Alison Hughes

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MBACP (Accredited) NCS (Accredited)
Available for new clients
Available for new clients

This professional is available for new clients.

location_on Magherafelt, County Londonderry, BT45 5DF
Available for new clients
Available for new clients

This professional is available for new clients.

About me

How Counselling can help.

Counselling is a wonderful experience that helps people find their power again. Sometimes, it can feel a little lost to them, but it is still there, just maybe not visible right now. Finding the right counsellor with warmth, compassion, and knowledge is crucial to helping create the changes you need. 


Have you observed any changes in your behaviour recently that don't seem like your usual self?

Do you feel like your health and well-being are suffering? Have you noticed that your relationships are failing as a result? Do you tend to avoid conflict and then feel disempowered? Have you experienced low mood swings? Perhaps you find yourself reaching for food or drink to make yourself feel better, or you notice outbursts of rage or anger and then feel upset with your behaviour. Are you feeling teary-eyed frequently?

Because you are here, I say, 'Well done on taking the first step towards finding a therapist to help you rediscover joy in your life.'

What to expect in a first session: 
Email, text, to book in 

During the first session, you will be doing an assessment; this means that I will hear your expectations and goals of what you want to work through.  Sometimes, people come up with a problem list, or it could be just one problem they think they have.  You will also be assessing me to see if I am the right counsellor for you. To create change, as I've said before, you will have to feel you have the proper connection to allow trust in the relationship with me as your counsellor.   The session typically lasts 50 minutes.  After this session, you will decide in your own time if you would like to continue with therapy sessions, and you can contact me to schedule your next session if you have decided we are a good fit. 

Below are some of the issues I have worked with. I have been counselling for over 14 years, and while the list below is there, each client's story is unique. Each client who comes through my door will be met with the same warmth and compassion, no matter how big or small they feel their story is. 


I have experience working in different Health Trusts with adults and young people who are experiencing:

  • Anxiety/Depression through issues such as work-related stress
  • Stress
  • Bullying in the workplace/school
  • Low self-esteem/confidence
  • Social anxiety
  • Relationship difficulties
  • Abuse through neglect, physical, sexual, or financial
  • Grief with loss/bereavement
  • Addictions 
  • Trauma

My clients' feedback affirms that they have felt secure enough to delve into their deepest fears during our counselling sessions. They also expressed that they have developed a meaningful relationship with me, which encouraged them to share their story without any trepidation of being judged. I believe that the therapeutic relationship must be built on mutual trust and respect, and from that foundation, we can take the first steps towards healing and letting go of past traumas.

My approach is to create a safe and nurturing space for individuals to explore their needs in therapy, empowering them to make informed decisions and move forward in their lives.

Training, qualifications & experience

  • National Counsel Society Accredited member
  • British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (Accredited member)
  • FDSC in Counselling - University of Ulster
  • Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (Level 5)
  • Diploma in Hypnotherapy
  • Neuro-Linguistic Programming Practitioner (NLP)
  • Level Three in Alcohol and Drugs Awareness
  • Eye Movement Desensitisation  Reprogramming (EMDR) Qualified
  • Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT- Tapping)
  • Qualified Couples therapist 
  • Qualified Cruse Bereavement Support Worker

I have worked in GP surgeries for several years, assisting individuals with various issues. For some, walking through the door can be intimidating, but I see it as a positive sign of strength that they have taken the first step to address their concerns. During my initial meeting with clients, I make a concerted effort to listen to their stories and build trust with them. Trust is essential in the first session, as it enables the client to open up and begin sharing their experiences. We will work collaboratively using various techniques to empower the client to gain new insights from each session.

Member organisations

school 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.

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

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
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

Therapies offered

Photos & videos

Fees

£80.00 - £120.00
Free initial telephone or online session

Health Insurance/EAP

  • check_circle Axa Health
  • check_circle BUPA

Additional information

Fees & Terms

An initial consultation will explore your current issues and background history and establish the focus of the treatment plan. Length of session - 1.5 hours £120.

Fees for counselling sessions in person:

  • Single session £80
  • Block of 4 sessions £310
  • Payment plan available

Fees for Zoom counselling sessions:

  • £80 per counselling hour

Fees for Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a powerful therapy designed to help people recover from traumatic events in their lives.

EMDR is recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).

  • £80 per session

When I work

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Night

Counselling Practice is open:

  • Monday to Friday - 9am to 5pm

Counselling With Alison, 8B Union Road, Magherafelt, County Londonderry, BT45 5DF

Type of session

In person
Online

Types of client

Young adults (18-24)
Adults (25-64)
Couples
Groups
Employee Assistance Programme

Key details

DBS check info

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

AccessNI check info

AccessNI carries out criminal records checks for individuals working in certain roles in Northern Ireland. Find out more at justice-ni.gov.uk , or contact this professional directly.

Online platforms

Zoom

Social