Attachment-based Counselling in Dursley
Supporting Your Journey to Well-Being!
In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing world, challenges can sometimes feel overwhelming. The pressures of managing daily demands, overcoming setbacks, and navigating uncertainties can lead to feelings of stress, worry, and anxiety. You may feel stuck, isolated, or unsure of your next steps, which can profoundly affect your sense of purpose and overall well-being. Talking Therapy offers a secure, confidential space to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences, providing the support and tools you need to move forward.
Supporting Your Journey to Well-Being!
In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing world, challenges can sometimes feel overwhelming. The pressures of managing daily demands, overcoming setbacks, and navigating uncertainties can lead to feelings of stress, worry, and anxiety. You may feel stuck, isolated, or unsure of your next steps, which can profoundly affect your sense of purpose and overall well-being. Talking Therapy offers a secure, confidential space to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences, providing the support and tools you need to move forward.
Ali The Psychologist @ Take a
Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
1 Endorsed
Dursley GL11
Hello, and well done for taking the first step. Reaching out for support is often the hardest part. I can offer an initial 15 min call, if requested, to see if I am the right fit for you. I am here to offer kindness, compassion, and sensitivity to whatever you may bring. As an HCPC-registered Counselling Psychologist, I have experience supporting individuals with a wide range of psychological difficulties across both NHS and private settings. I draw from a range of evidence-based approaches, including relational, psychodynamic, person-centred, CBT, compassion-focused therapies, and I am trained in EMDR for complex trauma.
Hello, and well done for taking the first step. Reaching out for support is often the hardest part. I can offer an initial 15 min call, if requested, to see if I am the right fit for you. I am here to offer kindness, compassion, and sensitivity to whatever you may bring. As an HCPC-registered Counselling Psychologist, I have experience supporting individuals with a wide range of psychological difficulties across both NHS and private settings. I draw from a range of evidence-based approaches, including relational, psychodynamic, person-centred, CBT, compassion-focused therapies, and I am trained in EMDR for complex trauma.
My practice is designed for children, families, adults, and couples who are navigating emotional, relational, or developmental challenges
I work especially well with:
Children experiencing big feelings, anxiety, low mood, school‑based challenges, or developmental/SEND needs.
Parents and families who need guidance, advocacy, or clarity around SEND, EHCPs, or multi‑agency processes.
Adults carrying trauma, overwhelm, or relationship difficulties who want a grounded, compassionate space to explore their experiences.
Couples seeking to reconnect, communicate more effectively, or understand patterns that keep them stuck.
My practice is designed for children, families, adults, and couples who are navigating emotional, relational, or developmental challenges
I work especially well with:
Children experiencing big feelings, anxiety, low mood, school‑based challenges, or developmental/SEND needs.
Parents and families who need guidance, advocacy, or clarity around SEND, EHCPs, or multi‑agency processes.
Adults carrying trauma, overwhelm, or relationship difficulties who want a grounded, compassionate space to explore their experiences.
Couples seeking to reconnect, communicate more effectively, or understand patterns that keep them stuck.
I am a Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist, Counsellor, EMDR Therapist and an Equine Facilitated Psychotherapist. I work with both Young People and Adults. I have over 20 years experience and have worked in the voluntary and private sectors and in the NHS.
I am a Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist, Counsellor, EMDR Therapist and an Equine Facilitated Psychotherapist. I work with both Young People and Adults. I have over 20 years experience and have worked in the voluntary and private sectors and in the NHS.
Warm welcome. I'm a EMDR Europe Accredited Practitioner, BACP Accred. Counsellor and Supervisor. Choosing a therapist with whom to connect and build a trusting therapeutic relationship can feel daunting, even risky, yet also empowering and hopeful. What does it feel like to take off masks, shedding protective layers that keep the authentic, vulnerable self safe while navigating through challenging or traumatic times? Together we can explore what you feel ready and safe to share - whether these are current, buried or almost forgotten experiences.
Warm welcome. I'm a EMDR Europe Accredited Practitioner, BACP Accred. Counsellor and Supervisor. Choosing a therapist with whom to connect and build a trusting therapeutic relationship can feel daunting, even risky, yet also empowering and hopeful. What does it feel like to take off masks, shedding protective layers that keep the authentic, vulnerable self safe while navigating through challenging or traumatic times? Together we can explore what you feel ready and safe to share - whether these are current, buried or almost forgotten experiences.
More Therapists Nearby
I work in a holistic, intuitive, transpersonal and creative way. I have 20 years of experience and my training in psychotherapy, shamanism, creativity and play therapy enables me to work with all ages in various ways bespoke to the individual. Some people prefer solution focused/coaching others need a more trauma informed approach.
