Alison Oliver

I believe the relationship built between client and counsellor is key and always unique. Establishing trust, respect for differences, working at the client's pace and a genuine openness are vital components of effective and safe counselling work.

I am experienced in working with couples, adults and young people across a wide range of issues including: abuse, trauma, bereavement and loss, chronic illness, work-related stress, relationship difficulties, depression, anxiety and eating disorders.

I am Gender, Sexual and Relationship Diversity (GSRD) and Neurodiversity informed and affirming.

I have worked for a number of years as a tutor for a well-respected college training counselling students to gain their professional qualifications. I developed and deliver the clinical supervision qualification course, designed for experienced counsellors moving into the next stage of their career.

Prior to my counselling career I worked in a corporate environment in a number of senior positions and therefore have a good handle on the various strains that working life can produce.

I can also provide 1:1 counselling, group work, workshops and short courses for local organisations and work settings.

I am an accredited member of the BACP and a CPCAB qualified clinical supervisor, supporting individual practitioners, groups and tutor groups. 

I work from a suite of comfortable therapy rooms based in Eaton Ford near St Neots, Cambridgeshire and also via Zoom and phone. 

I am a practice partner at an extensive and vibrant practice; please see my website: www.riverwoodcounselling.co.uk for further info. 

There is no fee for our first meeting which is an assessment appointment. This is our opportunity to see if and how we might work together. We discuss what brings you to consider counselling, what goals you may have and you are able to hear how I work as a therapist and ask any questions. There are some standard forms which we complete during this session and I provide a copy of our working agreement for you to take away to read. There is no obligation to continue with sessions following this assessment, but if you would like to arrange counselling sessions we then find a mutually convenient day/time for which to start our work together. 

My aim is to compassionately support and challenge supervisees to enable them to work as effectively and ethically as possible within their own unique style. 

Our profession provides us with continual challenges and opportunities to reflect and develop - an honest, consistent supervisory relationship is invaluable to help us negotiate everything thrown our way!

I supervise counsellors-in-training, qualified counsellors and those working in a supportive role and also provide supervisory supervision.

I can offer face-to-face or online supervision to individuals or groups. 

I am a Practice Partner at Riverwood Counselling & Wellbeing Practice. 

We are proud of the development opportunity we provide for counselling students via placements and the quality of service we offer to Young People, Adults and Couples. 

There is no fee for our first session which is an opportunity to discuss the way we both work and to negotiate how we may best work together. 

Once we've come to an agreement I'll write up a tailored contract which will underpin our work - this can always be reviewed as we progress in our work to ensure you are getting what you need from your supervision sessions.