Dr Alastair Coomes

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CPsychol MSc HCPC reg UKCP PGCE Dip SpLD FRCA

About me

When we're struggling psychologically—whether it's workplace stress, personal transitions, or simply not feeling ourselves—talking to someone can be transformative.

As a therapist, I help people navigate difficult times and discover possibilities that may be hidden from view. Over 20 years, I've supported children, young people, and adults through some of their most challenging life moments.

My integrative approach means I adapt to what works best for you, rather than forcing you into a rigid theoretical framework. Whether you need short-term support (12 weeks) or longer-term exploration (20+ weeks), I offer one-to-one sessions both in Central London and online.

Please do call if you feel I can help, I would like to hear from you.

Training, qualifications & experience

  • Doctorate in  Counselling Psychology and Psychotherapy
  • MSc in Psychology
  • Clinical Diploma in Integrative Psychotherapy

Registered Practicing Counselling Psychologist, Clinical Diploma in Integrative Psychotherapy, MSc Psychology, Level 7 Counselling Psychology & Psychotherapy, Professional Studies, 2019, Diploma SpLD BSc (Hons). My doctoral research was on men’s experience of therapy and I am a volunteer with Music Support. Currently I run a private practice in the City of London

Other qualifications

  • BSc in Biology and Geography
  • Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)
  • Diploma in Specific Learning Difficulties (Dyslexia)

In addition to these assessed and validated qualifications, I am passionate about my Continued Professional Development (CPD) and regularly participate in further training and seminars. This enables me to constantly learn new skills and be informed of new research which can be offered to you where it may be appropriate and beneficial. These include:

  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
  • Cognitive Behavioural Coaching (CBC)
  • Brief Therapy
  • Domestic Violence
  • Attachment
  • Addiction
  • Stress reduction
  • Triple P - Positive Parenting
  • Harassment and Bullying
  • Learning Disabilities and Mental Health
  • Equality and Diversity
  • Safeguarding Adults, Safeguarding Children, and Safeguarding Domestic Abuse

To complement my formal learning and CPD, I engage in weekly personal therapy and fortnightly supervision. Personal therapy enables me to remain well connected to the experience of being a client. Supervision enables you to benefit from the very best service I can provide.

Member organisations

Registered / Accredited

Registered / Accredited

Being registered/accredited with a professional body means an individual must have achieved a substantial level of training and experience approved by their member organisation.

HCPC
Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)

The HCPC are an independent, UK-wide health regulator. They set standards of professional training, performance and conduct for 16 professions.

They keep a register of health professionals who meet their standards, and they take action if registered health professionals fall below those standards. They were created by a piece of legislation called the Health Professions Order 2001.

Registration means that a health professional meets national standards for their professional training, performance and conduct.

UKCP
UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP)

The UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) is a leading professional body for the education, training and regulation of psychotherapists and psychotherapeutic counsellors. Its register is accredited by the government's Professional Standards Authority.

As part of its commitment to protect the public, it works to improve access to psychotherapy, to support and disseminate research, to improve standards and to respond effectively to complaints against its members.

UKCP standards cover the range of different psychotherapies. Registration is obtained by training or accrediting with one of its member organisations, or by holding a European Certificate in Psychotherapy. Accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.

BACP
British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP)

BACP is one of the UK’s leading professional bodies for counselling and psychotherapy with around 60,000 members. The Association has several different categories of membership, including Student Member, Individual Member, Registered Member MBACP, Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Accred) and Senior Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Snr Acccred). Registered and accredited members are listed on the BACP Register, which shows that they have demonstrated BACP’s recommended standards for training, proficiency and ethical practice. The BACP Register was the first register of psychological therapists to be accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA). Accredited and senior accredited membership are voluntary categories for members who choose to undertake a rigorous application and assessment process to demonstrate additional standards around practice, training and supervision. Individual members will have completed an appropriate counselling or psychotherapy course and started to practise, but they won’t appear on the BACP Register until they've demonstrated that they meet the standards for registration. Student members are still in the process of completing their training. All members are bound by the BACP Ethical Framework and a Professional Conduct Procedure.

Accredited register membership

UK Council for Psychotherapy
Accredited Register Scheme

The Accredited Register Scheme was set up in 2013 by the Department of Health (DoH) as a way to recognise organisations that hold voluntary registers which meet certain standards. These standards are set by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).

This therapist has indicated that they belong to an Accredited Register.

UK Council for Psychotherapy

Areas of counselling I deal with

Other areas of counselling I deal with

  • Online Therapy
  • Individual Therapy
  • Parenting

Photos & videos

Fees

£90.00 - £110.00

Concessions offered for

  • Low income
  • Keyworkers
  • Students
  • Trainee counsellors
  • Unemployed

Health Insurance/EAP

  • Aviva
  • Axa Health
  • BUPA
  • Vitality

Additional information

£90 - 110 per 50 minutes.

Available forms of payment include Paypal, cash and bank transfer.

Negotiable reduction of fees at specific times and on a case by case basis.

When I work

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Early morning
Morning
Early afternoon
Late afternoon
Evening

I am available for international online therapy.

Further information

I work from a dedicated space in Blackfriars. I am in a great building that has been designed for physical and mental wellbeing. The building has a very professional front of house staff with waiting space and a host of features ensure your comfort and safety with individually controlled air conditioning, daily cleaning and high standards of soundproofing.

22 Tudor Street, London, EC4Y 0AY

Flat 1, 148 Strand, Covent Garden, London, WC2R 1JA

Type of session

In person
Online
Phone

Types of client

Young people (13-17)
Adults (25-64)
Couples
Families

Key details

DBS check

In England and Wales, the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS, formerly known as CRB) carry out criminal records checks for individuals working with vulnerable groups, such as children. To find out more, visit gov.uk , or contact this professional directly

Wheelchair user access
Wheelchair user access

Wheelchair-accessible premises should have step-free access for wheelchair users and individuals who are unable to climb stairs. If a Counsellor's premises aren't step-free, they may offer alternative services such as telephone/web-based appointments, home visits, or meeting clients in different location, so you can choose the option that suits you best.

You can contact the Counsellor to discuss the options available.

Under the Equality Act 2010 service providers have a duty to make reasonable adjustments to ensure that individuals with disabilities can access their service. You can read more about reasonable adjustments to help you to access services on the CAB website.

Extensive experience with neurodiversity, transitioning to adulthood and parenting issues.

Online platforms

Whatsapp
Zoom

Supervision

In person
Online
Phone

RAPPT supervisor. Integrative, psychodynamic/humanistic. Expertise: men, adolescents, neurodiversity, music/arts. Individual & group

View supervision profile

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