Irene Alford

I do not work on Sundays.

Choosing a Counsellor can be a confusing and daunting prospect, so please do take advantage of an introductory telephone conversation to establish if we are a good fit. Welcome to Irene Alford Counselling Services. I am an Integrative Counsellor with experience in areas such as anxiety, depression, low self worth and relationship issues. My Integrative approach means I draw upon various therapeutic models to tailor therapy to your individual needs. I work relationally, which means that, through the therapeutic relationship, you are encouraged to explore and understand how early experiences and past relationships impact your present difficulties. I seek to create a supportive, safe, and respectful space for you to explore your life, as a way to think about how you want to move forward. All sessions are conducted with strict confidentiality. I offer both in person and online sessions. I am open to looking at what works best for you as a client.

I offer face-to-face and online counselling, working with a wide range of issues from anxiety and depression to issues with self-esteem, relationship difficulties, and childhood trauma. I have a professional qualification in Integrative Counselling and support clients in my busy private practice in Stockport, and offer online sessions. My professional approach is drawn from in-depth training and professional development in counselling and counselling supervision. I work with individual adults and young people and am happy to consider EAP work.

The Integrative approach is non-judgemental and empathic, encouraging you to recognise your inner resources and strengths. My particular interest lies in our childhood experiences and what we deny or repress, and how this continues to impact us as adults in our life and relationship choices.

Whatever brings you to counselling, I promise to listen without judgement and offer you a safe and confidential space to be heard. I also have a particular interest in working with people with anxiety and low mood. Anxiety and depression are both something that can be worked through and understood. My approach is to educate you on anxiety as well as its causes and explore where it's coming from.

I have experience dealing with a wide range of issues, including low self-esteem, historic childhood issues, bereavement, and loss. I have worked with specialist organisations and in the voluntary sector dealing with all of the above, and now in self-employed private practice.

If you are interested in therapy with me, please get in touch via email, text message, or phone call. I aim to respond to all queries within a few hours. I offer a free initial 20-minute consultation over the phone, during which you can give me brief details of your situation and ask any questions you may have

The first counselling session is designed to understand your expectations and provide you with a safe space to discuss the issues you're facing. It's a 'getting to know each other' session, where I will listen as you share your concerns, helping you feel safe and confident. You will then have the opportunity, with no pressure, to decide if you want to continue working with me and to ask any questions about my approach. If you choose to continue, we will arrange a regular weekly appointment

I do not work on Sundays.

Why online Therapy..........

Geographical Barriers:

Online therapy eliminates the need to travel to a therapist's office, making it accessible to individuals in remote areas or those with mobility issues. 

Reduced Travel Time and Costs:

Online sessions save time and money on travel, parking, and other associated costsReduced Travel Time and Costs:

Comfort and Anonymity:

Some individuals feel more comfortable opening up in a virtual setting, potentially leading to greater self-disclosure and a more productive therapeutic relationship.

Same Therapeutic Principles:

Online therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy, as it utilizes the same therapeutic principles and techniques. 

Comfort and Anonymity:

Some individuals feel more comfortable opening up in a virtual setting, potentially leading to greater self-disclosure and a more productive therapeutic relationship.

Specific Populations:

Online therapy can be particularly beneficial for individuals with social anxiety, as it allows them to engage in therapy without the anxiety of a face-to-face interaction. 

Online Disinhibition Effect":

Some people find it easier to express themselves online, potentially leading to a more open and honest therapeutic relationship. 

Venturing into counselling can be daunting but if you feel as though you would like to grasp a deeper understanding of who you are and what influences your thoughts feelings and actions, learn healthy coping mechanisms, better manage your difficult emotions and unlock your full potential then you may find that counselling is the right choice. I consider each client as an individual who has the ability to overcome life's challenges and find the inward strength to live a more fulfilling life.

Counselling is about working collaboratively. Therefore, as a therapist, I recognise that only you are an expert of your experiences and I do not act as though I have greater knowledge or understanding of your story, but by forming a cooperative relationship we will work together to create a new understanding of your experiences, allowing for transformation to grow.

My belief is that the power of listening and being there for clients empathetically can assist them to feel accepted and heard therefore, I aim to provide a non-judgemental, comfortable and safe space to enable clients to freely express their emotions and open up about their deepest inner thoughts.

The first counselling session will be to find out what your expectations are and to give you a platform to talk through some of the issues you are dealing with, it will be a getting to know each other session. l will listen as you disclose your concerns and help you feel safe and confident, you then have the opportunity to decide if you want to continue working with me and to ask any questions you may have about my approach. If you agree to continue then we will arrange a weekly slot.

I  do not work on weekends.

*YOUNG PERSON COUNSELLOR **

I have a passion for young people and can totally empathise with the struggles that they are presented with in today's world.  I offer a calm and welcoming practice space where a young person can express their thoughts and feelings, helping them to manage and contain their difficulties and empower them to make sense of and understand their struggles. By placing an individual's needs first, I tailor my approach to suit each client using a mixture of talking and motivational therapy to promote positive, lasting change.

I work with adolescents (12+) in both private practice and schools. I work in a variety of  schools across Greater Manchester.  I am also trained to work online.

As an integrative Counsellor I draw on a wide range of theories and styles, recognising each young person as an individual. 

I can work face to face or online.  I find young people sometimes prefer online as it enables the privacy of their own bedroom to feel relaxed and engaging. I work with a range of issues, specialising in Anxiety, low mood/Depression and Teenage Issues. I also have extensive experience in working with Autistic and ADHD clients.