Counsellor profile
Alan Wake, BACP
Counsellor - Stress and Anxiety
See online counselling options- Stress and anxiety
- Family issues
- Self-esteem work
About Alan
Counsellor and BACP member with three years' experience, Alan Wake helps people in the United Kingdom with stress, anxiety, family issues, trauma and abuse, self-esteem and depression. He works with people who feel stuck and those seeking more motivation or confidence. Sessions are conducted in English.
Alan has worked a lot with undergraduate and postgraduate students, including international students, and with people from a range of backgrounds. He listens to what is troubling someone and talks through practical steps to manage symptoms such as panic attacks, low mood or social anxiety. He uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques to address problems like attachment issues, communication difficulties, guilt and shame, and workplace stress.
In sessions he focuses on clear, manageable aims. Conversations cover current difficulties and patterns that maintain them. He supports people to understand their reactions and to try different ways of responding. This can include practising new communication skills, working on self-esteem, or addressing unhelpful thinking.
Alan describes his approach as respectful and sensitive. He helps people consider forgiveness, isolation or a search for life purpose in everyday terms. Where trauma or abuse are involved he takes care to move at a pace the person is comfortable with.
To get started people use the online matching process and schedule an initial session. Fees vary with location and sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time. Confirm current session options before booking.
Therapeutic approaches and online counselling
Alan works with evidence-based therapeutic techniques that focus on practical change. One approach centres on identifying and changing unhelpful thinking and behaviour patterns to reduce anxiety and low mood. This involves noticing situations that trigger distress and trying out different responses over time. Another common strand is work on relationships and attachment. This looks at how past experiences shape current reactions and communication, and practises clearer ways of relating to others. It can help with family conflict, communication problems and feelings of isolation. Choosing the right approach is part of the process. The therapist will work collaboratively to agree goals and to try methods that fit the client’s needs and preferences. If something does not feel useful, adjustments can be made together. Confirm which session formats are offered before booking, as the biography does not list them. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy around study, work or caring responsibilities and reduce travel time. They also allow for shorter check-ins when that suits someone or for not needing to use video if that is preferred.Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Experience
3+ years
Listed in
United Kingdom
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What sort of problems does he help with?
He helps people with stress, anxiety, family issues, trauma and abuse, self-esteem and depression. Additional focus areas include panic attacks, social anxiety, workplace problems and feelings of isolation.
What is his therapeutic style?
He uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques and works in a practical, conversational way. The aim is to identify unhelpful patterns and try manageable changes.
How much experience does he have?
He has three years' experience providing counselling and support. Much of that work has been with undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Which professional body is he a member of?
He is a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).
In which languages are sessions offered?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the UK work with him?
International clients are not currently accepted.
What are the session formats and costs?
The biography does not list specific session formats; please confirm the available formats before booking. Fees vary with location and sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I begin the process?
Select the See online counselling options button, complete the short matching questionnaire and then schedule a first session.
Details come from information the counsellor supplied to BetterHelp. A membership or registration can be checked on the professional body's own register.
Online counselling is not emergency care. In an emergency call 999, or see the help numbers.