Alison Bean

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BSc (Hons), MBACP (Accred), EMDR Europe Practitioner

About me

Are you finding it difficult to move on from something that happened in your past? Do you feel constantly anxious, overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted or as though you're simply surviving rather than thriving?

I'm an accredited psychotherapist with over 20 years' experience helping adults recover from trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and the lasting effects of difficult life experiences. I offer both face-to-face sessions from private consulting rooms on Harley Street, London, and secure online therapy across the UK & worldwide.

I specialise in Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, one of the most effective evidence-based treatments for trauma and PTSD. EMDR helps the brain process distressing memories so they no longer feel as overwhelming or continue to impact your everyday life.

Many of the people I work with have spent years trying to cope on their own. They often describe feeling stuck, constantly on edge, struggling with panic, intrusive memories, relationship difficulties or a harsh inner critic. Others may have experienced childhood trauma, abuse, bereavement, workplace stress, accidents, medical trauma or difficult relationships that continue to affect them long after the events have passed.

Trauma doesn't always result from one major event. Sometimes it develops through years of feeling unsafe, unheard or emotionally unsupported. Whatever your experience, therapy offers an opportunity to understand what has happened, process it safely and move forward with greater confidence and resilience.

Alongside EMDR, I integrate Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Humanistic psychotherapy to create a personalised approach tailored to your individual needs. Every client is different, and together we'll develop a therapy plan that feels right for you.

Clients often tell me they value my warm, calm and down-to-earth approach. My aim is to create a safe, confidential and non-judgmental space where you feel comfortable enough to explore whatever is troubling you, while also helping you make meaningful and lasting change.

I regularly support clients experiencing:

Complex trauma and PTSD
Childhood trauma 
Anxiety and panic attacks
Depression and low mood
Low self-esteem and confidence
Stress and burnout
Relationship difficulties
Bereavement and loss
Life transitions

Therapy is not simply about talking. It's about helping you understand why you're feeling the way you do, reducing the emotional impact of past experiences and enabling you to move forward with greater clarity, confidence and emotional freedom.

Choosing a therapist is an important decision, and it's essential that you feel comfortable with the person you're working with. I therefore offer a free initial consultation where we can discuss what you're looking for, answer any questions and decide whether we're the right fit.

If you're ready to begin your recovery, I'd be delighted to hear from you.

Training, qualifications & experience

I specialise in trauma-focused work, including EMDR therapy, and integrate Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Person-Centred counselling and other evidence-based approaches to tailor therapy to each individual client.

My clinical work is grounded in ongoing professional development and specialist training in trauma and emotional distress. I maintain full professional indemnity insurance, hold an enhanced DBS certificate, and am committed to regular supervision and continued learning to ensure safe and effective practice.

I work in a collaborative and client-led way, focusing on helping clients process and resolve difficult experiences, reduce symptoms, and build emotional resilience. Where appropriate, I draw on a multidisciplinary understanding to support more complex presentations and long-standing difficulties.

Specialist Training Includes:
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing)
BSc (Hons) Cognitive Behavioural Therapeutic Approaches
Dip HE Person-Centred Counselling
Person-Centred Art Therapy
Solution Focused Therapy
Trauma, PTSD and Complex Trauma
Bereavement and Loss
Sexual Abuse and Trauma
Eating Difficulties and Disordered Eating
Self-Harm and Emotional Regulation
Self-Esteem and Body Image
Transgender and Sexuality Affirmative Practice
NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming)

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.

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

British Association for Counselling & 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.

British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy

Areas of counselling I deal with

Fees

£125.00 - £180.00

Health Insurance/EAP

  • Aviva
  • Vitality
  • WPA

Additional information

Your First Session
Your initial session provides a safe and supportive space to explore what has brought you to therapy and what you would like to change. We will begin to understand your current difficulties, identify your goals, and discuss how therapy may help you move forward.

It is also an opportunity for you to ask any questions and to decide whether you feel comfortable working with me. The therapeutic relationship is an important part of the process, and it is essential that you feel we are a good fit.

Sessions are 50–60 minutes and can take place weekly, either in person at Harley Street, London, or online.

There is no fixed number of sessions, as therapy is tailored to your individual needs. However, many clients begin to notice meaningful change after an initial period of 6–8 sessions, particularly when working with trauma-focused approaches such as EMDR.

Session fees vary according to length and whether virtual or face-to-face and are payable at the time of appointment. Payments can be made securely via Stripe, bank transfer, or cash.

I am a Registered Provider with WPA, AVIVA and Vitality.

For appointment enquiries please call 07860930400 or email info@uniquemindscounselling.co.uk.

When I work

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

Further information

I am the Managing Director of UniqueMinds Counselling, which I founded ten years ago with the vision of providing accessible, high-quality therapeutic support to individuals experiencing difficulties with their mental health and emotional wellbeing.

Since its establishment, UniqueMinds Counselling has grown into a trusted service supporting both young people and adults across the UK. I work alongside a highly skilled team of associate counsellors and psychotherapists, enabling us to deliver a wide range of therapeutic interventions nationwide.

We currently work with a police force and a number of corporate organisations, providing specialist support for employees facing psychological distress, workplace stress, trauma and related mental health challenges.

My aim is to ensure that individuals have access to effective, compassionate and professional therapy that supports meaningful and lasting change.

10 Harley Street, London, W1G 9PF

Type of session

In person
Online

Types of client

Young adults (18-24)
Adults (25-64)
Older Adults (65+)
Groups
Organisations
Employee Assistance Programme

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

Online platforms

Microsoft Teams
Zoom
FaceTime
Google Meet
Whatsapp

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