Alannah Parkinson

It's a weird feeling looking on this directory searching for someone that can offer some support for what you’re going through. I always feel like it’s a bit like a dating site, but instead of looking for the love of your life you’re trying to find someone that can “help” but what does it even mean when a counsellor helps someone? 

My counselling is very much defined as: 

• A relaxing space, giving you a piece of time, just for you.
• A place to feel heard and understood. 
• A dedicated person (ME!) who encourages you to access your true feelings.
• An opportunity to go at your pace, explore solutions or enable processing. 
• A great cup of coffee (sometimes we even have hot chocolate!).
• Consistent support throughout your therapeutic journey – Whether that’s one session or many.
• Recognisable growth in confidence, autonomy and finding your own voice. 

I’m a huge advocate for counselling! BUT, I will always tell clients that it’s essential to find the right counsellor for you. We aim to have a strong, trusting relationship with our clients, but counsellors are human, and as clients we know we don’t always like every human and that’s okay. I would always encourage clients to explore a few different people. 

Let me tell you a bit about me. 

I am a fully qualified counsellor (I have the pretty certificate on my wall confirming this). I know lots of theories, resources, therapeutic styles, and I’m pretty good at what I do, I’ve supported a lot of people get where they want to be. 

Counselling is about YOU, it’s about us connecting on that human level.

How can we connect if you don’t know if I understand you or not? It's okay that I have my pretty degree, but how do you truly know I can understand?

Well, I have many experiences of supporting family, friends, and myself with mental health issues. I have previous diagnosis of both PND, and PTSD. I have a tapestry of trauma which I have worked through making me the woman I am today. I am a recovering people pleaser and perfectionist who is trying to find ways to charge my social battery up. I have learnt how to quieten my inner critic and allow my cheerleader to be at the forefront (most of the time). I battle with anxious thinking every day but know how to work with it. Most of all, I am incredibly passionate about supporting individuals to find their voices. 

My expertise: Is this what you’re looking for? 

Okay, below is three of my main interests, this is what I continue to train in. However, please know that I work with many clients with different needs. 

• Confidence: I’ve worked with a variety of individuals to find their voice, I support clients in exploring healthy boundaries not only with others but also themselves, I help people to create a toolkit of self-care that works and supports them in learning their capacity. Often, you will find that your confidence waivers around certain people, we can explore and under the triggers of this, and understand further how these relationships are serving you. 
• Trauma: Since the start of my counselling career I have worked with clients that have experienced trauma. This is an experience that has happened which has changed the way a person sees themselves or/and the world around them. Most of my experience is working with clients who have experienced abuse, whether as a child/adult. I have also supported clients to move forward after having a near death experience such as car accident, attempted suicide and many other situations 
• Helping Helpers: I also specialise in working with clients that are in helping roles, this could be as a health professional, support worker, counsellors, carers and parents. I’m passionate in supporting those who are needed to ensure they have a space for them and to ensure they feel empowered to ensure their needs can be met. 

If you've made it this far, then I'm pretty chuffed! If you've enjoyed my written word and think we may work well together, just get in touch, I'm not going to pester you or push you to do anything you don't feel ready for. You'll find me through here/text/email/WhatsApp/Facebook/Instagram or my website. Whatever feels comfortable for you - I'm here! Alannah 

Brainspotting

I provide face-to-face sessions priced at £60 a session.

I also provide online sessions priced at £60 a session. 

Concessions may be available depending on circumstances