Alison McAuley
Compassionate Support to Help You Heal from Anxiety, Stress, and Trauma At Your Pace
Hi, Im Alison, a Psychotherapeutic Counsellor offering compassionate, tailored support. I work integratively, drawing on a range of approaches to help you explore whats going on in a way that feels safe and right for you. My aim is to create a space where you feel truly heard, understood, and supported as you navigate lifes challenges
Availability confirmed 2 days ago
About me and my practice
As a qualified Psychotherapeutic Counsellor, I offer a warm, compassionate space where you can explore whats going on for youwithout judgment. I work integratively, drawing on a range of counselling approaches to adapt to your unique needs. This flexible way of working allows me to meet you where you are and tailor our sessions in a way that feels most helpful for you.
Whether you're experiencing anxiety, low self-esteem, past trauma, or simply feeling stuck or overwhelmed, my aim is to support you in reconnecting with your inner strength and sense of self. I believe that therapy should be a collaborative process, grounded in respect, empathy, and trust.
I currently work in private practice, offering sessions both online across the UK and face-to-face from my home office in Paisley, Renfrewshire. The space is quiet, confidential, and welcoming, designed to help you feel safe and at ease. For those with limited mobility, I can offer sessions in an accessible area on one levelplease feel free to contact me to discuss any specific needs.
Appointments are available during the day and some evenings, with flexibility to accommodate shift workers and those with varying schedules. Sessions typically last 50 minutes and are held weekly, although frequency can be adjusted depending on your needs. I offer a sliding scale for fees to support accessibility, and if you mention Counselling Directory when booking, youll receive £20 off your first session.
Our work together can be short-term, focusing on specific challenges, or longer-term to allow deeper exploration of your thoughts, feelings, and patterns. I will support you at a pace that feels right for you, always holding your wellbeing at the centre of our work.
If you're considering counselling and would like to know more about how I work, please feel free to get in touch. Id be happy to answer any questions and offer an initial conversation to help you decide if Im the right fit for you.
Experience
Having undertaken my own therapeutic journey and found it to be deeply transformative, I was inspired to create a space where others could experience the same kind of supportive, healing environment. I understand how daunting it can be to take the first step into counselling, and how important it is to find a therapist you feel safe and comfortable with. Building a strong, trusting therapeutic relationship is at the heart of my work, as I believe this is the foundation for meaningful change and personal growth.
As a qualified Psychotherapeutic Counsellor and Hypnotherapist, I work in an integrative, person-centred way. I draw on a range of therapeutic approachesincluding humanistic, psychodynamic, and cognitive-behavioural elementsto meet the unique needs of each client. This flexible approach allows me to respond to you as an individual and tailor our work together in a way that feels right for you.
I have experience supporting clients with a wide variety of issues, including anxiety, low self-esteem, depression, chronic stress, and work or education-related challenges. I also work with individuals living with long-term health conditions such as Long Covid, ME, and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. A significant part of my practice involves trauma-informed work with those who have experienced childhood abuse, sexual abuse, or sexual assault.
Before moving fully into counselling in 2024, I had a long and fulfilling career in Pharmacy. This background gave me a deep appreciation for the connection between emotional wellbeing and physical health, and helped me develop strong listening skills, empathy, and a calm, grounded presence that I bring into my counselling work.
I currently offer private therapy sessions online across the UK and in-person from my welcoming home office in Paisley, Renfrewshire. Whether you're seeking short-term support or longer-term exploration, I aim to provide a safe, compassionate space for you to explore what you need right now in your life.
Qualifications
I hold an Advanced Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling, which provides a strong foundation in integrative, evidence-based approaches including humanistic, psychodynamic, and cognitive-behavioural models. I also hold a Diploma in Hypnotherapy, which allows me to incorporate mind-body techniques where appropriate to support deeper emotional processing and self-awareness.
My training began with an Introduction to Counselling Skills course, which grounded me in the core values of empathy, active listening, and unconditional positive regardprinciples that continue to shape my practice today.
I am committed to ongoing professional development and regularly attend workshops and training to deepen my knowledge and stay current with best practices. This includes specialist training in trauma-informed care, nervous system regulation, and working with long-term health conditions such as ME, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and Long Covid.
Professional Membership
Accredited member of NCPS, Member of National Hypnotherapy society
Professional Register
National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS)
Verified by Counsellingo on Monday, 29 September 2025
Initial Consultation
The initial counselling session is a chance for us to get to know each other and see if were a good fit to work together. Well talk about whats brought you to counselling, what you hope to gain, and any questions or concerns you may have. Theres no pressure to share everything at once, this is your space, and well go at your pace.
Ill also explain how I work and together well explore what you might need moving forward. My approach is grounded in empathy, trust, and collaboration. I integrate elements from humanistic, psychodynamic, and cognitive-behavioural approaches, depending on what feels most helpful for you. I also work in a trauma-informed way, offering a safe, non-judgemental space where you can explore your experiences at your own pace. My aim is to support you in making sense of your thoughts and feelings, building self-awareness, and finding ways to move forward that feel right for you.
Fees
sessions are £65 per 50 minute session
limited availability of sliding scale appointments available. please email to discuss
When I Work
I offer counselling sessions Monday to Friday during daytime hours, with limited evening availability on Mondays and Thursdays. If you have specific scheduling needs, such as shift work or irregular hoursplease feel free to get in touch. Ill do my best to find a time that suits you and your routine.
Therapeutic Approach
I work in an integrative, person-centred way, which means I draw on a range of therapeutic models.
Video Platforms
Googlemeet
Pronouns
She/Her
Area
Renfrewshire
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