Alison Sharman

*** Temporary closure of practice from May 2025 until March 2026. Please enquire about availability from January 2026. ***

The idea of opening up to a stranger about your inner life can feel quite daunting, and it takes a leap of faith to enter this experience. But there can also be something liberating about speaking someone who is professionally trained to listen, is separate from your friends and family, and can help you to organise your thoughts and feelings so that you can understand and process them.

If we work together, you’ll be able to talk at your own pace about whatever it is that you’re thinking and feeling, in a warm and open-minded environment. You may wish to explore specific issues such as depression, anxiety, self-harm, OCD, and addictions. You may need some support in navigating a life transition or situation, which can bring up a variety of emotional responses around loss, beliefs and identity. You may want to look at broader patterns in your life, gain clarity, and understand yourself better.

I have worked extensively with clients who have experienced abuse, trauma, post-traumatic stress and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), domestic violence, bereavement and loss, relationship difficulties, and body issues.

I am LGBTQ+ allied, and have an interest in working with people wanting to explore their sexuality and sexual and/or gender identities.

Having lived in many different countries, I am sensitive to cultural diversity. I worked as a counsellor in Guatemala, with clients from a range of backgrounds.

I am French-British, so please get in touch if you would be interested in French language counselling, and I can provide you with more information in French.

I am trained in supporting people to integrate challenging experiences with mind-altering substances, so let me know if this is something you'd like help with.

I am fully qualified, and am registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). I have a Diploma in Humanistic Counselling from the Bath Centre for Psychotherapy and Counselling (BCPC). 

I mainly work in-person, but can also work online and via phone if that is your preference. 

I think that it is important to have an initial consultation, so that you can decide if I'm the right fit for you as a counsellor, and that I can make sure I am able to offer you the best support possible.

My initial consultation sessions are the same cost and duration as any other of my sessions (£55 for 50 minutes).

During the initial consultation, I will ask you some questions about what you are hoping to explore during therapy, and your family and medical background, as well as any other therapeutically relevant information. You can also ask me questions about the counselling process, or questions that relate to us working together.