand without being judgmental.  Counselling can help you make decisions and changes in your life.  It is about giving you the control and enabling you to make choices.

How do I work?

I work in an Integrative way combining Cognitive Behavioural Therapy with Humanistic Approaches.  Every client is unique and I aim to tailor the counselling to suit you.  My only agenda is to be helpful. My aim is to help you develop greater understanding and awareness, to be able to think more clearly and see things from a different perspective.  I can also help you look at unhelpful thinking patterns that may be contributing to your distress, and to develop more healthy coping strategies.

My specialities

I have particular experience in helping individuals who suffer from anxiety (generalised anxiety disorder, health anxiety, social anxiety,  panic attacks and OCD), relationship issues, bereavement and loss, depression and sadness, low self esteem, stress and worry.

What happens in a typical session?

As each client is unique there is not really any such thing as a typical session.  However I outline below what may well be explored in sessions dealing with Relationship and Generalised Anxiety issues.

Relationship Issues

These may be discussed either individually or in a couples session.

Together we can explore:

your commitment to the relationship
recent life events/family issues
the problem areas in the relationship/affairs and betrayals
your expectations of the relationship
the rebuilding of trust in the relationship
helpful and unhelpful communications
the changes you want to make
the impact that change may make

Generalised Anxiety (with or without panic)

Together we can explore:

what brings you to counselling
why the anxiety started
what keeps the anxiety (and panic) going
your goals in coming to counselling
why we get anxious
worry and negative thinking patterns
different levels of fear and avoidance
relaxation and breathing techniques

In addition to working with adults and couples I have also worked in schools and a Youth Agency and have much experience dealing with teenagers and young people.

Some of the pressures which may be discussed in counselling with young people are:

Living in a quick fix culture
Media pressure to look a certain way
Break up of the family unit
Low self esteem/confidence
Academic and exam pressures
Stress
Anxiety -generalised anxiety, panic attacks, OCD
Bullying
Relationship issues
Bereavement and Loss
Depression and sadness
Self harming
Feeling different and alone

Issues that cannot be pigeon-holed into the above categories, such as -

feeling "stuck"

feeling confused

undecided about the future / times of transition and challenge

negative thinking

Individuals £55 per session (one hour).

Couples £70 per session (one hour).

Initial consultation is free of charge.

Some concessions (including for trainee counsellors) available on request.

Located between High Wycombe, Beaconsfield and Maidenhead

Free parking in driveway