Scott Alexander

Are you wondering if counselling really does work and if it’s for you? After all, it’s just talking about “feelings” isn’t it? And perhaps that sounds a bit difficult or even uncomfortable? Perhaps you’re thinking that now’s not the right time; maybe you’ll leave it for a while, things are bound to get better...

I remember thinking the same until somehow I found the courage to go and see a counsellor. He was an elderly man. Well, he was in his 60s, like I am now, so not that elderly! He gave me the great gift of time and space to unpack and examine the emotional luggage I was carrying and to work out with him what I wanted to keep and what it was time to say goodbye to. And there was no judging…how liberating that felt!

I don’t know what brings you to consider counselling. Many things can cause us to feel overwhelmed, anxious or depressed. Maybe for you it’s a bereavement or a life-limiting illness, perhaps family issues, relationship concerns, money worries, work stresses, loneliness, fear about the future, of change, of ageing and, dare we say it, of death. Or it could be something else entirely. Whatever it is, counselling really can help at difficult times. It can also help us to grow and change, indeed it can be one of the most important steps we take in life.

If you would like to reach out and tell me your story, please do. I will listen.

How I work

I’m an integrative counsellor which means I believe there isn’t just one therapeutic approach for all situations. I draw on a number of counselling theories, using the ones that are most suitable and beneficial. The main approaches I use are Person-Centred, Psychodynamic and CBT. I also have significant experience of grief counselling and of dealing with men's issues

My overriding aim is to build a therapeutic relationship that is caring and non-judgmental. I will work alongside you and help you through whatever it is that brings you to counselling. You will always be at the centre of everything we do, and the sessions will always be led by what you want to talk about.

I have a counselling room in Maidstone which is a safe, comfortable and confidential space. I also offer telephone and online counselling, so if you’re not local or would simply prefer online sessions, we can arrange them remotely.

Alongside my private practice, I worked for a number of years as a bereavement counsellor for patients and their families in a local hospice and loss of all kinds is a feature of much of my work. I am also a counsellor for a charity that helps those working in the Arts.