About Me
In Summary ...
UKCP Registered Psychotherapist
Over 9000 hours of NHS and private practice counselling experience
Qualified to Doctoral degree level (Doctor of Psychotherapy)
Work as a counselling psychology lecturer
Research training role
Active in research in psychotherapy
Published author
Management coach to many local and national organisations in both private and public sectors
Dr Alan Priest DPsych, MA, FHEA
UKCP Registered Psychotherapist
I am a counsellor and psychotherapist based in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, England. I operate online, offering sessions in MS Teams and Zoom.
I work as an independent (private) practitioner. I have developed close working relationships with a number of GP surgeries in my local area. Most of my referrals are from the GPs at these surgeries or direct from those visiting this web site. I also see patients referred by locally-based psychiatrists. I work with a number of local and national firms and organisations.
Appointments
I offer appointments
daytimes on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Background and Training
My background was originally in behavioural psychology and communications. I used this training in pursuit of a career in research before I undertook further training and qualified as a counsellor with a post graduate diploma training in 1994. I then undertook a two year Masters degree in Integrative Counselling from Leeds University. I later completed a four year doctor of psychotherapy degree at Metanoia Institute, Middlesex University.
I have worked as a counsellor within the NHS at a large inner city health centre in Rusholme, Manchester and more recently, in Todmorden. I started working as a counsellor in independent (private) practice in 2003.
As well as working as a practitioner, I train doctoral counselling psychology students at City, University of London. My academic experience includes five years as Director of Studies for the Counselling Psychology and Humanistic training programmes at Metanoia Institute/Middlesex University, and five years as a lecturer in counselling and psychotherapy at University of Salford. I\'ve also trained students at Kirklees College, Bretton Hall College of the University of Leeds and City College, Manchester. I also work as a supervisor for student counsellors training in a number of different locations, including at UCHM in Milnsbridge. I hold a postgraduate certificate in academic practice (PgCAP) and I am a Fellow of the Higher Education Authority.
Experience
I have logged over 10,000 hours of counselling client hours in NHS and private practice. Additionally I work as a management and training consultant to companies and not-for-profit organisations, for example, offering assessment, help and advice on mental health and safety matters in the workplace. My research interests include the link between the language used in therapy and outcomes.
Professional Memberships
I am a UKCP Registered Psychotherapist I practice in accordance with UKCP ethical principles and code of professional conduct. I have committed to ongoing clinical supervision and professional development, all of which is reviewed annually by Metanoia Institute on behalf of UKCP .
