Alan Cox

Alan Cox is a counsellor with 13 years of experience who helps people facing stress, anxiety, loss and eating and body image concerns. He also supports those dealing with depression, addiction, relationship strain and major life changes. He writes plainly and listens closely to what each person says.

Alan trained at degree level, gaining a BA (Hons) in Counselling after completing a Foundation Degree. He began work in the voluntary charity sector in 2008 and opened a private practice in 2012. He also provides supervision in the bereavement voluntary sector.

Sessions focus on finding what helps the individual in their daily life. He listens, reflects and asks questions that help people see patterns and choices more clearly. He aims to help people decide practical next steps rather than telling them what to do.

Alan uses a mix of therapy approaches to match each person's needs. He draws on methods such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, psychodynamic ideas and client-centred work, and he brings mindfulness into sessions when it fits.

Practical concerns are part of the work. He looks at the issues that feed a problem and the everyday habits that keep it going. That might include work pressures, relationship dynamics or ways of coping that have stopped being useful.

People who choose him can expect an open, non-judgemental space to talk and to try ideas that suit their life. He recognises everyone is different, so therapy is adapted to each person's situation and goals.

Therapeutic approaches and online counselling options

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps people notice unhelpful thoughts and focus on values-driven action rather than getting stuck. It can be useful for anxiety, depression and difficulties that come from avoidance. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy looks at the link between thoughts, feelings and actions and uses practical exercises to change patterns that maintain problems, which can help with panic, phobias and low mood. Client-Centred Therapy centres on a supportive, listening relationship where the counsellor reflects what is heard to help the person find their own solutions and build self-understanding.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will talk with each person about their needs and goals and together decide which methods are most likely to help. That collaborative process can include trying different techniques and reviewing what feels most useful.

Confirm the current online session options before booking, as formats are not specified in the supplied profile. Online sessions can make it easier to fit counselling into a busy day, reduce travel time and allow shorter check-ins when needed. They also let people choose meetings that suit their energy and schedule, for example a daytime break or an evening appointment, and can support continuity of care when life takes you elsewhere.