Alison Balaam
Counsellor
MBACP (Accred)
Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, UK
What is counselling?
When difficult things happen in our lives, it sometimes helps to talk to someone outside the situation. A counsellor doesn't give advice or tell you what to do, but helps you come to terms with what's happened and move forward. Your problems might involve past or present bereavement, loss, broken relationships, depression, abuse or many other issues.
How does it work?
Counselling sessions last 45 - 50 minutes. The first session is a FREE introduction at which we will discuss whether counselling might be of benefit to you. We will also consider practical issues such as timing, confidentiality and cancellation arrangements.
If you decide to carry on, we will set up an initial series of about 5 sessions, at weekly or fortnightly intervals. If you want to continue after that, we will discuss your need for further sessions at regular intervals.

Who am I?
I am a person-centred counsellor with wide experience in the NHS and the academic world. I have a Diploma in Humanistic Counselling and am accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.
How do I work?
I offer you the opportunity to talk through your difficulties without being judged, criticised or told what to do. My aim is to enable you to find peace of mind and a more satisfying way of living.
Details
I work in the centre of Stratford-upon-Avon, within easy reach of public transport and car parking.
My fees are £30 to £40 an hour, with some concessionary rates for students and those on reduced incomes.
Contact me
If you have any questions or would like to arrange a consultation, please email me on alison@balaam.plus.com or phone me on 01789 297814.
Links
Here are some links to other information about counselling which you may find useful:
- The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy is the main professional body to which most counsellors belong. Their website www.itsgoodtotalk.org.uk offers lots of helpful information about counselling.
- Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Trust offers an excellent series of self help leaflets for common problems. Note: don't double-click the links on this site!
- Judith Layhe-Cook is a qualified, professional counsellor with many years of experience in counselling people from all walks of life. She is also a trained Tai Chi and Chi Gung tutor and further details about classes can be found at swantaichi.co.uk.