My intention when I work is to support clients so they become more empowered and resilient. To find their voice and expression in the world. To rediscover or unearth their true potential to work towards their goals whether that is more happiness, success, healing family wounds or building confidence.
I work in a holistic, intuitive, transpersonal and creative way. I have 20 years of experience and my training in psychotherapy, shamanism, creativity and play therapy enables me to work with all ages in various ways bespoke to the individual. Some people prefer solution focused/coaching others need a more trauma informed approach.
My intention when I work is to support clients so they become more empowered and resilient. To find their voice and expression in the world. To rediscover or unearth their true potential to work towards their goals whether that is more happiness, success, healing family wounds or building confidence.
If you're tired of battling stress, overwhelm, anxiety or if you're frustrated because you can't seem to be as productive or confident as you want, or need, to be then hypnotherapy can work amazingly well for you. Your subconscious is in the driving seat and while it tries to help you feel safe and survive, it can also hinder you too. Often we aren't entirely aware, at a conscious level, why we're struggling or stuck in self-sabotaging behaviour patterns. Hypnotherapy is able to reach your subconscious and work with it to correct course, allowing you to achieve what you want.
If you're tired of battling stress, overwhelm, anxiety or if you're frustrated because you can't seem to be as productive or confident as you want, or need, to be then hypnotherapy can work amazingly well for you. Your subconscious is in the driving seat and while it tries to help you feel safe and survive, it can also hinder you too. Often we aren't entirely aware, at a conscious level, why we're struggling or stuck in self-sabotaging behaviour patterns. Hypnotherapy is able to reach your subconscious and work with it to correct course, allowing you to achieve what you want.
You’re someone others depend on, the one who keeps things moving, holds things together, and rarely lets things drop.
From the outside, you seem capable and in control. But internally, it can feel heavier than it looks. You might find yourself overthinking, stretched, or quietly carrying more than anyone realises.
You’re someone others depend on, the one who keeps things moving, holds things together, and rarely lets things drop.
From the outside, you seem capable and in control. But internally, it can feel heavier than it looks. You might find yourself overthinking, stretched, or quietly carrying more than anyone realises.
Maybe you've spent years feeling like you had to be someone else—constantly trying to meet the expectations of others. Whether it’s unresolved trauma, attachment wounds, or the weight of anxiety and depression, it can leave you feeling disconnected from your true self. You might find yourself stuck in people-pleasing, overworking, masking, or repressing your emotions. Coping can turn into unhealthy patterns like self-harming, developing addictions, OCD, or eating disorders. Together, we can unravel those patterns, understand how your past is shaping your present, and help you develop what you need to feel good in your own skin.
Maybe you've spent years feeling like you had to be someone else—constantly trying to meet the expectations of others. Whether it’s unresolved trauma, attachment wounds, or the weight of anxiety and depression, it can leave you feeling disconnected from your true self. You might find yourself stuck in people-pleasing, overworking, masking, or repressing your emotions. Coping can turn into unhealthy patterns like self-harming, developing addictions, OCD, or eating disorders. Together, we can unravel those patterns, understand how your past is shaping your present, and help you develop what you need to feel good in your own skin.
We are told how important exercise is for our physical well-being, your mental health is no different. Mental health and physical health are interconnected. Stress, anxiety, and depression can manifest as physical symptoms. So, maintaining good mental health can positively influence physical health. Therapy changes lives and for that reason, if you are unhappy, stressed, and not sure what to do, you need to remember that life is short, and you deserve to live the life you want. Put yourself first and do what makes you happy! I will help you become your own therapist, providing you with healthy tools and support tailored for you.
We are told how important exercise is for our physical well-being, your mental health is no different. Mental health and physical health are interconnected. Stress, anxiety, and depression can manifest as physical symptoms. So, maintaining good mental health can positively influence physical health. Therapy changes lives and for that reason, if you are unhappy, stressed, and not sure what to do, you need to remember that life is short, and you deserve to live the life you want. Put yourself first and do what makes you happy! I will help you become your own therapist, providing you with healthy tools and support tailored for you.
Life can often feel heavy or stagnant and carrying those burdens alone can be exhausting. As a Clinical Psychologist with clinical experience in NHS and private sectors, I support adults navigating complex trauma, anxiety, depression and neurodevelopmental or cognitive needs.
I provide compassionate, evidence-based therapy, drawing on integrative models like CBT, CFT, CAT, and DBT to ensure our work is uniquely tailored to you. My approach is trauma-informed and culturally responsive; I recognise how your identity, values and life experiences, alongside wider systemic factors, deeply shape your well-being.
