Life is too short for stress...

My name is Alexandra. As a qualified and registered integrative counsellor, I offer one-to-one individual counselling for adults (18+), both remotely and in person from my Weymouth practice. I also provide supervision for qualified counsellors.

This website outlines my professional approach, experience, and the issues I work with. It also helps you understand more about who counselling can benefit. Scroll down for general information or use the menu in the top right corner to find details on my services, resources and contact information. Within the Services part, you will find further details about payment, fees and availability. If you have any questions or would like to book a session, please get in touch.

    

A common question is, "What is counselling, and who can benefit?" Counselling is a talking therapy that provides a safe and confidential space for you to explore your thoughts and feelings with a trained and qualified counsellor. It can be helpful for a wide range of concerns, from everyday stresses, low mood, and relationship difficulties, to more complex issues such as depression, anxiety, grief, eating disorders, experiences of abuse, and trauma. Sometimes, people seek counselling when facing a specific challenge or feeling "stuck" in a particular area of their lives. This list is not exhaustive, and counselling can be beneficial for anyone at various points in their lives.

Counselling offers an opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery within a non-judgmental and empathic environment. It can be a valuable tool for enhancing self-awareness and reaching your full potential. While counselling does not involve giving direct advice, it focuses on collaboratively exploring different perspectives and strategies to help you navigate your unique circumstances and find solutions that work best for you.

My career in counselling is driven by a genuine passion for understanding the complexities of human emotions, motivations, and mental health, and a deep desire to support others. I bring a wealth of practical experience, gained through years of working in adult health and social care, including time spent with a local drug and alcohol agency. I began my counselling journey by training and volunteering with Redlands Counselling & Training. My therapeutic work is built on a strong academic and professional foundation. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Master's degree in Health Psychology, which, alongside my counselling training, gives me a comprehensive understanding of human behaviour, mental well-being, and the stress-body connection.

Today, I work in private practice and for some Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs). I am trained to offer sessions face-to-face, as well as online and via telephone, providing flexibility to suit your needs. I am committed to continually enhancing my skills to best support my clients. I am currently undertaking further study in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and will be integrating this approach into my client work from December onwards. I have a special interest in supporting clients with anxiety, though I also work with those experiencing burnout, depression, relationship difficulties, workplace problems, and trauma.

I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), committed to adhering to their Ethical Framework for good practice. I also hold the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) as defined by the British Psychological Society (BPS), reflecting my comprehensive academic foundation in Psychology. I maintain full professional indemnity insurance and hold an enhanced DBS certificate. I am committed to regular and ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to ensure my practice remains current and effective.

Professional qualifications:

MSc Health Psychology
BSc (Hon) Psychology
Level 4 Diploma in Integrative Counselling
Level 5 Diploma in CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy) – in training
Certificate in Clinical Supervision
Certificate in Online and Telephone Counselling
Ongoing Continuous Professional Development

My integrative therapeutic approach uses tailored methods drawn from a range of evidence-based therapies. I'll help you gain insight into your thoughts and feelings through our work. I see the therapeutic relationship as a collaborative journey where you are the expert on your experience, and I provide guidance and support. Together, we'll explore patterns that may be holding you back. This process will help you develop practical coping strategies and a deeper understanding of yourself and your relationships. My goal is to empower you with the confidence and resilience to face life's challenges, including practicing self-care. I also work holistically and in a biopsychosocial way, recognizing you as a whole person. I'll consider the vital connections between your mind, body, and relationships to achieve comprehensive well-being.
Therapy can be short-term or open-ended, depending on your individual needs and goals, and we'll have regular reviews to ensure our work remains effective.

Areas of counselling I work with:

Anxiety	Bullying
Stress	Coping skills
Discrimination	Women's issues
Life transition	Health-related problem
Relationship/family issues	Cultural issues/belonging
Self-discovery	Low mood
Burnout	Identity issues
Self-esteem	Work-related problems