Alexandra Batten   MBACP, Dip.Coun, CertHE

Welcome and thank you for taking the time to find out a little more about me and the services I offer.

The Way I Work

I am a fully qualified and insured integrative therapist with years of experience working with a broad range of presenting issues and with clients from diverse backgrounds. I am a Registered Member (MBACP) of the BACP (British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy) which is in turn an accredited member of the Professional Standards Authority.
http://www.professionalstandards.org.uk/
Search BACP, Registration Number: 119307

Although I work predominantly as a Person-centred therapist I sometimes integrate psychodynamic concepts which may help us explore past relationships and patterns of behaviour that may be affecting your experience of current issues, as many current problems are often buried in childhood experience. I may also use relaxation techniques, mindfulness and body-awareness to help you understand and deal with the anxiety around the problems you are experiencing.

I believe in a client's potential and ability to make the right choices for him or herself. I won't give advice but I will help you explore your situation to find ways of making the right choices for you.  I  passionately believe that we all have the ability to make changes in our lives by developing greater understanding through exploration of difficult and sometimes painful emotions which hopefully help us gain insight into the problems we face and the solutions we seek.
'I passionately believe that we all have the ability to make changes in our lives'

My Experience

I have worked in a variety of settings with people from diverse backgrounds and with a wide variety of presenting issues, complex needs and mental health issues. Because of my experience I can tailor my approach to offer a unique way of working with you that specifically meets your needs and in a way that feels safe and comfortable for you.

I have worked as a therapist with a number of charitable organisations and within hospice care, bereavement care and further education environments; working with a wide spectrum of client issues. For the last five years I have worked as a volunteer counsellor with a women's charity that aims to transform the lives of women with complex needs who face multiple disadvantage or who are victims of abuse and trauma and I am currently a volunteer counsellor working with men who have been sexually abused.

Central to my work is a commitment to:
  • Ongoing professional supervision
  • Working within the BACP Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions (2015)
  • Access regular ongoing CPD training    (Continued Professional Development) to develop and expand my skills and knowledge.

The Importance of the Relationship

I aim to offer my clients a calm, safe and empathic environment in which to explore personal issues without feeling judged. I believe that the quality of the therapeutic relationship is the key to a successful outcome and it is extremely important that I understand what you hope to achieve through therapy to make sure I am the right person to provide the help you need. 

Therefore, our first meeting is an important opportunity to get to know one another, to share information and to find a way of working together that feels right for you.

It is important that you feel comfortable about working with me and the environment in which the counselling is delivered, so please don’t be afraid to ask any questions and take whatever time you need after the initial appointment to consider whether you feel you would like to proceed.
'It is important that you feel comfortable about working with me...'
I offer both short-term, time limited counselling or open ended, more in-depth counselling and psychotherapy, depending on your requirements. The length of the therapy is initially negotiated and agreed at your first session, although this can be re-negotiated at any time.

Professional Qualifications & Memberships

Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling  (Counselling & Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body)
Certificate of Higher Education in Psychodynamic Counselling  (University of Leicester)

I am a Registered Member (MBACP) of the BACP - The British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy and I work within the Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions. http://www.bacpregister.org.uk/

Registered Members of the BACP are listed on the Professional Standards Authority for Health & Social Care, accredited register.
http://www.professionalstandards.org.uk/

CPD - Continued Professional Development

2018 - An Introduction to Working with Couples (Reflections Therapy Alliance)
2018 - Understanding and Supporting Clients Who Hear Voices (First Step)
2017 - Mental Health Awareness Course (Oakwood Training)
2017 - Effective Anger Management Tools for Working with Men (First Step, James Hawes)
2017 - Understanding and/or Working With Survivors of Sexualised Trauma (First Step, Zoe Lodrick)
2017 - CRISIS Worker Training ( Leicester SARC/ New Pathways Training)
2016 - An Insight Into Attachment Theory (Sir Richard Bowlby)
2016 - PODS Masterclass: Trauma (PODS, Carolyn Spring)
2016 - Personality Disorders: Knowledge & Understanding Framework Training (KUF)
2016 - Exploring Attachment and Loss (Sir Richard Bowlby)
2015 - Trauma, Dissociation & Recovery (PODS, Carolyn Spring)
2015 - Aspects of the Self: Working with clients' self and body image: Part 2 (Professor Julia Buckroyd)
2015 - Working with Loss in the Family (The Laura Centre, Leicester)
2015 - Integrative Psychotherapeutic Approaches to Trauma; an Exploration (Professor Basia Spalek)
2014 - Essential Awareness in Safeguarding Children (Children's Workforce Matters)
2014 - Understanding Disordered Eating: Part 1 (Professor Julia Buckroyd)
2014 - Freedom Programme Awareness ( New Dawn New Day)
2013 - Diversity & Culture Workshop ( New Dawn New Day)
2012 - Suicide Awareness Partnership Training (Rural Communities Council)
2012 - Awareness in Bereavement Care: The Foundation Course (Ascentis)
2011 - Awareness in Bereavement (Cruse ABC Course)