Alison Paul
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This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
Hi. My name is Alison. I provide counselling for adults and young people.
During our counselling sessions I will provide you with a non-judgemental and empathic space where we can work together to explore your thoughts, feelings and behaviours. I will offer empathy and be there as a listening ear to help you to open up and discuss any issues or worries you wish to talk about. We will work at a suitable pace for you, to help to understand and talk through the underlying reasons you may be feeling stuck or struggling in life. We’ll explore the past and present to help you to heal and become more self aware so you can move forward.
With adults I use the person centred modality of counselling. This means that the counselling I offer is non-directive and I will not give advice or tell you what to do. What I do provide, is a safe space for you to feel heard and validated, where I may reflect feelings and thoughts back to you, I may ask questions or gently challenge you to help you to gain more self awareness and understanding. As a person centred counsellor I believe that you are the expert in your own life and I can help you to gain the strength and clarity you need, for you to make decisions and guide you in your own self-healing process.
Training, qualifications & experience
During my time as a counsellor I have worked for a number of organisations and charities that provide counselling services to both adults and young people. With my adult clients I have provided therapy on issues around abuse, bereavement, relationship issues, loss and separation, anger, anxiety, depression and many other concerns.
I currently work for a counselling centre in Altrincham. I support young people therapeutically who are struggling with self harm, suicidal ideation, self esteem and confidence issues. I also work with children who present with anxiety, worrying, feeling sad, separation anxiety, bullying and other issues. When working with young people I use an Integrative counselling modality to support the therapeutic process by using paints, colouring, drawing, writing, playing games, use of sand tray, amongst others. I may also offer some Cognitive Behavioural Therapy where appropriate. I believe in the importance of a young person always having choice and feeling in control during counselling, which is why I would always ensure the young person was in charge in my counselling space.
Prior to becoming a counsellor, I worked with children and young people teaching in secondary schools. I have also worked in education welfare, pastoral support and learning facilitating in a local college. I have worked with children and young adults who have learning difficulties, autism and ADHD. I am very passionate about being able to help and support others, and I love that I am still able to do that in my role as a counsellor.
I am qualified with a Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling and I have completed a Bridging Course Certificate for CYP work. I have also recently completed a Level 5 Certificate in Counselling Children and Young People. I am a Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and work within their ethical framework. I hold a current enhanced DBS disclosure and have full insurance to practice.
Member organisations
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.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Fees
£55.00 per session
Free initial telephone session
Additional information
£55.00 per 50 minute session
When I work
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Further information
I work face to face from therapy rooms in Hale/Altrincham. I can also work remotely via telephone or on zoom.
I offer a free consultation via telephone for 15 minutes, which will give us the opportunity to have a talk about why you want to access counselling at this point in your life and assess our suitability to work together.
Long and short term therapy available. I offer flexible appointments including evenings and weekends. Please get in touch to check my availability.
