Alan Cox, BACP

Alan Cox has practised as a counsellor since 2008, beginning his work in the voluntary charity sector before establishing a private practice in 2012 after completing a BA (Hons) in Counselling. He had previously earned a Foundation Degree in Counselling and continues to contribute to the bereavement voluntary sector by providing supervision to other counsellors. Alan is a member of the BACP - the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy - reflecting his professional affiliation and commitment to ongoing standards in the field.

Having experienced therapy personally, Alan brings not only professional training but also an understanding of what it is like to sit in the client chair and benefit from the therapeutic process. Over the years he has worked with a wide range of life challenges including divorce, bereavement, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, redundancy, unemployment, retirement and relocation, among other concerns. His practice also addresses issues such as addiction, trauma, parenting struggles, self-esteem, career questions and intimacy-related problems.

Before focusing full time on counselling he developed skills in coaching, training and people development, and he draws on this background when considering how workplace pressures and changing organisational demands affect wellbeing. Alan adopts an empathetic, non-judgmental stance and listens carefully to reflect back what he hears. He believes counselling helps people help themselves and will draw on different therapeutic models to explore causes, identify maintaining factors and work collaboratively with clients toward practical steps and personal understanding.

Therapeutic approaches and online support

Alan combines practical, evidence-informed methods to help people manage difficult thoughts and behaviours. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on helping clients accept difficult feelings while committing to actions that reflect their values - it can be useful for anxiety, depression, and coping with life changes. Client-Centered Therapy places the person at the centre of the process, using empathic listening and unconditional positive regard to help people explore their experience and build self-understanding - this approach often supports relationship issues, self-esteem and grief. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) offers structured ways to identify and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviours, which can be effective for panic, phobias, low mood and many forms of anxiety.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic journey and will be determined collaboratively. Alan works with clients and registered professionals where appropriate to identify the mix of methods that best match each person’s needs, goals and preferences, adjusting the plan as progress is made.

Online sessions are offered by video call, phone, live chat or text-based messaging, giving clients flexibility to choose how they connect. These options make it easier to fit therapy around work, family or geographical constraints and allow continuity of care for people living in different regions or travelling internationally.