Hello, I’m Alyson.

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I believe therapy should be somewhere you feel accepted just as you are, a place where your story can be heard with empathy and respect.​ I’m a EMDR Consultant, BACP registered Person-Centred Counsellor, with additional CBT training. 

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I specialise in working with individuals who have a diagnosis of CPTSD, PTSD or  who have experienced trauma and grief. My focus is always on the therapeutic relationship, creating a safe and supportive space where you can feel able to gently explore your experiences at your own pace.

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Alongside my therapy work, I also work as an EMDR Consultant supervisor, supporting clinicians in developing their EMDR practice and confidence.

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At the heart of everything I do is the belief that when you feel safe enough to be vulnerable and truly heard, change becomes possible. Together, we can work towards helping you feel more grounded, supported, and able to flourish.

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My Qualifications​

EMDR Europe Accredited Consultant

PGCert CBT

EMDR Part, 1, 2 and 3 Practitioner Training

BACP Accredited Advanced Diploma

A.B.C. Level 4 Diploma in Person Centred Counselling

O.C.N Accredited Work Place Mentor

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Additional Clinical Training

CFT Training, Deborah Lee

Complex PTSD Training, Sharif El Leithy

The Parsimonious use of EMDR within an IAPT Service, Kevin Dudman

Cognitive Therapy for PTSD Speaker – Prof. Anke Ehlers

 Child and Adolescent Training Level 1, Child Trauma, Therapy Centre Ltd

 EMDR and suicidality, Simon Proudlock

Understanding Psychosis and its relationship with trauma ,TEWV

EMDR with Sex, Porn and Love Addiction,Gary McFarlane

 Working with voices workshop Alison Brabban,

Hope for Healing, Carolyn Spring

Working with Parts in Dissociative Disorders, Dolores Mosquera

DBT Basic Theory and Practice, TEWV NHS Trust

Flash Technique, Dr Philip Manfield

From early attachment to BPD and dissociation, Dolores Mosquera

Shame and EMDR in Adults and Children, EMDR North East

Attachment Focused EMDR, EMDR Focus

Trauma Informed Care Work, TEWV NHS Trus 

Military Veteran Awareness Training, TEWV NHS Trust

 EMDR and OC, EMDR North West

EMDR Consultancy Training

IFS training, Annabel McGoldrick & Frank Anderson

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My Professional Accreditations​

BACP Accredited Practitioner

EMDR UK Accredited Practitioner

EMDR UK Accredited Consultant Supervisor

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Additional Information

Enhanced DBS Adults and Child​

Extensive Experience Delivering Psychotherapy to Prisoners

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My Experience

With over 17 years of experience delivering therapy in both community and residential settings, I have worked across various NHS talking therapy services and within secure and forensic environments such as prisons, where I provided trauma-informed and compassion-focused psychotherapy.

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I bring a wealth of experience in mentoring and supervising colleagues in both NHS and private practice. This includes offering supervision to EMDR trainees undergoing HEE-funded EMDR training and group supervision to NHS forensic teams. I am proficient in delivering both group and individual supervision, ensuring high standards of care and professional development. 

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Military & Service Connections

As a psychotherapist with a strong interest in working with military veterans and emergency service workers, I am dedicated to providing specialised support for those, who because of their service present with Complex mental health difficulties, including Complex-Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). In previous roles I have supported veterans within the justice system and delivered tailored treatment to emergency service workers and Royal Marines in need of psychotherapy. Additionally, I supervise clinicians who provide psychotherapy to this unique population, ensuring the highest standards of care are maintained at all times. Through experience, I have developed a good understanding of military culture, acknowledging the profound impact of prolonged trauma exposure over a career. 

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Clinical Supervision

I am a trained Clinical Supervisor with experience of supervising individuals, groups and EMDR trainees. I have completed my EMDR consultancy training and received formal accreditation as an EMDR UK Consultant Supervisor. 

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My Commitment to You​

I aim to create a safe and supportive environment where we can establish and maintain a trusting therapeutic alliance, enabling me to develop a good understanding of your presenting issues and develop an agreed treatment plan that targets your needs.

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Please contact Optimism if you would like a copy of my full Bio.