Jane Alcock

I work Mondays to Wednesdays during daytime hours

Whether you’re trying to make sense of difficult experiences, supporting a loved one with additional needs or reflecting on questions of faith, identity or purpose, I offer a warm, accepting space to explore what matters to you. I'm a BACP Registered Accredited Counsellor, offering trauma-informed, integrative approaches, shaped around you as an individual.

I work with individual adults of all ages. I have a particular interest in working with neurodivergence and family carers of children and adults with additional needs, drawing on years of lived experience as a parent-carer myself.

As a member of the BACP Spirituality division, I also welcome the spiritual and existential questions that can arise in life. Whether faith is an important source of strength for you, you’re questioning your beliefs, or you’re searching for meaning, connection or purpose, we can explore these questions openly and without judgement. I work with people of all faiths and none, respecting your individual beliefs and values.

I believe that it is important for counsellors to have a broad life experience as well as the relevant professional experience and qualifications. 

In my own life, I worked as a freelance journalist while raising a child with autism and severe learning disabilities. I then changed direction in my fifties to study and train as a counsellor.

I also work part-time for The Challenging Behaviour Foundation co-delivering Positive Behaviour Support, Trauma Awareness and Whole Family Approaches workshops and providing a 'listening ear' service for family carers.

I previously worked with the Care Quality Commission as an 'expert by experience' inspecting care homes.

I have also worked as a volunteer Christian in counselling for All Saints Counselling Service in Portsmouth, working with Christians and non-Christians.

I believe that our experiences, values, beliefs and relationships shape who we are and that we all have the potential within ourselves to change and become closer to who we want to be. Counselling, with the connection between the client and therapist at its heart, helps to unlock this process. It can result in more helpful thinking and behaviour patterns, resolution of difficulties, increased self-confidence and improved relationships.

Using an integrative approach to counselling means that I draw from several well-established therapy models, adapting my approaches to suit you. I offer short and long-term, open-ended counselling. Central to my approach is the importance of a genuine, accepting relationship with those I work with.

As a registered Accredited counsellor and a member of BACP Spirituality division, I provide a safe, reflective space to explore both psychological and existential challenges. I recognise that spirituality, faith, meaning-making, and deep personal values play a vital role in how we experience life and navigate hardship. My approach is holistic and collaborative, whether you are processing spiritual distress, questioning your beliefs, drawing strength from your faith, or seeking a broader sense of connection and purpose in your life. 

I understand that you might be nervous about starting therapy and choosing a counsellor so, to help you to get a sense of what therapy is about and how I might help, you are welcome to book an initial half-hour or hour consultation. Details of my fees are on my website. You are under no obligation to rebook after the first session or at any time.