Alex Sanderson-Shortt

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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.

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

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

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!