Life can often feel heavy or stagnant and carrying those burdens alone can be exhausting. As a Clinical Psychologist with clinical experience in NHS and private sectors, I support adults navigating complex trauma, anxiety, depression and neurodevelopmental or cognitive needs.
I provide compassionate, evidence-based therapy, drawing on integrative models like CBT, CFT, CAT, and DBT to ensure our work is uniquely tailored to you. My approach is trauma-informed and culturally responsive; I recognise how your identity, values and life experiences, alongside wider systemic factors, deeply shape your well-being.
Are you struggling with anxiety or depression that has been a part of your life far too long? Have you tried other therapies that haven’t resolved your problems? Are you ready to explore your life experiences and relationship patterns? If so I’d love to hear from you. My name is Dr Steve Hoole, I’m a Clinical Psychologist with a decade’s experience of helping people just like you; in the NHS, charity sector and in private practice. I specialise in working with longstanding anxiety, depression and relationship difficulties, helping individuals and couples understand how their past impacts the life they want to live.
Are you struggling with anxiety or depression that has been a part of your life far too long? Have you tried other therapies that haven’t resolved your problems? Are you ready to explore your life experiences and relationship patterns? If so I’d love to hear from you. My name is Dr Steve Hoole, I’m a Clinical Psychologist with a decade’s experience of helping people just like you; in the NHS, charity sector and in private practice. I specialise in working with longstanding anxiety, depression and relationship difficulties, helping individuals and couples understand how their past impacts the life they want to live.
I help my clients to be ready for change I am there to help them reach their potential. Focusing on what they would like to achieve moving forward and what things from the past seem to be holding them back . Making realistic goals together and looking at how to remove the barriers to achieving those goals is key to the best Counselling experience. Taking things gently to explore what would help in the clients best interest and to build confidence to overcome challenges that are holding people back .
I help my clients to be ready for change I am there to help them reach their potential. Focusing on what they would like to achieve moving forward and what things from the past seem to be holding them back . Making realistic goals together and looking at how to remove the barriers to achieving those goals is key to the best Counselling experience. Taking things gently to explore what would help in the clients best interest and to build confidence to overcome challenges that are holding people back .
It’s not always easy to make space for yourself, especially when you’ve spent a long time focusing on everyone else or simply trying to keep going. Therapy can offer a space to slow down, reflect, and begin making sense of what’s been feeling difficult.
I work with adults who want a supportive space to talk openly, better understand themselves, and navigate the challenges they’re facing.
It’s not always easy to make space for yourself, especially when you’ve spent a long time focusing on everyone else or simply trying to keep going. Therapy can offer a space to slow down, reflect, and begin making sense of what’s been feeling difficult.
I work with adults who want a supportive space to talk openly, better understand themselves, and navigate the challenges they’re facing.
Within each course of therapy, you lead your own journey to growth. Each session lasts around an hour and my place is to guide you to the best therapy for your needs. This may combine person-centred therapy, trauma informed therapy, CBT tasks (negative automatic thought control), psychoanalysis, attachment styles, brain chemistry, mindfulness, communication and more, creating a holistic and personalised relationship. Approaches to therapy are evidence based and following BACP ethical framework.
Within each course of therapy, you lead your own journey to growth. Each session lasts around an hour and my place is to guide you to the best therapy for your needs. This may combine person-centred therapy, trauma informed therapy, CBT tasks (negative automatic thought control), psychoanalysis, attachment styles, brain chemistry, mindfulness, communication and more, creating a holistic and personalised relationship. Approaches to therapy are evidence based and following BACP ethical framework.
It's not always easy to reach out and ask for support. We often feel that we can manage on our own or don't want to bother anyone with our thoughts and feelings. It can be hard to find a balance between work, relationships, family & other commitments to prioritise yourself. No matter what brings you to therapy the most important part is the relationship we will share. I aim to ensure you feel heard & give you a space to work through anything you want to bring to help you have a greater insight & self-awareness and I will walk alongside you on this journey. Counselling isn't a one size fits all package it's as individual as you are.
It's not always easy to reach out and ask for support. We often feel that we can manage on our own or don't want to bother anyone with our thoughts and feelings. It can be hard to find a balance between work, relationships, family & other commitments to prioritise yourself. No matter what brings you to therapy the most important part is the relationship we will share. I aim to ensure you feel heard & give you a space to work through anything you want to bring to help you have a greater insight & self-awareness and I will walk alongside you on this journey. Counselling isn't a one size fits all package it's as individual as you are.
I began my counseling journey with training in a person-centered approach, grounded in the belief that clients are experts in their own lives with the insight to create meaningful change. I offer a supportive, non-judgmental space to explore needs, strengths, and goals, fostering reflection and growth.
