We came to Alison with our daughter aged just 13, who was fast tracking down a scary road to anorexia and all its emotional pitfalls. Alison, who is very experienced in the field of eating disorders, was able to turn things around in a relatively short space of time and, after three or four sessions our daughter was beginning to come back to herself, after ten sessions she felt ready to have a break from counselling and to manage herself again with the assurance that she could go back to Alison if she needed to. Alison is calm, kind and reassuring, and we are extremely grateful parents.
(Parents of 13 year old)
I consider myself to be a typical man – guard my emotions and wrap my vulnerabilities in a secret cloak. After an accident I found myself stressed, anxious and frustrated with myself resulting in tearful angry outbursts. Alison has helped me to recognise and address the PTSD problems I have. Every session was built on the last with truly helpful guidance and meaningful tools.
(50 year old male)
I saw Alison for CBT for anxiety. It got me to a place I didn’t think I would get to and now I have the tools to carry on progressing.
(25 year old female)
CBT has helped me immensely. Before therapy I was in a complete state mentally and now I feel back to normal again. My confidence is back, I’m happy and my work and home life have improved.
I came to see Alison following a serious illness and in response to health anxiety and depression. Alison worked with me carefully, sensitively and professionally and gave me space to talk through my issues. With her expert guidance, encouragement and impressive CBT and counselling skills, I feel happier than I have felt in years and can finally enjoy my life.
(38 year old male)
I went to see Alison during a time in my life when I was feeling very down about myself. I was sceptical about seeing a counsellor but Alison put me immediately at ease. She listened to my problems, without being judgemental and helped me work through them. She helped me take control of my life and, for the first time, I began to make decisions designed to make me happy. Her calm manner meant I felt comfortable talking openly to her about any subject. I will always be grateful for how Alison helped me. I owe her a lot
(35 year old male)
I came to Alison after I had taken an overdose because of my depression. As at the time I felt that was the only thing left for me. Alison has helped me so much more than I could ever imagine. I had had a really rough few years and she has really helped me go through a lot of my past and present and has helped me digest it. I have been seeing Alison for just a year now and have come to an end as I feel I can cope with day to day life. I can’t thank her enough for what she has done for me.
(21 year old female)
When I first went to see Alison I was very depressed; to the extent that I was suicidal, loathed myself and didn’t believe I deserved any help. I didn’t see much by way of personal redeeming qualities and was constantly agonising over things at work and life outside of my control. My thought patterns were generally negative and my moods were very dark.
Alison helped me to realise that my thought patterns affected my moods; this was something I hadn’t realised before and my thoughts would often spiral downwards towards despair, anxiety and self-loathing. But through becoming more aware of my thoughts and externalising my feelings I have made good progress.
Alison adapts her therapeutic style to meet the needs of her clients.
Furthermore, she cares enough to learn and push herself professionally when she comes across mental health issues that are uncommon, new to her and is honest enough to refer on when she feels referring on would be the best course of action for her clients.
Anonymous
CBT has helped me because I was scared of dogs and wouldn’t go near a park. In 6 sessions I was playing football in the park, I let dogs come near me and I actually want a dog!
(11 year old boy)
In so few sessions our son with a dog phobia who would not go anywhere with dogs is playing in a park again. It has made such a difference to our family life.
(parents of 11 year old)
It is very apparent to me that Alison cares about what she does, is genuine, has empathy, reflects and strives to be the best she can. She has set me up for the next part of my journey and I am sorry to be leaving!
(male – early 30s)
Little did I know when I first met Alison what a huge impact she would have on my life. Do not doubt your decision to contact this very clever, understanding and kind lady. I called her because I was terrified. I was terrified sat on my sofa, terrified to be alone, to be in crowds, to be in the house or away from it. I had hit rock bottom and felt like I should be locked up and the key thrown away. I was locked in what felt like a permanent panic attack. In our first meeting Alison diagnosed what was wrong and how she could show me the way to feel better. I had to trust her, I had no other option and placing my trust in her was the key to my happy future. Be brave and make the call. I did and I can now drive again, be alone again, attend social events and not fear the panic. Thank you Alison from the bottom of my heart.
(Female 48)
