Alison Williamson

As a counsellor, I aim to provide safe and comfortable surroundings for anyone who would like time and space to explore any issues or concerns. I hope that through an environment of confidentiality and care we can journey together through different aspects of life. The most important part of this therapeutic journey is to establish a relationship of mutual trust and respect. This enables a healing process to begin.

The initial assessment allows the client to discuss pressing issues and understand how the counselling process can work. I explain what a person can expect and the difference a non judgemental and accepting atmosphere can make. This helps overcome any anxiety about talking to a stranger and to see if you wish to continue.

Each person works in a different way and I have an adaptable approach, including person centred (focus on emotions surrounding issues), psychodynamic approach (how the past affects the present) or solution focused (action based therapy). Usually a combination of these approaches, an integrative approach can be most helpful. Sometimes it is helpful to use different media to enrich the counselling journey. My strength lies in following the client's needs and how they like to work. A focus on Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) works most effectively within a therapeutic relationship.

When working with couples, the counselling process enables couples to resolve their own issues, to listen effectively to each other and to complement each other through understanding their partner's style of processing emotions. Emotional Focus Therapy works effectively in over 85% of couples and keeps each partner 'safe' in the present whilst dealing with potentially difficult issues. Couples can meet together or separately when facing separation and divorce.

An area of specialisation is working with people who have experienced trauma or loss in a professional or personal capacity and multiple stress factors which can follow. Together we can explore the recurring themes and how we can break the cycle. Anxiety and depression often occur following bereavement and loss and the therapeutic journey can ease the journey through the trials of life

An increasing area of work has been with teenagers and primary school children.  Having completed further training to compliment existing work with these age groups, I enjoy working with children of all ages through the therapeutic use of play, story telling, games and art. This includes coaching children in mainstream school who have challenges settlnig in a classroom curriculum through the charity Transforming Lives for Good. It is important to follow the young person's understanding and knowledge and adapt counselling creatively to meet their needs. 

I am currently involved in developing a counselling centre, its policies  and procedures, and supervising counselling placements.


I have experience in areas of:

• depression
• anxiety/panic attacks
• childhood/adult trauma
• low self-esteem
• bereavement and loss
• relationship issues
• adult learning disability.
• couple counselling/separation/divorce
• attachment issues in children/young people and adults

Loss and bereavement of infants

Donation based counselling service available at the Family Life Centre

£35-55 per individual counselling hour.

Appointments are available weekdays and some evenings.