Alana Sketcher Counselling

Welcome to Alana Sketcher Counselling

A confidential space to explore the thoughts, feelings and challenges in your life

Hello

My name is Alana, thank you for taking the time to look at my website.

I am a fully qualified Humanistic Counsellor and member of the BACP, based at Watt Health in Salisbury Green.

I believe that nothing is more important than the relationship between client and counsellor and therefore my main aim is to offer you a space where you feel comfortable and safe to be able to talk and work through your feelings. Working in a humanistic way means that I can offer you a space to talk through anything you wish without agenda, putting you at the centre of your counselling experience.

I found my way into counselling through a varied career which has enabled me to work with a wide range of people and see first hand the complexities that people face within their personal lives. I have worked at HMP Winchester, supporting inmates serving their sentences by delivering courses to them. I have also worked at a large secondary school as part of their pastoral team, undertaking roles such as deputy designated safeguarding lead and deputy head of year. On top of this I have also worked in theatres where I have delivered a range of projects within the community.

Working in these environments means I have had to function in a non-judgemental way, and this is something that I carry with me in my counselling sessions.

As well as having my own private practice, I currently work as a school counsellor with children and young people aged between 10-16. Alongside this, I also counsel young people aged 11-19 at a charity based in Eastleigh. Previously, I have counselled adults at The You Trust in Portsmouth.

Level 2 Counselling Skills
Level 3 Counselling Skills
Level 4 & 5 Diploma in Humanistic Counselling
Member of the BACP
Full DBS
Diploma in Counselling Young People and Children

Speak in Confidence

Counselling takes place in a safe space, where you can meet with someone who will listen with sensitivity and empathy - and without judgement. In the therapy space thoughts and feelings can be expressed freely and in confidence.

A problem shared...

Trouble with a relationship; anxiety or panic attacks; mood swings or depression - many people face difficulties in their everyday lives that can be hard to get on top of. Counselling gives us a set of tools we can use to help gain a better understanding of what’s causing these problems - and how you can move towards managing or resolving them.

Make better, healthier new choices

Working together I can help you gain greater insight into the difficulties you are facing, help you understand why you act or react to them the way you do, and see how you can start to make better, heathier choices moving forward.

What issues can counselling help with?

People come to me for help a wide range of issues. Here are a few of the more common difficulties that can be supported through counselling:

Feelings of stress or anxiety

Panic attacks

Relationship problems

Grief, loss or bereavement

Problems with addiction

Abuse

Depression

Problems with confidence or self-esteem

Anger management

Issues relating to sexuality

Difficulties at work or in retirement

Problems with family or school life

My location

I work from a private room at Watt Health, 168a Bridge Road, Sarisbury Green, Southampton, SO31 7EH.

I am within easy reach for people throughout Southampton including Fareham, Warsash, Locks Heath, Bursledon, Park Gate, Whiteley.

Fees & availability

I offer a free 20-minute consultation on the phone to provide you with the opportunity to ask any questions to help you decide if I am the most appropriate counsellor for you.

Sessions are £50 paid via bank transfer. Payment is due in advance, 48 hours before the session. If sessions are cancelled with less than 24 hours advance notice, payment will be charged at the full session rate.

Get in touch

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about how counselling works, or to arrange an initial assessment appointment. This enables us to discuss the reasons you are thinking of coming to counselling, whether it could be helpful for you and whether I am the right therapist to help.

You can also call me on 07502 974297 if you would prefer to leave a message or speak to me first. I am happy to discuss any queries or questions you may have prior to arranging an initial appointment.

COUNSELLING in SOUTHAMPTON & the surrounding areas