Alison Edwards FMBPsS Therapy & Supervision

Therapist Directory Listing Category: Online Therapy

About the Therapist

About the therapist:

It can be a struggle to choose a therapist you want to work with and share your concerns with. It's essential to have a therapist who listens to you with respect and empathy, who promotes LGBTQ+ affirmative practice and who is an ally to the whole community, so that your therapy sessions are supportive and effective.

I’m experienced in working with LGBTQA+ clients since 2007. I’ve provided therapy for intersex clients, transgender clients, clients who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, asexual and questioning, and clients who have non-monogamous relationships.

Before setting up my independent practice, I was employed with several psychologists and counsellors who were gay, lesbian, bisexual, and non-monogamous, and I gained a lot of insights from them. I've also received clinical supervision from - and provided supervision for - therapists who have a different sexual orientation or different relationship choices than me, and this has broadened my knowledge and experience.

I'm currently working towards accreditation as a Gender/Sexuality/Relationship Diversities Therapist, and I attend regular training on GSR Diversity topics.

Sexual identity:

Heterosexual

Gender identity: Female

Gender history: As assigned at birth

Non-monogamy: No

Intersex: No

Neurodivergent: No

Personal pronouns: She/ her

Qualifications - Links to websites:

I qualified in 2008, after a 12 month NHS placement and Masters degree in Psychological Therapy, accredited by the British Psychological Society and granting Full Membership of the BPS. Prior to setting up my independent practice I worked in the NHS as a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist in a highly diverse borough in London. I worked with patients from many different cultures and backgrounds, including asylum seekers and expats from around the world. I also have 9 years part-time experience of providing counselling for a UK charity.

I completed training in clinical supervision in 2011 at Kings College London, and gained accreditation in 2023 via a BPS-approved course in clinical supervision which gives eligibility to join the BPS Register of Applied Psychology Practice Clinical Supervisors (RAPPS).

I'm a member of the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP), and the European Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Therapies (EABCT).

I attend regular Continuing Professional Development courses, including training on GSRDiversity issues. I'm currently working towards accreditation as a Pink Therapy Gender Sexuality & Relationship Diversities Therapist.

Qualifications - Additional:

Award	Awarding body	Year of award
MSc Psychological Therapy	University of Dundee	2008
HNC Certificate in Counselling	Edinburgh Napier University	2006
MSc Clinical Psychology	Bangor University	2005
MA (Hons) Psychology	University of St Andrews	2003

Experience and approach:

My coaching sessions utilise my training in specialised CBT and specialised ACT for ADHD, addictions, procrastination, and problems around employment or study. I’m experienced in adapting sessions for autistic clients and clients who are considering other neurodivergence areas.

I provide therapy for depression, anxiety, panic attacks, stress, low self-esteem, anger, OCD, trauma, PTSD, workplace conflict, addictions, chronic pain/ fatigue, and chronic physical health symptoms.

My main therapeutic approach is Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, although I also provide ACT (Acceptance & Commitment Therapy), mindfulness, person-centred counselling, and Compassion-Focused Therapy. The first session is usually finding out about your current difficulties and working with you to establish which approach you would prefer and would be most beneficial for you.

I provide counselling for clients wanting to work through relationship difficulties, and clients who want to discuss their sexuality, gender identity or transgender issues.

I’m experienced in working with LGBTQ+ clients since 2007. I’ve provided CBT therapy and counselling for transgender clients, as well as clients who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, asexual and questioning, and clients who are in non-monogamous relationships.

Please contact me to arrange your first session.

Approaches: