Alan Bruce

I have a background in the field of Mental Health, I use an  Integrated approach to Counselling which equips me with different methods  to work successfully with the unique qualities of each person  who wishes for positive change. These include Humanistic, Person Centred, Creative Arts, Psychodynamic, I  value all parts of ourselves, including the Soul and our connection with nature. I work holistically  listening to the narratives of people's lives to understand  the origins of problems and repeating patterns of behaviour  in order that my clients have a fuller understanding of themselves and to promote lasting changes.

Experience

 My experience includes 16 years of working as a Therapist within the NHS, I have worked with an extensive range of clients from different gender, ethnicities and backgrounds from the late teens to people in their 80's. I have worked for MIND in Aylesbury, as well as within a Therapeutic Community, I have worked as a group therapist for  the South West School of Dramatherapy and have eighteen years of experience in private practise. Currently my work includes voluntary Counselling with Frontline NHS staff.  I work compassionately without judgement and with complete respect for each client. 

I work with many different problem areas including depression, anger, self esteem, assertiveness, anxiety, trauma, panic attacks, work related issues, relationship problems, stress, loss and bereavement.

Qualifications

Diploma in Humanistic Counselling

Advanced Diploma in Drama and Movement therapy

Foundation Year Certificate in Integrative Psychosynthesis

Diploma In Supervision

Certificate in Couples Counselling

BACP/Open University Primer in working with online modalities

Membership of Health Professions Council

Registered Member of British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists

I  work from home, I have a private garden room solely for Counselling. I am currently offering face to face sessions again as well as telephone or video sessions via Zoom. 

I offer a free one hour session either by telephone or by Zoom, to tell me about your problem, to give you an honest assessment and for you to experience how it feels to work with me. After this session you choose whether or not you wish to work with me. I usually then ask clients to have a goal in mind that we can work towards achieving together. We would then spend an agreed amount of sessions working together to achieve the desired outcome then review. 

I work with an Integrative model of Supervision, based on Shohet's Seven Eyed Approach and Proctor's Cyclic Model. I also use creative approaches adapted from Dramatherapy techniques to provide a place where the unconscious may have a direct expression. This can clarify and and help to illuminate  what  issues  and dynamics are present.

 I provide both individual and group supervision,  and I believe it is essential for every Counsellor to feel well resourced and supported as much as the needs of the clients they represent. 

I also offer online Supervision

My practise is informed by 16 years of clinical experience  working therapeutically with individuals and in groups within clinical settings as diverse as secure units, acute units day care setting and within a Therapeutic Community. as well as my private practise as a Counsellor since 2004. 

What I offer:

A safe space to address supervisee's needs.

Creative approaches using objects, puppets, figurines, crayons, drawings and a variety of other methods that allow the unconscious freedom of expression.

An open supervisory relationship where honesty is valued to monitor safeguarding and ethical issues.

A working framework (contract) in which to hold supervision sessions.

Opportunities to reflect on the development and growth of supervisee, to ensure the clinical accountability of the supervisee.

Give constructive feedback and provision for development of alternative approaches

Take supervisory notes and keep confidentially.

Practice in accordance with the BACP Ethical Framework.

To work in line with GDPR data protection guidelines.

I offer a free half hour introductory session online in which we can discuss your requirements, my working methods/orientation, a space for a frank discussion and an opportunity to see whether we might work together.