Alison Paris
I am qualified as a social worker,( MSoc Science/CQSW University of Birmingham) teaching in a university setting, and more recently(2014) as a counsellor (PG Diploma/MSc Counselling and Psychotherapy,Salford University). I also have qualifications in Life Coaching and Dramatherapy. I have completed the British ( Person -Centred) Focussing Association Practitioner Certificate. I am also an occasional tutor with the Foundation Degree in Person Centred counselling at the University of Warwick.
I have a Certificate in Supervision from Manchester Institute for Psychotherapy and additionally a comprehensive Diploma in Group Pastoral Supervision from Wesley House, Cambridge.
I am Registered Member of the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (MBACP), and a registered Social Worker -Social Work England (previously HCPC)
I work specifically as a person-centred counsellor, and offer an approach reflecting a warm and safely professional relationship, within which all that those who offer me the privilege of listening with them, bring, is prized. Within this relationship, I hope to open the door to working together at depth , guided by the client’s own pace. I trust in people’ own internal resources and seek to support clients in exploring their own directions, perceptions and solutions.I do not come from a place of having expertise, rather believing that each person is the expert on their self and their life. I am committed to seeking to fully acknowledge each person’s cultural and structural diversity of experience, and of power , in the work we do together.
I also seek to offer a space for clients to explore their own spirituality, however that might be expressed, and how it might support and resource them.
Within my spiritual accompaniment/direction practice, I seek to journey alongside the person seeking accompaniment, reflecting their particular approach to their faith. I might offer signposts or possible directions for us to explore, and offer information and practical experience of a specific approach – and it is through this process that I seek to offer ‘direction’,rather than from any sense of expert knowledge. I have an interest in, and my own spiritual practice is grounded on , contemplative practice and Christian Meditation.I have experience with Ignatian spirituality, but also a keen interest in Mystics, both past and present, and their contribution to the understanding of compassionate faith.
I offer an interest in creative written expression – metaphor, poetry and narrative – within both counselling and spiritual accompaniment, and have facilitated retreats in which we explore poetry , prayer and support – the connections – at times of transition and stress.
I currently offer face to face pastoral supervision and spiritual direction and online or telephone counselling