Ali Bushell
Integrative therapistAbout Me
Deciding whether you can work with someone in an intimate and vulnerable relationship like that of the client / therapist is something that needs to be considered and must feel right to you. Having had eight years of therapy myself with several counsellors and psychotherapists I definitely appreciate being apprehensive of contacting someone for the first time, and wanting someone to help me soon. I know what it’s like to be in your shoes.
So what can I say to help put you at ease? What kind of person am I? The easiest way to describe it would be to simply say that I’m a good listener - people feel like they can talk to me, but also that they want to. I’m non-judgemental, curious and interested to know what is happening for my clients and I don’t look to place labels on them or pathologise their behaviour. I’m highly able to understand and connect with the emotions of others, I’m open and transparent in my approach but also able to be analytical about what is happening too.
I also think it’s important for clients to have a space where they can simply be, to express their fears or other feelings they don’t believe can be shown elsewhere. Sometimes people just need to be able to take off whatever mask they feel they need to wear in the world so that they can be seen, accepted and understood. I do my best to make my clients feel comfortable so that when they are challenged it feels like someone trying to help them, not like they are being criticised, judged or attacked.
My approach has been very helpful to previous clients that have dealt with issues such as:
Addiction
Trauma
Negative self belief
Fear and hopelessness
Domestic violence
Anxiety
Depression
Anger
Male identity/issues related to male gender expectations
Sex and sexuality
Non-traditional relationship types
Just generally not feeling happy and not knowing why
I’m also experienced in the modality of Internal Family Systems therapy which is particularly useful for individuals with trauma or difficulties from earlier in life that they want to address.
If I seem like someone you would like to work you can book a free 10 minute telephone consultation in my diary through this site, or you can book a trial session at a reduced rate of £20 to see how we fit (I'll follow up to ask if you want the phone consulation or trial session). There is no commitment to further sessions after that - just tell me what you want help with and you’ll know if I’m the right person for you.
Issues often worked with
Therapy offered
Client groups
Fees
Initial telephone consultation
10 minutes - free
Individuals face to face
First session - £20 / hour
Follow up sessions - £65 / hour
Discounted daytime rate £55 / hour (10am to 5pm)
Students - £30 / hour (only valid with an NUS card, I have limited number of student appointments)
Online (for clients I have worked with face to face previously only)
£50 / hour
Training and qualifications
CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (integrative)
CPCAB Level 3 Certificate in counselling skills
CPCAB Level 2 Certificate in counselling skills