Alex Sanderson-Shortt

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he/they
MA, MNCPS (Prof Accred)
Limited availability
Limited availability

This professional is accepting new clients but may have a waitlist. Please enquire with them directly to discuss availability.

Northwich, CW9 5PW
Limited availability
Limited availability

This professional is accepting new clients but may have a waitlist. Please enquire with them directly to discuss availability.

About me

I am a highly qualified relationship and LGBT+ specialist counsellor who offers a safe, professional and confidential service.  I work with couples, individuals and polyamorous/ open relationships. As a very experienced  counsellor, I work with you to help you understand yourself and your partner/s and change the things that are causing you distress.

Working in partnership

Counselling works best when there is a strong partnership between the counsellor and the client(s). I draw from a wide range of theories and techniques, but it is through building a strong relationship that I have seen the greatest success. I believe absolutely that you are the expert in your life and that you have the skills and resources you need to deal with whatever life throws at you. What I offer you, is help to access these resources and a safe space in which to explore difficult emotions and experiences as you find new ways of understanding and relating to them.

My expertise

  • I have a particular interest in couples counselling and have worked very successfully on relationship issues such as; affairs and betrayals, depression and anxiety, separation and divorce, alcohol abuse, psychosexual therapy and general communication problems - amongst others!
  • I trained in and have much experience of working with clients from across the sexuality and gender spectrum. I am an Advanced Accredited Specialist in working with Gender, Sex and Relationship Diversity
  • I have a great deal of experience working with individuals on issues such as; depression and anxiety, sexuality, addictions, bereavement, low self-esteem, internet addiction and careers and work place issues.
  • I work extensively where there are issues with sexual functioning and with kinky clients . I have a "sex - positive" approach which means I approach sexual work in a positive and non-shaming way; including kink practices and lifestyles and sex workers.

My career in counselling

My interest in counselling began nearly 20 years ago, after being a user of a counselling service and seeing the benefits it brought to my family. I started my training in 1995 and used my skills in a role as a workplace counsellor. Since then I have gone on to do more training and qualifications, having now completed my MA in Relationship Therapy. I have worked for Relate as well as my private practice, working from home in Northwich. My experiences as both a client of counselling services and my range of roles as a counsellor give me a unique perspective. This range of experience means I am not bound to one theory or model of working and can adapt to meet your needs and work in a way that you find comfortable and effective.

Working ethically

I adhere to the ethical guidelines of both the National Counselling Society.

Training, qualifications & experience

Counselling Qualifications:

  • Diploma in Supervision
  • Post Graduate Certificate Relationship Therapy with Gender, Sexually and Relationship Diverse Clients
  • MA (distinction) in Relationship Therapy
  • Certificate in Working with Trans and GNC clients
  • University Advanced Diploma - Relationship Therapy
  • Certificate in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Skills
  • Certificate in Hypnotherapy

Additional Training:

  • Working with Domestic Violence and Abuse
  • Working with Adult Survivors of Sexual Abuse
  • Working with Lesbians and Gay Men
  • Workplace Counselling
  • Initial Consultations
  • Dealing with Affairs
  • Mindful Sex Therapy

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.

NCPS
National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (NCPS)

The National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society

This Not For Profit association of counsellors and psychotherapists aim to support the counselling profession, members and training organisations.

In 2013 the NCS register was accredited by the Professional Standards Authority under the Accredited Voluntary Register Scheme. Accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.

Accredited register membership

National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society
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.

National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society

Other areas of counselling I deal with

  • LGBT specific issues
  • Gay and lesbian couples counselling
  • LGBT individual counselling
  • Trans clients and families
  • Kink
  • Polyamory and open relationships

Photos & videos

Fees

£65.00 - £80.00

Additional information

I have a number of reduced sessions available for people from marginalised communities. 

When I work

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Night

Daytimes, evenings

Further information

I work from home in a dedicated counselling room.

I can't always get to the phone, so please leave a message and I'll get back to you!

79 Carlton Road, Northwich, CW9 5PW

Type of session

In person
Online

Types of client

Adults
Older adults
Couples
Employee Assistance Programme

Online platforms

Zoom

Supervision

In person
Online

I have over 15 years experience as a counsellor and counselling tutor, with an MA in Relationship Therapy and a Diploma in Supervision.

View supervision profile

Social

Alex Sanderson-Shortt
Alex Sanderson-Shortt