Alan Russell, NCPS

Alan Russell is a counsellor with five years of professional experience in counselling roles that have included teaching and coordinating. He works with people who are dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, trauma and abuse, and career difficulties. Alan presents a calm, respectful manner and aims to make first steps feel manageable for anyone seeking help.

He practises as an integrative counsellor, which means he adapts conversations and plans to fit each person's needs. Sessions focus on practical ways to reduce anxiety and manage mood, while also exploring how past experiences like trauma can affect day-to-day life. Alan pays attention to guilt, shame and issues commonly raised by men in midlife.

People bringing workplace worries, pregnancy and childbirth concerns, or struggles with addictive patterns can expect a straightforward, empathetic approach. Alan aims to help clients spot small changes that make a difference and build routines that support wellbeing. He uses clear language and keeps aims realistic.

Sessions are conducted in English and are shaped around the individual's goals. Alan encourages clients to take the pace they need and to be involved in setting the direction of therapy. He recognises that starting counselling takes courage and offers steady support through that process.

Alan works from the United Kingdom and uses an integrative style to combine methods suited to each case. He welcomes questions about how sessions are run and what a typical plan might look like.

Approaches that suit online counselling

Alan practises an integrative approach that blends evidence-based techniques tailored to each person. For example, he may use structured skills training to help manage anxiety and low mood - teaching breathing, behavioural experiments and simple routines that reduce distress. He also works with trauma-informed strategies that focus on stabilising symptoms and building safety in day-to-day life, which can help people recover from past abuse and overwhelming experiences.

Deciding which approach to use is a collaborative process. The therapist will talk through your goals and preferences, try methods that fit your situation, and adjust the plan as you progress. Clients help set the pace and choose which techniques feel most helpful as therapy continues.

Online therapy offers flexibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text messaging. Video lets you read facial cues and have a more personal conversation. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited or you prefer not to be on camera. Live chat and messaging suit brief check-ins, on-the-go processing or times when writing helps you organise thoughts. These options make it easier to fit counselling around work, family or travel while keeping the focus on steady progress.