Alison Reed Richards

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Counsellor & Supervisor MBACP (Accred.) MA, Dip.Counselling
Available for new clients
Available for new clients

This professional is available for new clients.

Curry Rivel, Somerset, TA10
Available for new clients
Available for new clients

This professional is available for new clients.

About me

  Life can feel very difficult, painful and confusing at times; my belief is we each have within ourselves the capacity to make sense of our experiences and emotional responses and so bring about positive change - what we need is the kind of environment which enables us to do that. I offer a warm, accepting, supportive relationship within which to rediscover, nurture and encourage that seed within. In providing a supported space - set apart from the routine of life - I offer the opportunity to explore and reflect upon whatever (past, present or future) is causing you anxiety or concern working together to bring about the change you desire.

   Based in Curry Rivel, Mid-Somerset, equidistant between Glastonbury, Yeovil and Taunton and within easy reach of the M5, my therapy room is on the ground floor therefore easily accessible for most. I have experience working with young adults(16+), adult individuals and couples in areas which include, amongst others, low self esteem, anxiety, depression, bereavement and loss (including the hidden loss of early miscarriage, abortion, the end of an affair), overwhelming confusion, emotional & sexual abuse and its impact on our present day living, relationship issues. I work integratively meaning I use my knowledge and understanding of various therapeutic models to work in a way which best suits you. 

  Essentially a Talking therapy not everyone finds talking easy; it can be hard to find the words to express how we feel. In such instances we can explore alternative ways of finding expression - drawing, imagery, dreams, paying attention to our physical tensions and habitual gestures, visualisation, fairy tales, toys, natural objects. My aim is to treat you with respect and consideration holding all things gently and confidentially with the firm belief you will begin again to experience life in all its fullness.

  As an accredited member of the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP) my work is carried out within their ethical guidelines; I undertake regular professional supervision and am committed to continuing professional and personal development.

  If you would like to know more have a look on my website otherwise please contact me to arrange an initial appointment to explore how we might work together. Appointments: daytime with some evening availability. Some concessionary rates available.

Training, qualifications & experience

  • MA (Oxon)
  • BA (Oxon)
  • Higher Diploma In Counselling Practice
  • NFCE Level 2 Certificate in Mental Health Awareness
  • Clinical Supervision Training
  • Certificate in Supervision (NCS Advanced Specialist Course)
  • OU/BACP Level 2 Counselling On-line
  • Supporting People in Loss, Grief & Bereavement
  • Counselling With Spirituality
  • Couples Counselling Skills
  • Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction
  • other training includes: Domestic Abuse, Working with the Inner Child, Body-centred Mindfulness, Healing the Trauma of Sexual Abuse, Loss & Significant Change, Love & Fear in Supervision, Working with Spirituality in the Consulting Room, Working with Distress: suicide & self harm, Working with Shame, Working with Soul.
  • Facilitator. Retreats: most recent Ebb & Flow: the Rhythm of Life at Launde Abbey, Leicestershire. Quiet Days: most recent Letting Be & Letting Go at Middle Lambrook, Somerset.

My previous work as a volunteer counsellor with the Bereavement Support Team at St. Margaret's Hospice,  and as an Associate Counsellor with a Taunton Agency providing affordable person-centred counselling, has brought me into contact with people from all walks of life; this broad experience informing my private practice. My supervisory work includes working with experienced & trainee counsellors, and individuals from other helping professions (for example, palliative care nurses, teachers, clergy & support workers).

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

Fees

£45.00 - £65.00

Concessions offered for

  • Low income
  • Students
  • Trainee counsellors
  • Unemployed

Additional information

Initial Session to meet, outline your difficulty, explore and agree how we might best work together (approximately 45 mins) : individuals £20; couples £30

thereafter sessions range between 50 -60 minutes  Individuals £45
                                                                                  Couples £65

Concessions are available; the amount of concession is based on individual circumstances. 

Supervision (60 -90 minute session): £50 - £90

When I work

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Night

Evening availability is limited (5pm - 8:30pm). Please enquire when making first contact.

Further information


I also offer Supportive Consultation (mentoring or supervision are alternative descriptions) and Pastoral Supervision.

I am a member of the Association for Pastoral Supervision & Education (APSE).

Curry Rivel, Somerset, TA10

Type of session

In person
Online

Types of client

Young people
Adults
Older Adults
Couples
Groups
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

My therapy room is on the ground floor. There is one step up to enter the building. WC on the ground floor but not wheelchair accessible.

Additional languages

none

Online platforms

Whatsapp
Zoom

Supervision

In person

My intention is to offer a reflective space; a trustworthy working relationship wherein we can rise to the challenges of working therapeutically .

View supervision profile

Alison Reed Richards
Alison Reed Richards