Alex McStea

I have availability to offer face to face sessions on Mondays and Tuesdays, at Lathom House Consulting Rooms in Burscough. I also offer online sessions on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

You might look like you’re coping on the outside, but inside you feel constantly not good enough. 

You compare your body, achievements or personality to others and usually end up feeling worse about yourself. Anxiety shows up socially, in relationships or when life feels overwhelming with school, university or work.  You might tell yourself you’re “too sensitive” or blame yourself for feeling low or exhausted.

When you feel this way, your body often becomes the focus for negative feelings and a way of trying to regain control over something, but underneath there’s often a deeper question about self-worth, belonging and acceptance.

I offer a safe, friendly space where you can feel truly heard and accepted, exactly as you are.

I’m a person-centred therapist, which means I won’t tell you how you should feel or what you should change. Instead, I meet you where you are and work at your pace, building trust and connection is at the heart of my work.

Over the past seven years, I’ve supported teenagers and young adults in schools, charities and private practice. I have particular experience working with anxiety, low self-esteem, body image concerns and the pressures young women face in today’s world.

Many of the clients I work with often feel stuck in harsh self-criticism and comparison. Together, we gently explore where these beliefs have come from and begin to question whether they are as true as they feel. We may also develop practical coping strategies to help manage anxiety and reduce overwhelm.

My work is grounded in anti-diet and intuitive eating principles, which means I support clients to develop a healthier, more compassionate relationship with food and their bodies when this feels relevant to them. I understand and relate to the desire to change your body, which can often feel like a solution to self-worth and confidence. But we can explore what’s underneath that pressure and build self-worth that isn’t dependent on appearance or achievement.

Alongside open conversation, I sometimes use creative or practical tools to make sessions feel less overwhelming and more engaging and every session is tailored to the individual. Clients often describe my approach as relaxed and informal. I aim to create a space where they don’t feel judged or analysed but supported and gently challenged when needed.

Over time, many clients begin to notice their inner voice becoming softer and less harsh. Anxiety can feel more manageable, comparison becomes easier to catch, and self-worth begins to feel more steady and grounded.

If you think I might be the right fit for you, I offer a free 20-minute phone or video consultation. There’s no pressure, it’s simply a chance to ask questions, share what’s brought you to therapy, and get a feel for how I work.

If you decide to book a first session, we’ll gently explore what’s been happening for you and what you’d like to gain from therapy.