Claudia Aldersley
Every professional displayed on Counselling Directory has been independently verified by our team to ensure they have suitable credentials to practise.
This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
I am an experienced therapist and am BACP accredited. I have over 30 years experience of working with children, young adults and families as a teacher and within NHS mental health services as a therapist and Clinical Lead. I also work with a University as a tutor in Counselling & Psychotherapy as well as providing clinical supervision for students. I specialise in working with children, young adults and parents- perhaps school feels hard; sticking to rules is tricky; making friends is a struggle at school/Uni- all of these things can be explored in therapy. As a former teacher, I have a real understanding of how growing up can sometimes feel as if it needs to be navigated rather than enjoyed. I also work with parents, appreciating the struggles (and joys) of life with children. I have much experience in working with neuro-divergence (ASC, ADHD) both in adults and children.
My role is to be alongside my clients as they explore thoughts and feelings which can be difficult, sad and sometimes overwhelming. Some clients use the sessions to off load, knowing that I offer acceptance and no judgement. Others prefer to learn techniques, such as ways to calm a racing brain or to distract from difficult thoughts.
My office is based in central Southport. If clients choose to, they can be based within an arts room- this can help take away some of the intensity of therapy, as we can talk alongside one another whilst drawing and painting. Sometimes other resources can also help, such as sand, playdoh and mini figures. We have the use of a large, free car park and shops/cafes at hand for any parents after dropping children or for a free moment after counselling.
Training, qualifications & experience
My original career was in teaching, I then worked with looked-after children before beginning my training as a therapist.
I have a BA (Hons) from the University of Sheffield, a PGCE in secondary education from Manchester Metropolitan University, a Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling and a Level 4 Certificate in Counselling Children, which is based in Child Development theory and Play Therapy. I have completed further training in Therapy using creative arts, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy , Clinical Supervision and Compassion Focussed Therapy.
I am an accredited member of the BACP.
I previously volunteered for PANDAS and have a real interest in working with families affected by pre and post-natal depression.
I am an experienced trainer in Mental Health, currently working on developing the skills of therapists who work in schools with young people experiencing anxiety and low mood. I have many years experience of developing and delivering parenting courses, employability courses as well as supervising the work of trainees and students.
I currently work for a charity delivering counselling to children and young people funded by the NHS. I deliver counselling in schools and run projects in therapeutic work with young people and in overcoming psychological issues to return to work. I also train postgraduate students in working with children and young people therapeutically.
I volunteered for Place2Be, a nationwide charity providing counselling in schools to children and young people.
I have completed training in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Clinical Supervision which is accredited by the British Psychological Society.
I continuously attend professional training, including many courses at Alder Hey in such things as self-harm, neuro-science, anxiety, OCD and trauma. I have also attended training in Mindfulness, Safeguarding and Suicide Prevention.
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
Photos & videos
Fees
£55.00 per session
Free initial telephone session
Concessions offered for
Additional information
£55 per hour Fees are increased for clients using private health insurance due to the extra administration involved. I am registered with RedArc health insurers.
Therapy for families is charged at £65 per hour.
Reduced rates for counselling students - £45
I would encourage a 15 minute initial meeting - which would be free of charge. This is normally conducted by telephone.
When I work
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | |||||||
| Afternoon | |||||||
| Evening | |||||||
| Night |
Appointments to suit including Wednesday afternoon and Thursdays (up to 8pm) for in person appointments whilst other days/evenings are available on Zoom.
Further information
I have much experience of working with children, young people and adults diagnosed or with symptoms of ADHD and ASD.
I also have a particular interest in post-natal depression and those who may be struggling with the challenges of being a parent.
