Alice Butler

I offer online counselling via Zoom.

I am available on Wednesdays from 1pm onwards, as well as weekday evenings, subject to availability.

Sessions are usually weekly, although fortnightly appointments can also be arranged.

I am a qualified person-centred counsellor and BACP-registered member, with a background in Psychology (BSc).

Sometimes life can leave us feeling stuck, lost or overwhelmed. Sometimes we know something doesn't feel right but struggle to put it into words. Or perhaps you simply need somewhere to talk, without worrying about being judged or having to explain yourself.

Whatever brings you to counselling, you don't need to have everything figured out before you begin.

My approach is person-centred, which means I believe you are the expert in your own life. I offer a space where you can be yourself, explore what's going on for you and make sense of your experiences at your own pace. We can work together to understand what matters to you, discover what might help and explore ways forward that feel right for you.

I have over a decade of experience in care and wellbeing support roles, including mental health, drug and alcohol services, neurodivergence, disability and lifelong conditions. These experiences have shaped the importance I place on compassion, understanding and meeting people as individuals. I am passionate about equality, inclusion and offering a non-judgemental space for people from all walks of life.

As a queer person, I also recognise that questions around identity, belonging and how we relate to ourselves and others can sometimes feel complicated or uncertain. I welcome these conversations, alongside anything else you may wish to bring.

Above all, I want therapy to feel like a space where you can show up as you are, feel heard and begin to explore things in your own way.

My practice offers online counselling via Zoom. I work on an open-ended basis, meaning there is no fixed number of sessions you need to commit to. We can work together for as long as it feels helpful to you.

Sessions last 50 minutes and are usually weekly, although fortnightly sessions are possible.

I see counselling as something we shape together. Sessions are led by you and what you need from them. Sometimes that might mean talking things through, exploring feelings or making sense of experiences. At other times, you might find it helpful to explore emotional regulation techniques, use worksheets or try a more creative or structured approach.

There is no one-size-fits-all way to do therapy. We can discover together what feels most comfortable and useful for you, without pressure to work in a particular way or at a particular pace.

You don't need to arrive with a clear goal or know where to start. We can begin wherever you are and take things one step at a time.

You are also free to end counselling whenever you feel ready to do so. If you decide not to continue for any reason, I will respect that decision. My aim is to offer a space where you feel able to make choices that are right for you.

Taking the first step towards counselling can feel daunting, so I offer a free 20-minute initial consultation by Zoom or telephone.

This is an opportunity for us to meet, talk a little about what has brought you to counselling and explore what you might be looking for. It is also a chance for you to ask questions, get a feel for how I work and decide whether I feel like the right counsellor for you.

There is no pressure or obligation to continue after this conversation. Finding someone you feel comfortable with is important.

If you decide you would like to go ahead, we will arrange your first 50-minute session. I will send you some paperwork beforehand, including a client agreement explaining how I work and what you can expect. We can go through this together during our first session, and you will have time to ask questions or talk through anything you are unsure about.

You don't need to know exactly what to say or where to begin. We can take things at your pace, starting wherever feels right for you.