My name is Alison Raeburn, an independent counsellor based in Highnam near Gloucester. My counselling practice is Renew the Mind where I offer dedicated counselling services in a relaxed, comfortable environment. I provide professional and compassionate counselling to individual adults using an integrated approach blending psychodynamic and person-centred counselling. This approach enables me to tailor my work to meet the needs of each individual person.
My interest in counselling began as a second career after nearly 15 years as a police officer. I spent much of my police career in specialist roles supporting people who had been emotionally affected by crime including extensive work with victims of child abuse, domestic abuse and other serious crime. These roles allowed me to gain experience supporting individuals and families directly affected by trauma.
Realising that my foremost passion is to help people who need compassionate professional support, I made the decision to become a counsellor. This meant embarking on more than three years of intensive training combined with building practical experience in a professional counselling agency before entering private practice.
As well as being fully trained and qualified, I keep up to date with current research and practices through Continued Professional Development (CPD) which enables me to maintain a consistently high level of professional knowledge and ability.
I will always listen with empathy and provide professional therapy without judgement, upholding the Code of Ethical Practice of the NCPS (The National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society) where I hold professional membership. My belief is that the ethical principle of trust is essential and so I will help you to feel safe sharing personal aspects of your life with me. I understand that it takes great courage to start counselling and you can be reassured that I will be with you every step of the way.
Click on the video to meet me in my counselling room.