Alison Preston, BACP

Counsellor Alison Preston is a BACP member with eight years of experience working in the United Kingdom. She helps people with stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties, grief, anger, depression, family concerns, eating and sleeping problems, low self-esteem and coping with life changes. Alison offers a straightforward, person-focused way of working and aims to listen without judgement.

Alison usually starts by asking what matters most to the person who comes to see her. She pays attention to current problems and to how a person makes sense of them. Sessions may involve looking at thoughts and behaviours, noticing patterns from the past, and trying small practical steps to ease day-to-day strain.

Her approach draws on a mix of client-centred conversations and practical techniques from cognitive behavioural therapy. Mindfulness practices are offered as a way to calm racing thoughts. She also uses psychodynamic ideas to consider how earlier relationships shape present feelings, and solution-focused techniques to set short-term goals.

People who choose Alison can expect clear, direct discussion and short-term options when that is helpful. She encourages simple, manageable changes to improve sleep, mood and coping skills. Alison works with each person to agree the pace and focus of therapy.

Sessions are carried out in line with UK practice and professional standards associated with BACP membership. If someone wants to try therapy with her they are asked to complete a short matching questionnaire and arrange an initial meeting to talk through practical details and priorities.

Therapeutic approaches and remote counselling