Kelly Alldersea

I am a BACP Accredited integrative counsellor with a person-centred foundation. At the heart of my work is the belief that every person deserves to feel heard, understood and accepted without judgement. I aim to provide a warm, compassionate and supportive space where clients can explore whatever is troubling them at a pace that feels right for them. My work is client-led, meaning I do not follow a rigid agenda or assume that I know what is best for the people I work with. Instead, I believe that each person is the expert on their own life and that meaningful change often comes through developing a trusting therapeutic relationship in which thoughts, feelings and experiences can be explored safely. Whilst my foundation is person-centred, I work integratively and may draw upon other therapeutic approaches where it is helpful to do so.

I have experience working with adults, children and young people from a variety of backgrounds and have supported people with a wide range of presenting issues, including anxiety, low self-esteem, bereavement and loss, relationship difficulties, stress, life transitions and the emotional impact of long-term health conditions. My professional experience has been gained through working in schools, a GP practice, the charitable sector, Employment Assistance Programmes (EAPs) and private practice. These experiences have given me the opportunity to work with people facing many different challenges and have reinforced my belief in the importance of tailoring therapy to the individual rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach.

What I enjoy most about counselling is the privilege of walking alongside people during difficult periods in their lives. I value the opportunity to build genuine therapeutic relationships and to create a space where clients feel safe enough to explore, reflect and grow. It is often the experience of being truly listened to, understood and accepted that can help people reconnect with their own strengths and find a way forward.

A significant part of my work has involved supporting people living with chronic illnesses, particularly people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). Through this work I have developed a deep appreciation of the unique challenges that can accompany long-term health conditions, not only physically but emotionally, socially and psychologically.

Many of the clients I have worked with have experienced misunderstanding, disbelief, stigma and medical gaslighting. They have often found themselves repeatedly having to justify their symptoms or explain the impact of their illness to others. For some, this experience can be as distressing as the illness itself. It can affect self-esteem, relationships, trust in professionals and a person’s sense of identity.

Working closely with people living with chronic illness has broadened and deepened my understanding of the realities of living with fluctuating symptoms, uncertainty, loss and limitation. It has reinforced the importance of listening carefully to clients’ lived experiences rather than making assumptions about what they should be capable of or how they should be coping.

I understand that chronic illness often affects far more than physical health. It can impact work, education, finances, relationships, future plans and a person’s sense of self. Many people experience grief for the life they had expected to live, alongside the ongoing challenge of adapting to changing circumstances.

This work has also strengthened my commitment to providing therapy that is flexible and accessible. I recognise that energy levels, concentration and physical symptoms can fluctuate, and I aim to adapt my practice accordingly. My goal is to provide a space where clients do not need to explain or justify their limitations, but can instead focus on exploring their experiences in an environment of understanding, acceptance and respect.

I feel privileged to work with people living with chronic illness and continually learn from their resilience, insight and determination. My aim is to offer a therapeutic relationship in which clients feel believed, validated and supported as they navigate the complex realities of living with a long-term health condition.

I understand that living with a chronic health condition can make accessing therapy challenging, and I aim to make counselling as accessible and flexible as possible. I offer both standard 50-minute sessions and shorter 30-minute sessions, weekly or fortnightly. Together, we can discuss what feels most manageable and beneficial for you. I appreciate that chronic illness can be unpredictable.

If you need to cancel or rearrange an appointment due to a flare-up or deterioration in your health, I ask that you provide as much notice as possible. My usual cancellation policy is 24 hours' notice; however, I aim to approach situations involving health changes with understanding and compassion. My face-to-face practice offers parking facilities. Please feel free to discuss any accessibility requirements with me before arranging an appointment so that we can consider how best to support your needs.

Having extensive experience working with people living with chronic illnesses, including ME/CFS, I understand that therapy often needs to be adapted to the individual rather than expecting the individual to adapt to therapy.