Alex Paton

I am a qualified counsellor based in Headington, offering a confidential and professional space for psychological exploration and emotional processing. My practice is grounded in an integrative therapeutic approach, drawing from a range of modalities to meet the specific needs of each client. This allows for a flexible and responsive therapeutic process, shaped by what is most effective and relevant for the individual.

Clients come to therapy for a variety of reasons, including low self esteem, anxiety, depression, identity-related concerns, bereavement, relationship difficulties, experiences of shame, and life transitions such as separation or divorce. I work collaboratively with clients to explore the emotional, cognitive, relational, and somatic dimensions of their experiences.

The integrative approach involves attending to both present-moment experience and underlying patterns shaped by past relationships and beliefs. We may explore how early experiences inform current ways of relating, while also working in the here-and-now to increase emotional awareness, regulation, and self-understanding. This process can help identify and shift internalised narratives, unconscious assumptions, and habitual responses that may be limiting growth or contributing to distress.

I aim to provide a consistent, non-judgmental, and attuned therapeutic relationship that supports the development of insight, resilience, and psychological integration. The work may include exploring core beliefs, attachment patterns, somatic awareness, and emotional processing, depending on what emerges in the therapeutic space.

The initial session lasts 50 minutes and is a chance to meet and ask questions, discuss the specific problems, difficulties which you are facing.

Both short term or ongoing in-depth therapy would be considered depending on your needs. Normally I would suggest an initial 6 sessions which would be reviewed.