Alan Opfer, BACP

Alan Opfer is a UK-credentialed therapist with three years of professional experience supporting people through addiction and a wide range of mental health challenges. He has particular clinical experience addressing alcohol and substance use, including pre- and post-detox work, binge use, harm-reduction, controlled use strategies, and practical coping techniques. Over time he has built broader experience working with anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, trauma, grief, and other common mental health concerns, and he welcomes clients from diverse backgrounds.

Alongside clinical work, Alan has worked as a housing support worker and holds registration with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC), giving him familiarity with multi-disciplinary clinical and community support networks. He is also registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) - the professional body for counsellors and psychotherapists in the UK.

Alan speaks from lived experience of addiction and past mental health struggles, which informs a compassionate, nonjudgmental practice. His recovery journey inspired a commitment to support others through practical, strengths-based care. Working as a person-centred therapist, he places the client at the heart of the process, shaping sessions around each person’s needs and goals. He aims to offer dependable, high-standard support to help people move toward a more satisfying and balanced life.

Therapeutic approaches and online support

Alan uses client-centred therapy to create a respectful, empathetic space where the client’s own perspective and goals guide the work. This approach helps people who want to explore self-esteem, relationships, and life changes while being heard and supported without judgement. Mindfulness therapy is offered to help people develop present-moment awareness and practical skills for managing stress, anxiety, and overwhelming emotions by learning simple attention and breathing practices. Solution-focused therapy complements these approaches by concentrating on clients’ strengths and practical steps toward specific goals, making it useful for people seeking clear, achievable progress in areas such as coping strategies or behavioural change.

Selecting the right approach is collaborative - Alan, as a registered professional, will work with each client to identify which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences. He adapts the style and pace of sessions based on what the client finds most helpful, combining elements from different approaches when appropriate.

Online work is offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, providing flexibility for people with busy schedules, mobility limits, or geographical constraints. These options make it easier to attend regular sessions, try different communication styles, and maintain continuity of care while balancing everyday life.