Paul Alexander

Hi there, I am trained as an integrative Counsellor and Psychotherapist, which means I try to tailor my understanding and knowledge to suit an individuals needs rather than push a particular theory. 

I appreciate the value of nature and its impact on our health (my allotment certainly helps me!) and offer the potential of outdoors 'walk and talk' therapy in a beautiful location this year. I always try to focus my work on helping people to find value in themselves and unlock their inner resources.

I try to bring to bear my 20+ years of therapeutic experience in a safe and informed way that will help people create changes that they are seeking.  I have been staggered by the resilience human beings have, and have been privileged to witness many people overcome significant difficulties and go on to  lead fulfilling lives.

Its easy now to have an initial brief chat by a zoom type remote call or phone to see how you feel about coming to see me.  After that usually I'll try to send some details and questions from my end before we meet in person and then during a first session after taking a few brief details from you we would spend some time talking about the things which are of most concern to you.  Often when coming for therapy these things may have been around for quite some time and the pressure to explore them/change has been building up, or something difficult may have just happened. Either way I'll provide a space for you to be able to discuss and explore what is of most concern for you. This usually helps us to decide and assess what might be most productive to work on in future. The first session is always a place for questions too and I'll encourage you to ask anything that feels important for you to know about the work or myself.

Most people find some relief from having spoken after the first meeting about the things they have been holding on to. Sometimes we might create insights into the problems from this brief discussion. I will always spend the last part of the time discussing how it has been visiting me and if you think it is worth carrying on to explore the things further that brought you. 

At that point if we both think it could be of benefit we'll make a plan to continue, usually for another 5 sessions when we would review your progress and see if you want to continue longer than that. Most therapeutic work typically is of between 6 sessions and 6 months but we might decide to continue for longer if the work is helpful as we review it together.

I work face to face in a beautiful rural location from a rustic and very scenic building, but can offer to work remotely via Doxyme if that is needed.

I am limited to Monday as my day of practice and apologise in advance for being unavailable on other days due to my teaching commitments.