Ali Holstead

Welcome! 

I currently have availability for in-person sessions and online (Zoom) and phone sessions. 

Hello, I'm Ali. 

Are you feeling overwhelmed or unsure how to cope with what life is bringing up for you?

Maybe you’re going through a period of change, and it feels hard to know how to move forward. You may be struggling to make sense of your emotions or adjust to life’s challenges on your own. In many cases our thoughts and feelings are related to a loss or change in our life. Loss can take many forms: the death of a loved one, changes in health, the end of a relationship, loss of purpose or direction, shifts in identity or routine and low self-esteem and confidence.

I am a fully qualified and BACP accredited counsellor and psychotherapist specialising in bereavement and loss therapy. I provide a safe and non-judgmental space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. Together, we can work through your experiences at your own pace, helping you to make sense of your emotions, build resilience and begin to move forward.

How I work

I work collaboratively, tailoring therapy to your needs. My approach is compassionate, client-led and focused on creating a space where you feel heard, understood, and supported.

I follow the guidelines and ethics set out by the BACP for good practice.

I work with people of all faiths, cultures, sexual orientations and backgrounds.

Feel free to visit my website: https://alicounselling.com 

Areas of Specialism

• Loss of a loved one: bereavement, anticipatory grief, complicated grief

• Loss of health: illness, injury, anxiety about health changes

• Loss of purpose or direction: feelings of emptiness, low motivation, depression

• Loss of peace of mind: anxiety that affects daily life and makes worries feel worse

• Loss of a relationship: separation, divorce, significant changes in relationships

• Loss of routine or identity: retirement, life transitions, redundancy

• Loss of confidence or self-esteem

Whether you are adjusting to bereavement, navigating major life changes, or facing other experiences of loss, I am here to support you with empathy, understanding and practical guidance.

Initial contact

If this is your first time or if you have had counselling before, it can be daunting making that first step. This is quite normal. My aim is to make it comfortable for you.

You can email or call me to arrange an initial free session lasing about 20 minutes. In this session it is useful to hear what you are finding difficult and what you would like to achieve from your sessions. You may also have questions to ask. 

I will also give you information on how the sessions work and about confidentiality of the sessions. If we both feel we can work together then we can arrange a date to begin counselling. 

Counselling sessions are 50 minutes. Each session is £65.

I am pleased to say that I have some availability to welcome you to my practice. 

I am able to offer you in-person sessions at North Bar House, Banbury. I work here on Monday mornings 9am-1pm, Tuesday evenings 5-9pm and Wednesday mornings 9am-1pm. 

If you prefer the comfort of your own home I am able to offer you online (Zoom) or phone sessions. I am flexible with times for these sessions.

Hello, I'm Ali. 

Many people find these winter months especially challenging for their mental health. The shorter days and reduced sunlight can affect your mood, motivation and overall well-being. You might also be facing other difficulties such as a bereavement, low self-esteem or confidence, a relationship breakdown, a major life transition, poor health or a general loss of purpose or direction. Loss can take many forms and often brings feelings of emptiness, confusion, or disconnection.

Therapy can help you navigate these challenges. I offer a warm, supportive, and confidential space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings, gain a deeper understanding of yourself, and find ways to move forward with greater clarity and resilience. Together, we can work towards restoring balance and well-being in your everyday life.

I am a fully qualified counsellor (BA Hons Counselling) and an accredited member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy - BACP (Accred). 

I follow the guidelines and ethics set out by the BACP for good practice.

I work with people of all faiths, cultures, sexual orientations and backgrounds.

Feel free to visit my website: https://alicounselling.com 

Taking the first step towards counselling can feel daunting, so I aim to make the process as easy and comfortable as possible. You’re welcome to get in touch by email, voicemail, or text. I will then offer a free 20-minute phone or in-person chat, giving you the chance to ask any questions and we can get a sense of whether we might be a good fit.

Each counselling session lasts 50 minutes. 

At our first meeting, I’ll complete an assessment with you, and we’ll take time to discuss your challenges, along with what you would like to achieve through our sessions together. 

I currently have limited availability for supervision in-person but more flexibility online using Zoom.

Hello I'm Ali. 

As a clinical supervisor I support you to work ethically, grow professionally and stay resilient.

Supervision provides space to reflect, process and gain fresh insight into your work, all within a confidential and supportive relationship.

I’m an experienced Integrative Counsellor using Person-centered, psychoanalysis, CBT, Gestalt, narrative therapy and creative approaches.

I provide supervision to:

• Counsellors and psychotherapists

• Nurses and healthcare professionals

I work in both the NHS and private sector. I am committed to ongoing CPD, reflective practice and receiving supervision for my supervision practice.

I aim to create a space where you feel safe to bring the highs and lows of your work. Our supervisory relationship is important to me and our work will be collaborative and tailored to your needs and learning style.

I use the Seven-Eyed Model (Hawkins & Shohet) and Bands of Supervision (Gilbert & Clarkson) as models for supervision sessions to ensure a holistic approach

What to expect

• Free 30-minute initial meeting (online or in-person) to see if we’re a good fit

• Personalised supervision based on your experience, goals and learning style

• Individual or small group sessions available

• £60 per 60-minute session (frequency tailored to your needs)

• Annual review of our work together to ensure it continues to meet your needs

Next step

Feel free to contact me for an initial conversation as to your supervision requirements. Whether you’re newly qualified or an experienced practitioner, supervision can offer you insight, structure and a supportive space to grow. 

Contact Details

Email: aliholsteadcounselling@gmail.com

Mobile: 07367 123406

Website: www.alicounselling.com