Alistair Dickson

I am an  accredited counsellor with 10 years post qualifying experience offering a one to one counselling service, based in the Charing Cross area of Glasgow. This can be face to face, online or by phone, short or long term depending on your needs and wishes. I work with clients as individuals and with their own unique life issues which they bring to counselling. I have experience of helping adults and young people work through various difficulties, including depression, anxiety, loss, bereavement, physical disabilities, bullying, relationship problems and painful feelings arising from childhood difficulties, trauma and abuse.

I can assure a non- judgmental, warm, compassionate, safe and professional approach. Along with working at your pace in a collaborative way, this creates the basis of a working relationship. Here trust can grow and thoughts and feelings can be found, expressed and explored. This forms a ground in exploring relationships and emotions past and present

My training has been in Psychodynamic counselling which works with  processes and emotions that are unconscious to gradually bring them into conscious awareness. It takes into account the perspective of the past and how early experiences and attachment relationships can be carried unconsciously throughout life, creating patterns which can have an adverse influence  on present emotions and relationships. It is only through becoming aware and of such unconscious patterns and emotions which are causing present difficulties that real change can begin to be made.

I am also a supervisor in training offering individual supervision to therapists face to face in Glasgow. Free or open to a small donation towards outgoings. Please see my supervisor profile below.

I have found my own personal experience of the process of counselling very useful, as part of my training and also at difficult points in my life as a way of exploring  and learning more about myself, working through  difficulties and changing ways of relating with others for the better. This has been valuable experience in being able to fully facilitate the counselling process for others.

If needed I can offer an initial free 30 minute call or meeting where we can explore your needs and the possibility of working together. Here I would be considering what is bringing you to therapy and I would be giving information about the way I work and there would be an opportunity for questions. There is no charge for this time. If we decide to work together I ask for an initial commitment of eight sessions. I also ask for at least 24 hrs notice in cancelling sessions otherwise the session fee would be chargeable.  I believe it’s important that counselling is accessible as much as possible. If needed I can offer reduced rates by negotiation. My background previous to counselling has been in Art Therapy (qualified in 1988) and working for nearly 40 years with adults of all ages from many different cultures and social backgrounds in the communities of London and Glasgow. This has been in the areas of mental health, ability, carers and education which has included one to one support, group work and also supporting students in further and Higher education. I also work as an Acreditated (COSCA) Trainer/ Tutor of Counselling /Psychotherapy and now finalising training as a clinical supervisor in counselling and psychotherapy.

Initial  consultation  (phone or by meeting) - free,  then £55/£40 -  for each 50 minute sessions. Sliding scale/concessions considered for trainees/students, those working part time or on benefits. I would need 24 hr notice of any cancellations otherwise fees for missed sessions may be charged.

The premises where I work offers wheelchair access and is a quiet confidential space. I have  previously worked in the fields of support in education and the community based services. I have a wide practising knowledge of the fields of mental health and additional support needs such as autism, aspergers syndrome, dyslexia and physical impairment. I have practiced and taught the stress release and awareness practise of mindfulness for many years and have, where appropriate, offered this to clients.