Alison Sowerby

BA (Hons), MBACP - Integrative Counsellor

Bishop Auckland, Durham, DL14 6XB

About me

Hello,

My name is Alison. I studied at Bishop Auckland college where I was trained to work integratively which means I use tools from different models of counselling in my practice. I studied at Sunderland University where I obtained my BA (Hons) degree.

During my teenage years, my school provided counselling for me that improved my confidence and self-esteem showing me that counselling can positively affect a person's life as it did mine.

My youngest child was born with disabilities I learned through experience that families like mine face hardships and heartache which need support. As my daughter grew she had counselling that helped her to accept herself and enjoy life to her capabilities. These experiences sparked in me a desire to support children with disabilities and their families.

I also support couples who have been told to expect a child with disabilities to help them through their difficult time and the decisions they have to face.

You can contact me via email or phone to set an initial session where we will discuss what you want to gain from counselling. If you're happy to continue we will set up sessions either weekly or fortnightly.

Training, qualifications & experience

Along with my foundation degree and bachelor of arts I have trained in using Drawing and Talking and Rewind.

Drawing and talking is a technique devised by Dr. John Allen to allow a child to visually express worries from deep within their mind that they would not be able to talk about. Over 12 sessions the child can create a story through pictures that sort things out symbolically. I have found this to be a powerful tool to help children feel better.

The rewind technique is a method of de-traumatising people by using deep relaxation along with imagination to process distressing memories. It has also been used in removing phobias. I have used the relaxation part of this technique with clients as a meditation therapy that can be used by the client at home for relaxation purposes.

Level 1 British Sign Language

I have also done level 2 in Mental health awareness, understanding diabetes, and the principles of dementia care. I have also completed an understanding of autism course.

I'm a volunteer counsellor for Butterwick Hospice where I see clients with issues relating to bereavement, long-term illness, and end of life. I have volunteered there since 2015.

Because of the corona virus sessions

Member organisations

Areas of counselling I deal with

Other areas of counselling I deal with

Helping young couples to cope with the news they are to have or have a disabled child

Therapies offered

Photos & videos

Fees

£40.00 per session

Concessions offered for

Keyworkers
Low income
Unemployed

Additional information

I charge £40 per hour session.

£25 for a half-hour session of drawing and talking therapy for children aged between 4 and 16 years old.

Group session of drawing and talking (maximum of 10 children) for forty-five minutes that may go up to an hour session £15 for each child; delivered over 8 weeks.

Availability

	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday	Sunday
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Night

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday. between 9am - 6pm

I work flexible hours, however from 5pm to 7pm only online or by phone

Further information

Creative Counselling is myself and a colleague who are using drawing and talking for children and counselling for children (play therapy) and adults.

Wheelchair user access

our room is spacious that can easily accommodate 2 persons with wheelchairs. The building has an accessible toilet near the therapy room and there are 2 disabled parking bays the entrance where our office is located.