Marni Alexander

I have twenty years experience working in a variety of mental health settings in the UK and Guernsey, including hospitals, clinics and schools.

I work face-to-face and via Skype/FaceTime/Zoom with individuals and couples, with an ethos that inspires me to work compassionately and therapeutically through most of the issues life throws at us, including loss. I am an IATP Registered, Certified Level II Trauma Practitioner and believe as humans, we all experience developmental and/or relational trauma, no matter how much we may overlook or minimise the impact of events that can leave lasting emotional scars and negative beliefs about ourselves. I have found EMDR to be highly effective for trauma resolution over a shorter time frame, although I am a certified NLP and hypnotherapy professional, which means there are a variety of options depending upon a client's specific needs. 

I have a special interest in eating disorders and have achieved Master Practitioner status in Eating Disorders and Nutritional Interventions. I find it beneficial for clients to observe all factors impacting upon their well-being, with a holistic view that may mean attending to nutrition, exercise, relationships and work/life balance. I have specific training to work with complex eating disorders, which are so often connected to past and present emotional matters and early trauma.

As a RUL accredited Mediator with an interest in systemic therapy, I am interested in supporting and resolving complex couples issues and family dynamics. No matter what issues we face, there is always the background of existential anxiety and choice to contend with – or creating new possibilities. I subscribe to the BACP code’s highest level of ethical practice and thoroughly enjoy the continuum of education in this field, to ensure I have the ability to provide clients with the best possible outcomes.

My counselling room is located on the first floor of the Queens Road Dental Centre on Queens Road in St. Peter Port, Guernsey. Our beautiful practice has been designed for maximum comfort and to put clients and patients at ease. QRDC is located just a short walk/drive up Queens Road from the Medical Centre. There is plenty of off-road parking. Clients check in at reception and there is a comfortable area to wait with Wifi and magazines. My counselling room is very private, comfortable and welcoming. Prospective clients can browse through our website on www.qrdc.co.uk for more photos, information, online booking, contact details and maps.

At your first session, you will arrive ten minutes earlier to check in at reception and fill out the consent and medical form on our Clinipad, so it is helpful to have your GP’s details at hand. If you have insurance, please pre-authorise your first session with an option to extend if you wish to continue therapy. I do provide treatment plans and letters estimating the overall therapy commitment should your insurance company require this documentation. Depending upon whether we have previously communicated via email, we will discuss what brought you to therapy and if applicable, what you hope to achieve – but it is perfectly acceptable if you are not quite certain what you need. 

If it is your first experience of psychotherapy please try not to worry or feel anxious. Therapy is non-judgemental and the space is for you to tell your own story in your own words, in a safe and compassionate environment. Some people have held back feelings for such a long time they worry about becoming upset, angry or emotional during their first session; therapists understand this so bear in mind that the counselling room is a place where you can feel at ease expressing emotions, no matter how challenging. You may feel exhausted after your first session, so try to organise some time following the session to give yourself space and whatever activity you find calming and nurturing.

Sessions are 50 minutes in length unless otherwise planned for EMDR or couples counselling. You will normally be notified a few minutes before the end of the session, and after 50 minutes we will close and confirm the date of the next session, which is often weekly at the same time and day.