Alan Crawford Counselling

General information

I can help you to understand, heal and grow... to be kinder to yourself, let go of old habits, feel better and live life more fully.

The fact that you are reading this suggests that you have already taken a significant and important step - acknowledging there is something in your life that doesn't feel quite right and that you are open to getting the right help to move forward.

I understand how difficult it may feel to consider exploring your feelings and experiences with a stranger. I assure you that if you choose to work with me I'll walk your path with you with great care, compassion, understanding, and importantly, at your pace.

All of us want to be happy and as free as possible from stress. We want to live a satisfying life that feels like it means something, a life that we enjoy. Yet sometimes all of us can find ourselves feeling lost, stuck, or overwhelmed, flat, depressed or anxious - struggling to cope.... like you're trudging through mud or carrying a heavy weight around with you all of the time.

I can support you to find a way through and lighten the load.

These feelings can come up after you go through something difficult or a big change in your life, perhaps a relationship breakdown, losing your job or the death of someone close to you. You may even have been through a trauma of some sort, or be struggling with an addiction, eating disorder or a common mental health issue such as depression or anxiety.

And sometimes there is nothing specific you can point to, just that persistent, nagging sense that something just isn't right... that you aren't happy.

The Counselling Process

There are times in most peoples lives when we could benefit from talking to someone. I offer you an opportunity to explore your concerns in an atmosphere of trust. This will enable you to find your own answers and way forward, at your own pace.

Together, we can take stock of where you are; bringing greater clarity and kindness to your experiences. This allows us to reflect upon your situation, facilitating deeper insight into how you might choose to live with greater meaning and connection.

Taking responsibility for your own happiness, you can find the freedom and confidence to make empowered decisions and choices. Through counselling, you can come to accept the things that you cannot change, whilst finding the courage to take action to change the things that you can.

With my help, you can begin to let go of old habits (and addictions) - those deeply grooved patterns that keep you stuck and limit your experience of life. This allows you to move towards becoming more the person you wish to be - living the life you wish to live.

In short, working together, we can discover who you are and how you want to spend your time on this earth. Counselling can help you to feel better and live life in a more enriching way, with a greater sense of ease and appreciation.

I've been there too

Life can feel hard sometimes, and it can be a struggle to cope. The pressures on us can feel overwhelming and leave us feeling stuck. I know what that feels like.

About a decade ago I began my own journey of personal healing that continues to unfold today. I have had the good fortune of working with some great therapists and teachers who have helped me to move through difficult periods of my life - to get to know myself better, let go of harmful, self-destructive behaviours and find a sense of balance, satisfaction and meaning in my life.

It gives me a great sense of satisfaction and gratitude to be able to help you to do the same thing, to walk alongside you as a fellow traveller on your journey. That's why I became a Counsellor and Psychotherapist. My purpose is to support you in creating a life that feels fulfilling and authentic; to help you awaken to your potential so you can experience a life in which you feel good, connected and alive.

Why work with me?

I strive to offer you a powerful and potent experience of deepest respect, empathy and trust, to empower you to make the changes that you wish to make.

My clients, friends and colleagues tell me that I have a naturally calm, gentle, compassionate and 'in the moment' presence that helps them to feel safe, valued, cared for, heard and understood.

I have a non-judgemental, understanding and down-to-earth approach which I believe is born of my own lived-experience of mental health issues and recovery, as well as over 10 years professional experience working with individuals and groups in the criminal justice, addiction and mental health fields before moving into private practice.

With me, counselling is a natural conversation with a caring, understanding and encouraging person who can help you to process your feelings, get a fresh perspective on your situation and make the changes you wish to make in your life.

We simply sit opposite each other in comfortable chairs with a hot drink and talk about whatever is going on for you. I believe deeply in the capacity of open, compassionate and contemplative conversation to heal and transform.

I'm flexible and open-minded in the way I work, thinking outside of the box! Whilst the traditional therapy room remains the best choice for many, you might want to work with me outside whilst enjoying the natural environment in 'Walk & Talk' therapy. Or we have the option of working together via Skype or Email. Home Visits may also be available on request in certain circumstances.

I have a private, confidential and professional counselling practice based in St. Helens, with 'Walk & Talk' therapy available across the Merseyside area. I have no waiting list, you can have as many sessions as you need and seeing me will not appear on your medical records.

I work with individuals, couples, families and groups and also offer training, workshops, intensives and retreats.

Next Steps

I remember how daunting it can be to take the first steps, to send that first email or pick up the phone. I want you to know that I get it, and will make every effort to make it as easy and stress-free as possible for you to get in touch.

I admire and respect anyone brave enough to start the inner work of counselling and psychotherapy.

You can contact me in complete confidence and ask me any questions via a free 15-20 minute telephone consultation or you might prefer to exchange some emails with me to discuss your precise needs. There really are no stupid questions, I promise you! I welcome enquiries and, after chatting or exchanging emails, there is no obligation to book a session if you don't feel ready, or you don't think we are a good fit.

I respond to all enquiries promptly - If you send me an email, a text or leave me a voicemail I will usually get back to you within 24 hours, often much sooner.