Alex Sanderson-Shortt MA, MBACP (Accred)

About me

I am a fully qualified Relate counsellor who offers a safe, professional and confidential service. I work with both couples and individuals in Cheshire and Manchester. As a very experienced  counsellor, I work with you to help you understand yourself and your partner 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 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 trained in and have experience of working with lesbian and gay clients, individually and in relationships. I am also trained to work with transgender clients.
• I work extensively where there are issues with sexual functioning. I have a "sex - positive" approach which means I approach sexual work in a positive and non-shaming way.

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 British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy and the Association for Family Therapy and am a member of both organisations.