Since qualifying, I’ve trained in solution-focused and cognitive-behavioral therapies, addressing issues like grief, workplace stress, relationships, and family dynamics. I’m also trained in Brainspotting (BSP), a powerful trauma-healing technique that bypasses cognitive layers to access deeper emotions, promoting rapid recovery.
I began my counseling journey with training in a person-centered approach, grounded in the belief that clients are experts in their own lives with the insight to create meaningful change. I offer a supportive, non-judgmental space to explore needs, strengths, and goals, fostering reflection and growth.
Since qualifying, I’ve trained in solution-focused and cognitive-behavioral therapies, addressing issues like grief, workplace stress, relationships, and family dynamics. I’m also trained in Brainspotting (BSP), a powerful trauma-healing technique that bypasses cognitive layers to access deeper emotions, promoting rapid recovery.
You may have searched for a counsellor without really knowing why - you may just feel you need something/someone? You may feel overwhelmed right now. Life can feel hard at times, counselling can help you uncover your feelings/emotions to understand what you may need/want from yourself and your life right now, increasing your self-esteem overall. You may feel you need help recovering from a traumatic event, support with your mental health in general, help with a relationship, support moving forward with better communication, understanding of self and coping strategies that actually allow for you to start to thrive rather than survive
You may have searched for a counsellor without really knowing why - you may just feel you need something/someone? You may feel overwhelmed right now. Life can feel hard at times, counselling can help you uncover your feelings/emotions to understand what you may need/want from yourself and your life right now, increasing your self-esteem overall. You may feel you need help recovering from a traumatic event, support with your mental health in general, help with a relationship, support moving forward with better communication, understanding of self and coping strategies that actually allow for you to start to thrive rather than survive
Facing the underlying often painful feelings we experience as humans can be incredibly difficult and something we would rather avoid. If only it were that easy!
Often these feelings spill out from under the surface and can impact our daily lives in unwanted ways. I offer a supportive space where you can explore these feelings and their impact.
Facing the underlying often painful feelings we experience as humans can be incredibly difficult and something we would rather avoid. If only it were that easy!
Often these feelings spill out from under the surface and can impact our daily lives in unwanted ways. I offer a supportive space where you can explore these feelings and their impact.
If you are going through a tough time in your life, a lot of emotions are coming up right now, and it all feels a little overwhelming - my heart goes out to you. The hardest step is often reaching out for support and I am honoured you are considering working together. Having a dedicated space to be heard, explore our inner world and past experiences in a compassionate space can offer clarity and healing. My intention as a therapist is to create a space for you where the masks can drop, your authenticity can emerge and you feel supported in slowly reconnecting to the wisdom within.
If you are going through a tough time in your life, a lot of emotions are coming up right now, and it all feels a little overwhelming - my heart goes out to you. The hardest step is often reaching out for support and I am honoured you are considering working together. Having a dedicated space to be heard, explore our inner world and past experiences in a compassionate space can offer clarity and healing. My intention as a therapist is to create a space for you where the masks can drop, your authenticity can emerge and you feel supported in slowly reconnecting to the wisdom within.
Attachment-based Counsellors
Is attachment-based therapy the same as attachment therapy?
Attachment-based therapy may be confused with what is called “attachment therapy” (sometimes called “holding therapy”), a discredited and dangerous approach to treating children with attachment disorders, autism, or other mental health concerns. Attachment therapy—not attachment-based therapy—may involve restraining a child, forcing eye contact, and other coercive or abusive techniques. None of these practices are used in attachment-based therapy and the two modalities are in no way related.
What should I expect from attachment-based therapy?
Attachment-based therapy is based on attachment theory, which posits that children’s early relationships with their caregivers strongly influence their ability to navigate the world later in life. Thus, adults who seek attachment-based therapy should expect to deeply explore their childhood, identifying the dynamics or experiences that disrupted their attachment and the steps necessary to overcome challenges that arose as a result. Parents and children should expect to explore the possible factors that disrupted the parent-child relationship and work toward restoring trust and connection.
How long does attachment-based therapy last?
Certain forms of attachment-based therapy, especially those designed for parents and children, last for a set number of sessions; for example, Attachment and Biobehavioural Catch-Up, a specific attachment-based approach for young children who have undergone early adversity, unfolds over 10 one-hour sessions. When attachment-based therapy is practiced on adults or combined with other modalities, it may not last a specific length of time; clients may wish to ask prospective therapists how long they expect treatment to take.
Does attachment-based therapy work?
Most of the research on attachment-based therapy focuses on children and adolescents. Some of this research shows a positive effect, especially for attachment-based family therapy (ABFT). Other studies, however, have found that attachment-based therapy is no more effective than other approaches to childhood depression, anxiety, or suicidality. Less is known about the therapy’s efficacy on adult populations.