Dr Erin Alford


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This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
Hello and welcome to my profile. Making the decision to reach out for therapy can be difficult and even daunting. I'm here to offer you non-judgmental, confidential support so that we can explore your difficulties and work towards healing together. I am a counselling psychologist with five years of experience. I support people with various mental health difficulties and challenging life circumstances. Please do get in touch with any questions you have - I would love to hear from you.
Therapy:
In therapy with me, we will begin by using the first few sessions to explore your reasons for seeking therapy and to allow me to get to know you. For me, the therapeutic relationship is essential in achieving desired therapeutic outcomes therefore, I aim to develop this relationship first and foremost. I like to work in a flexible and nuanced way to ensure that your needs are met. We will work collaboratively to identify your needs and I will continuously check in with you to allow us to adapt or change the way of working if necessary.
I work with a variety of difficulties including anxiety, low mood, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties, OCD, health anxiety, stress, and many more. It may be that you aren't too sure what you are struggling with, I can also support you with this. I have experience and expertise working with diversity. In particular, working cross culturally and with LGBTQIA+ clients. From my own experience seeking out queer affirmative therapy, I am passionate about providing a safe, non-judgmental space for all clients.
My way of working is integrative which involves incorporating various therapeutic approaches into our therapeutic work together. I value the subjectivity and diversity of all experiences and believe that one approach to therapy does not meet the needs of everyone.
In working this way, I am guided by the theory and values of person-centred therapy (PCT) which include providing empathy, unconditional positive regard and congruence. I then integrate other approaches, namely cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), schema therapy and compassion into our work depending on your needs.
I currently offer online sessions. If you would like to enquire about sessions, ask for any more information or book an initial 15 minute call, please get in touch. I hope to hear from you soon!
Supervision:
I have completed the Supervision Skills course with the BPS and currently work as a placement tutor on the DPsych Counselling Psychology. I also have experience supervising staff and volunteers in other roles.
Having completed doctoral training myself, and continued working within academia since qualifying, I have a good understanding of course and clinical practice requirements. I also have a good understanding of professional and personal challenges encountered by trainees. My role as tutor focuses on supporting trainees in overcoming these challenges and promotes their development on the path to qualification.
The aim of my supervision practice is to create a collaborative and trusting relationship with supervisees, promoting reflective practice. In addition, the focus of supervision will also be on trainee well-being and ensuring good practice in line with relevant professional guidelines. I approach supervision with no judgment, openness and humbleness, and work alongside trainees to support their applied practice and professional/ personal growth. I am also committed to anti-discriminatory practice (ADP) and anti-oppressive practice (AOP) (my research area) so aim to incorporate these principles into my supervisory relationships both to provide a safe space within supervision, and to facilitate your own ADP and AOP.
I also offer support with Viva preparation if you require a just a few sessions, or even a one off.
Training, qualifications & experience
I have a Doctorate in Counselling Psychology (D Psych) from Glasgow Caledonian University. I have experience working with a range of difficulties including but not limited to anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, sexuality, gender identity, discrimination, trauma, relationship difficulties, life transitions and neurodiversity, both in the third and in the private sectors. I have also worked in a college supporting students and in a trauma focussed charity.
Finally, I am committed to anti-discriminatory and anti-oppressive practice. My doctoral research investigated how we work towards this in therapy and in counselling training programmes. I presented this research in a social justice symposium at the BPS Counselling Psychology Conference in 2022. I am continuously engaging with research, training, and self-reflection to ensure I provide a safe and affirmative space for my clients. I really value difference and diversity and will aim to work with you to understand our similarities or differences without making assumptions.
Training:
- DPsych Counselling Psychology (2022) - Glasgow Caledonian University
- BSc Applied Psychology (2019) - Glasgow Caledonian University
Additional:
- Supervision Skills; British Psychology Society (2024)
- Time Limited Schema Therapy; Bespoke Mental Health (2023)
- Defining Gender, Sexuality and Relationship Diversity; Pink Therapy (2022)
- Schema Therapy: The original Schema Therapy Model and the Mode Model: First Psychology (2022)
- Working with Trauma: Wellbeing Scotland (2021)
- Working with Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse: Wellbeing Scotland (2021)
- Gender Based Violence: Glasgow Clyde College (2021)
- Decolonising the Curriculum: BPS (2020)
- Black Psychology: BPS (2020)
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.

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They keep a register of health professionals who meet their standards, and they take action if registered health professionals fall below those standards. They were created by a piece of legislation called the Health Professions Order 2001.
Registration means that a health professional meets national standards for their professional training, performance and conduct.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Therapies offered
Fees
£95.00 per session
Free initial telephone session
Health Insurance/EAP
Additional information
Individual Therapy sessions are charged at £95 per 50 minute session.
Supervision is charged at £55 per hour for students.
When I work
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