Dr Alison Stuart

Alison is a Chartered Counselling Psychologist with substantial experience working with young people and adults. She has worked in a range of settings within the NHS, independent/state sector schools and voluntary sector agencies including universities, primary and secondary schools, vocational dance schools, hospitals, domestic abuse services and GP’s.  As a Chartered Counselling Psychologist, Alison works using a range of therapeutic approaches. These include cognitive behavioural therapy, integrative therapy, art/play therapy with children, motivational interviewing, flash technique and eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR). This enables her to tailor the approach to the clinical needs of the individual. She has special interest in working with performing artists/those in creative professions. Alison currently works with vocational dance students and professional dancers. In addition to her work with adults, Alison has extensive experience working with children. She has managed a range of children's therapy services but also works on a consultative basis within primary and secondary schools. When working with young people, Alison offers a holistic approach which typically involves input from family members or school if this is deemed to be useful. Additionally, she offers parent/carer consultations to address concerns relating to children and adolescents. At the centre of Alison’s work is an emphasis placed upon the importance of a warm and collaborative therapeutic relationship. Research into therapeutic change highlights the importance of having a good therapeutic alliance as being a key predictor of change.

Therapy is available in person or via Zoom when this is deemed to be appropriate for the individual.

-Performing artists- musicians, dancers, actors, vocational dance students and songwriters.
-Child and Parenting Consultations.
-Working with schools and families to address emotional/behavioural difficulties.
-Critical incident support within schools.
-Traumatic bereavement in children and adults.
-Stress/bullying at work.
-Psychological trauma in adults and children.
-Consultation within primary and secondary school in state and private sector.
-Special interest in the use of EMDR in clinical practice.
-Working with vocational dance students and professional dancers.

-Reduced rate for supervision of counselling psychologists in training.

-Some low cost therapy spaces for vocational/professional dancers dependent upon availability. 

 Please note- BUPA referrals not accepted.

Alison is also a visiting university lecturer and supervisor of counselling psychologists in training. She has supervised students from UEL, Surrey University, Regents College and City University often acting as an external supervisor for students who are engaged in adult or child placements.
She also acts as an external supervisor and trainer for counselling services, pastoral support teams, primary and secondary schools.