About me
Welcome and thank you for viewing my profile.
I am a Masters Qualified BACP Senior Accredited, highly qualified and experienced Relational Integrative Counsellor and Psychotherapist with the aim of helping individuals and couples to gain a more coherent sense of self.
I am also a qualified Clinical Supervisor and Couples Counsellor; holding an established private practice for over 13 years.
My Psychotherapeutic training, gained at the University of Leeds and Leeds Beckett University, is Accredited by the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy).
My psychotherapeutic qualifications include:
- Master of Arts Integrative Counselling & Psychotherapy
- Post Graduate Diploma Relational Counselling & Psychotherapy
- BSc (Hons) First Class Degree in Psychology. (Accredited by the British Psychological Society)
My background experience includes working in the NHS, Higher Education and Voluntary Sectors, GP Referrals, Leeds City Council Adoption Services and Private Practice. I am a Registered and Senior Accredited member of the British Association of Counsellors & Psychotherapists.
My practice has been assessed and awarded "Senior Accreditation Status" by the British Association for Counsellors & Psychotherapists; aligned with SCoPEd Framework Column C. This ensures I have met the highest standards of practice as a competent, ethical and Individual practitioner.
My private practice in Farsley, Leeds, provides a safe space for individuals and couples to explore, talk about their feelings and think about their choices. Providing compassionate therapy for adults to navigate and work through issues, life transitions and difficulties towards positive change.
Many client recommendations have helped me build my practice; offering you assurances I am a practitioner of the the highest, caring quality. I'm passionate about Counselling & Psychotherapy as I know it can change your life; hence, investing your time with me you can become the person you want to be; altering your behaviour, feelings, thoughts, outlook and perspective, resulting in more satisfying relationships.
Helping you to understand yourself
Sometimes life throws you challenges, you feel uncertain and unhappy, unable to think clearly and find a way to move forward.
Counselling provides you with a space to learn more about yourself, to work through and make sense of your thoughts and feelings and sometimes to make life changing decisions. Some clients do not have a clearly defined problem, they simply feel lost, directionless and desperately need to find meaning in their lives.
By providing you with a caring, non judgemental and safe environment, helping you feel heard and understood, you are able to explore your difficulties and find new ways of being, learning new strategies to cope with the difficulties you face. This enables the freedom to grow, to develop new and more relationships with yourself and others, to become more comfortable in the person you desire to be.
My Therapeutic Approach
The model I am trained in is the Relational Approach which places relationships as essential to how we feel about ourselves, including the relationship between therapist and client. This model adopts an integrative approach, underpinned by the warmth of the Person Centered Approach and incorporating Existential, Humanistic, Transactional Analysis, Relational Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Attachment theories. These approaches allow me the ability to offer cognitive, behavioural and affective interventions.
Why Me? BACP University Accredited Training
My academic background includes; Master of Arts Integrative Counselling, Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling & Psychotherapy from Leeds Beckett University. A Post Graduate Certificate in Counselling Skills & Theory from the University of Leeds. Post Graduate Certificate in Working with Couples and and a Post Graduate Diploma in Supervision from the Leeds Centre for Psychological Development. Gaining my psychotherapeutic training from high quality establishments has given me the knowledge and experience to help you with your difficulties. Whilst my background in psychology has aided my understanding of the complexities of the mind and behaviour.
INVESTING YOUR TIME WITH ME - what can I offer you?
I have a wealth of experience working short and long term with a wide range of problems e.g. anxiety, depression, relationship issues, bereavement and trauma, in a variety of settings.
My Counselling & Psychotherapy Masters degree is underpinned by my BSC (HONS) Degree in Psychology. Psychology is the study of the mind and behaviour. As an identical twin I have had a lifelong fascination with the complexities of human relationships; what makes us the same but different. Hence this subject was the natural choice for me. The knowledge I have gained from this degree enables me to underpin our work together with a deep understanding of psychological processes eg. Child Development, Attachment Theories, Neuroscience, Neurobiology, Somatic experiences, Cognitive and Developmental Psychology, Trauma and Memory Systems, further helping me to understand the struggles life can bring us and how they affect our well being. This helps to inform my practice, tailoring my work to the individual needs of each client.
