Alistair Thain

My passion as a counsellor is to offer people the space they need to simply be themselves and understand what is going on for them, be that big or small. A space where they no longer need to pretend. A safe, judgement-free space where troubles can be explored and people can be understood.

Over the years I have worked with a wide range of people, and a wide range of problems. I have a great understanding and experience working with mental health, bereavement, trauma, neurodiversity, and much more. All sorts of aspects of life can impact each of us differently, my aim is to provide the space where that impact can be explored and understood safely. Perhaps my biggest aims when it comes to counselling is providing Neuro-affirming counselling, providing a truly safe space to unmask and be yourself.

My Approach

My work and life experiences have taught me that often we can find life overwhelming for a variety of reasons, be that something big, lots of little stressors which have all added up, or an experience or memory from our past that won't leave our mind. Whatever the stressor happens to be, taking the time to explore and understand it is a step towards easing the stress it brings. I aim to offer the space and time to explore any of life’s stressors.

On a more technical note, I am an integrative counsellor, which means I combine multiple different ways of working. The best way to think of it is like a toolbox, I shape my way of working to you and your problems, rather than asking you to fit my way of working. Not every problem is a nail, and not every solution is a hammer. A Person-Centred core is at the heart of my integrative approach, which means that you will experience me listening carefully, supportively, and non-judgementally in order to best understand your experience from your perspective. I reflect these observations back to you, to help enable you to understand and begin to make sense of all that has brought us together.

Where it all started

I always found myself as somebody whom people could talk to, but it was not until I was at university that a friend reflected back to me the impact of being listened to without somebody trying to "fix" them. From this point, I sought training and experience in working with people. I worked for many years in the mental health sector, working one-on-one with people to help them with the struggles of daily life. From there I trained as a therapist, gaining the skills and experiences I have today. I continue to seek opportunities and training, to understand and help people better.