Alison Preston, BACP

Alison Preston helps people facing stress, anxiety, grief, anger and low mood. She supports people who are struggling with relationships, sleep, eating concerns, self-esteem and coping with life changes. Alison describes therapy as a place to speak openly and be heard without judgement. She works to make the first step feel manageable for someone who is nervous about starting therapy.

Alison uses a mix of approaches to suit each person. She draws on client-centred work to create a respectful, empathetic space. Cognitive behavioural tools are offered to help with unhelpful thinking and practical coping skills. Mindfulness techniques are introduced to reduce reactivity and support calmer moments.

Her background includes eight years of experience working in the United Kingdom and registration with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, BACP. She emphasises sensitivity and compassion in sessions and values seeing things from the client’s point of view.

Sessions aim to be realistic and focused. Some people choose to talk through patterns in the past, while others prefer short-term goals and clear strategies. Alison adapts the work to the practical needs and emotional pace of each person.

Starting therapy involves small, steady steps. Alison invites people to describe what matters to them and then jointly agrees on priorities and the best way forward. This makes the work feel relevant and manageable.

How Alison’s approaches work in online therapy

Client-centred therapy focuses on listening and understanding. The therapist follows the person’s pace and reflects what they say to help them feel understood and clearer about their own choices. Cognitive behavioural therapy, or CBT, looks at patterns of thinking and behaviour and uses practical strategies to change unhelpful habits and reduce anxiety or low mood. Mindfulness therapy teaches simple attention and breathing practices to reduce reactivity and support calmer moments.

Choosing the right approach is part of the work. Alison will talk with each person about their goals and preferences and then recommend techniques or a mix of approaches. This is a collaborative process and can be adjusted as the work progresses.

If you are considering online therapy, confirm the available session formats before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit appointments around work, school or family routines. They can also allow for shorter check-ins when time is limited, or for avoiding travel time on busy days. Many people find that remote sessions help maintain continuity of care when schedules change.