Alan Cox , BACP

Alan Cox has been working as a counsellor since 2008, beginning in the voluntary charity sector and later establishing his own private practice in 2012 after completing a BA (Hons) in Counselling. He also holds a Foundation Degree in Counselling and currently contributes to the bereavement voluntary sector by providing supervision to other counsellors. He is accredited with the BACP, the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, a recognised professional body for counselling practitioners.

Having experienced therapy personally, he understands what it is like to sit in the client chair and values the practical benefits that counselling can bring. His earlier career roles in coaching, training and people development inform a pragmatic approach to sessions, recognising how workplace changes and increasing demands can affect wellbeing and relationships. Alan draws on a broad clinical toolkit to help people navigate a wide range of life challenges, including stress, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship and intimacy issues, addictions, trauma and abuse, parenting concerns, career difficulties and coping with life changes.

Alan works in a nonjudgmental, empathic manner, listening closely and reflecting back what he hears to help clients explore causes and contributing factors that maintain distress. Rather than offering simple prescriptions, he supports people to discover their own best way forward, combining evidence-based models such as ACT, CBT, client-centered and psychodynamic ideas with mindfulness where appropriate.

Therapeutic approaches and online support with Alan Cox

Alan uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help clients notice difficult thoughts and emotions without getting overwhelmed by them, and to identify actions that align with personal values. ACT can be useful for anxiety, depression, stress and difficulties navigating life changes.

He also draws on Client-Centered Therapy, a person-focused approach that prioritises empathic listening and respect for the client’s own perspective, helping people explore feelings around relationships, grief, self-esteem and identity. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is another frequent approach, offering practical techniques to identify unhelpful thinking patterns and develop alternative behaviours, often helpful for anxiety, panic, phobias and mood difficulties.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Alan works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods best fit their needs, goals and preferences. He adapts pacing and techniques as the therapeutic relationship develops.

Online therapy with Alan can take place via video calls, phone sessions, live chat or text-based messaging, offering flexibility for work, family or mobility constraints. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care, access support from different locations and fit sessions into a busy life while working with licensed professionals and therapists committed to practical, evidence-informed care.