Life is too short for stress...

My name is Alexandra. As a qualified and registered (BACP) 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 interest in human behaviour and a desire to support others led me to pursue a career in counselling. I am passionate about understanding the complexities of human emotions, motivations, and mental health. Prior to training as a counsellor, I gained valuable experience working within health and social care for several years. Subsequently, I studied and volunteered at Redlands Counselling & Training Agency for years, providing support to adults experiencing common mental health difficulties. I also worked with a diverse range of people and presenting issues at a local drug and alcohol agency. These days, I run my own private practice working with clients online or in-person. I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), hold an enhanced DBS certificate, and maintain full professional indemnity insurance.



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 therapeutic approach is integrative, which means I adapt my approach to your individual needs (further information on these modalities can be found in the resources section under Bibliography within articles). I view the therapeutic relationship as a collaborative journey, where you are the expert on your own experience, and I provide guidance and support. I offer holistic counselling, which means I see you as a whole person, not just a problem to be fixed. We won't just talk about your thoughts; we'll also explore the connections between your mind, body, and emotional well-being. We’ll look at factors like your sleep, relationships, and sense of purpose, empowering you with a broad range of tools for deep, lasting change.
I also adopt a biopsychosocial perspective, recognising the interconnectedness of biological, psychological, and social factors in shaping an individual's wellbeing. Therapy can be short-term or open-ended, depending on your individual needs and goals, with regular reviews to ensure we are working effectively. I offer flexibility regarding the frequency of sessions to best suit your circumstances.

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