Having a deep understanding of how our experiences impact the brain and nervous system, I am able to help you understand and regulate your physical and mental health needs; providing you with a lifelong investment in your physical and mental wellbeing.
I am trained in the Relational Approach which places relationships as essential to how we feel about ourselves, including the relationship between therapist and client. This integrative approach allows us to explore the impact of historical and new influences upon current relating and learn new strategies to cope with the difficulties we face.
Couples Therapy
Specialist training in Couples Counselling at the Leeds Centre for Psychological development has enabled me to understand the difficulties some couples encounter in their relating. I work with couples that are distressed, discouraged and disconnected. Together, we can explore your relationship history and begin to piece together the reasons that the emotional and physical intimacy began to decline; whether that leads to helping to rebuild an empathic, fulfilling and connected relationship; or to a pathway of separation.
Relational Approach to couples therapy - how can I help you?
Flexibility
The adaptability of my approach establishes safety for both partners; I use my ability as a therapist to bridge individual histories with current relational dynamics.
My approach is not formulaic - I am able to combine techniques such as attachment work, communication skills training and psychodynamic insight to fit your specific needs, walking alongside your through your difficulties
In the room work
Observing your interactions as a couple in real time I am able to bring the dynamics of your relationship into the session to learn from them directly
Focus on reconnection
In our supportive space conflict is treated as an opportunity for growth and deeper understanding
Practical outcomes
I offer practical skills for communication, repairing rifts after breaches of trust (infidelity) and navigating transitions
Define clear goals
Help you translate vague feelings of unhappiness into clear, actionable goals
Address "why us"?
Help you understand why your relationship feels difficult, focusing on patterns, history and unspoken longings
Contemplating couples therapy? Not sure if this is the right process for you and your partner?
I understand how daunting this process may feel
In the first instance I welcome you to contact me so that we discuss your unique needs as a couple. I look forward to speaking with you.
Bereavement
Specialist training working with loss, death and grief gained whilst working at the Bradford Bereavement Support Centre.
I realise taking the first steps to seek help can be difficult, so please feel free to call, e mail or text if you have any questions as, about my service and I will happily respond to any questions you may have. If you leave a message I will get back to you as soon as possible, usually within 24 hours.
To book a first session - Individuals/Couples
To book a free 20 minute initial phone consultation please contact me via email. The consultation is a chance for us both to decide if we feel a good fit to work together.
Client Comments:
"Coming to weekly therapy with Allison has been a lifesaver!! I was able to speak confidentially about my mind racing and my anxiety......having space to explore and understand my feelings I am now so much calmer....able to make better decisions and build better relationships.....my life has turned around!"
"Allison was caring, warm and non judgemental.....I was amazed at what i have learned about myself....I feel like a new person"
Areas of Counselling I deal with:
Counselling provides you with the space to learn more about yourself, to work through your feelings and sometimes to make life changing decisions. Challenging areas in relating may include: depression, anxiety, trauma, risk issues, suicide, loss and bereavement, affairs and betrayals, bullying, childhood and life event trauma, stress, panic attacks, relationship problems, marriage difficulties and divorce, family problems, emotional abuse, work difficulties, self esteem, addictions, anger management, work related problems and many other issues.
Premises
My practice is located in a safe, quiet, easily accessible building with adjacent parking. I have 3 newly refurbished counselling suites, with a reception area and toilet facilities. Transport links via rail and bus are very good.
Training, qualifications & experience
Qualifications
- BACP Senior Accredited Counsellor & Psychotherapist - aligned with SCoPEd Framework Column C. Awarded by the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy
- Master of Arts in Counselling & Psychotherapy (Leeds Beckett University, Accredited by the BACP).
- Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling & Psychotherapy (Leeds Beckett University. Accredited by the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy)
- Post Graduate Certificate in Counselling Skills and Theory (University of Leeds. Accredited by the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy)
- BSc (Hons) First Class Degree in Psychology (Open University, Accredited by the British Psychological Society)
- BACP Accredited Counsellor & Psychotherapist. Awarded by the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy
- BACP Accredited Post Graduate Diploma In Clinical Supervision - Leeds Centre for Psychological Development
- Certificate in Working with Couples (Leeds Centre for Psychological Development)
- CTI Level 2 Counselling Training Programme (Joseph Priestley College)
- Openings: Living in a Changing Society (The Open University)
- Certificate In The Social Sciences (The Open University)
- Degree level modules on psychological interactions: bullying, harrassment, ethics
BSc (Hons) Degree Psychology Modules:
- An introduction to the Social Sciences
- Exploring Psychology Project: Memory Systems
- Child Development
- Social Psychology
- Biological Psychology: Exploring the Brain
- Cognitive Psychology
- Ethics in Real Life.
I hold a full Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Certificate
I have full Professional Indemnity Insurance Cover
Training and Experience
My background experience includes working in the NHS for 10 years, alongside in the Higher Education Sector. Presently I provide Counselling and Psychotherapy to adopted clients for Leeds City Council.
My experience in the Voluntary Sector includes:
Home-Start, Leeds - visiting families in their own homes, supporting parents who often felt isolated, depressed and exhausted, struggling with the challenges that parenting brings
Noah's Ark Adults and Childrens Counselling Centre, Halifax - Delivering Counselling and Psychotherapy to the local community
Bradford Bereavement Support - Delivering Counselling and Psychotherapy to individuals who have encountered death, loss and grief
I attend regular Clinical Supervision and I am committed to my own Continuing Professional Development, attending relevant training and courses.
Training Courses include:
- Certificate in Mental Health First Aid
- Certificate in Hard to Help Clients in Counselling
- Certificate in Babies Brains and Bonding
- Certificate in Bereavement: Grief and Loss
- Certificate in Defense Mechanisms and their part in the Bereavement process
- Certificate: Home-Start Volunteers Preparation Course
- Certificate in Working with Couples
- Domestic Abuse Awareness
- Drugs and Alcohol Awareness
- Training in Relaxation Techniques
- Safeguarding Children and Young People Workshop
- Self Harm Work Shop
- Working with people who identify as Gay, Lesbian and Transgender
- Working with Teenagers
- Working with families
- Assertiveness Training
- The Data Protection Act
- Sage & Thyme: Foundation Level Workshop: Listening and responding to people who are worried or distressed
- Unconscious Bias training - NHS
- Trauma and the Refugee Experience - Professor N Nasrat
Member organisations
school 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 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
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.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Therapies offered
Fees
£65.00 per session
Concessions offered for
Additional information
Individual Counselling: £ 65
Couples Counselling: £85
Online & Telephone Counselling: £65
Concessions:
£55 for Students, Trainee Counsellors, Unemployed
Trainee Counsellors welcome.
All sessions are for 50 minutes.
Cash or BACS accepted for payment.
SUPERVISION:
As a Qualified Clinical Supervisor I offer Relational Supervision that provides a warm, reflective, containing space to trainee & qualified therapists allowing all aspects of clinical practice to be explored; ensuring safe and ethical practice.
Face to face, Online & Telephone Supervision
I warmly invite you to contact me to arrange an initial meeting where we can, collaboratively, explore your supervisory needs. I look forward to your enquiry.
I realise taking the first steps to seek help can be difficult, so please feel free to call, email or text if you any any questions about my service and I will happily respond to any questions you may have. If you leave a message I will get back to you as soon as possible, usually within 24 hours.
Further information
Availability
I am available to see clients during the day & evenings as follows:
Monday to Friday 9:30 am to 7.00 pm
