Alex Sanderson-Shortt MA, MNCS (Prof Accred)
About me
For the safety of my clients, during the lock down, all sessions are via Zoom, a safe online video service. I have used this extensively in my work and find it an effective way of holding sessions.
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 National Counselling Society
Training, qualifications & experience
Counselling Qualifications:
Basic skills
Intermediate Counselling Skills
Post Graduate Certificate Relationship Therapy with Gender and Sexually Diverse Clients
MA (distinction) in Relationship Therapy
University Advanced Diploma - Relationship Therapy
Certificate in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Skills
Certificate in Hypnotherapy
Additional Training:
I am a fully qualified Relate counsellor
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
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.

National Counselling Society
The National Counselling 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

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.

Areas of counselling I deal with
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
Therapies offered
Fees
£55 per hour for ongoing work
Further information
I work from home in a dedicated counselling room.
Appointments are available in the evenings and at weekends to suit your schedule
Counselling by Skype is available
I can't always get to the phone, so please leave a message and I'll get back to you!