Alison Gifford · Counsellor, hypnotherapist and pharmacist
Everyone has the capacity for healing and growth.
Feeling overwhelmed by past trauma, persistent anxiety or chronic stress can make it hard to live a full life. I offer counselling using an integrative approach, hypnotherapy and EMDR, from my practice in Tansley, near Matlock, Derbyshire, or on Zoom.
How I can help
Anxiety
Anxiety can leave you overwhelmed, frustrated, unable to focus and feeling out of control. I work on a one to one basis on the patterns that cause persistent anxiety, using counselling, hypnotherapy, or a combination of approaches to achieve your aims.
Trauma
I specialise in counselling for people who have experienced domestic abuse or sexual assault, and I work with other kinds of trauma too. This is for when the immediate situation is behind you and you are ready to work through the effects that continue to affect your life.
Study and exams
My ten years lecturing at Keele University, where I led a professional doctorate programme, showed me how often anxiety rather than ability is what affects individuals progress and success. I work with people at every level of study from GCSEs to degrees, postgraduate study, vivas and professional exams.
Hypnotherapy
I have been a hypnotherapist since 2014, registered with the NCH and CNHC. Beyond anxiety, trauma and exams, hypnotherapy can help with stress, sleep, confidence, habits, fears and phobias, and conditions like IBS where the mind-body link has resisted success with conventional approaches and medication.
What happens next
Start with a conversation
Book a free 20-minute phone or Zoom call. Ask questions, tell me what has brought you here, discuss your therapy options and decide whether I feel like the right person for you.
Come for a first session
Sessions last 50-60 minutes, in person in Tansley, near Matlock, or on Zoom. The first session gives us time to talk through what you want help with and for you to experience how I work.
Hypnotherapy first sessions may last up to 90 minutes.
Agree the way forward
I will suggest an approach suited to you and we will agree if that feels right for you.
There is no fixed number of sessions and no obligation to continue if it does not feel right.
I offer short and long term counselling and we review progress on a regular basis.
Hypnotherapy is usually of a shorter duration, depending on the issues we are working on.
I understand the medication as well as the mind.
I have been a pharmacist since 1991 and I am still registered with the GPhC. Therapy can explore the emotional and behavioural side of the issues you are dealing with and sits comfortably alongside the medical treatment you already receive. When you tell me what you are taking, I know what it does and what to expect from it, and I can help you make sense of your experience. Prescribing decisions stay between you and your doctor.
Registered and accredited
About Alison
Training for therapists
I also run training courses for therapists (continuing professional development, or CPD) on the drug treatments your clients are likely to be taking, Courses currently cover the areas of anxiety & depression, pain and ADHD. Most of our clients have used conventional medicine before they see us; these courses help you understand it.
Start with a conversation.
I understand the courage it takes to seek help. It all starts with a free 20-minute phone or Zoom consultation: an opportunity for us both to ask questions and share information, with no obligation either way.