Hello — I'm Alena
BSc (Hons), MBACP · Pronoun: she/her. A humanistic and integrative psychotherapist with a deep interest in grief, trauma and how the body holds our story.

At times, life can feel confusing or difficult to make sense of. You might find yourself stuck in patterns, struggling to manage intense emotions, carrying the impact of past experiences, or feeling disconnected from yourself or others.
I believe you are the expert in your own life. Therapy with me is a space where we can gently explore your challenges while supporting your growth and healing — a relationship of empathy, respect and shared curiosity.
I have a particular interest in working with grief and bereavement, including complex grief such as loss through suicide. Grief can be deeply personal and at times isolating; I provide a space where all feelings, whatever they may be, are welcome.
As a humanistic and integrative therapist, I see people as more than their thoughts or behaviours. We are mental, emotional, physical and — for some — spiritual beings. Healing involves tending to all parts of ourselves and rebuilding a sense of connection within.
Where appropriate, I may introduce simple practices such as grounding, breath awareness, or noticing bodily sensations — to support nervous-system regulation and foster a greater sense of safety within yourself.
A lifelong learner in depth and embodiment
My training spans psychotherapy, somatic trauma work, embodied movement and healthcare — woven together in how I work.
Core qualification
- BSc (Hons) Humanistic & Integrative Counselling & Psychotherapy — Sherwood Psychotherapy Training Institute, Nottingham
Further training & CPD
- Somatic Trauma Therapy Training — Babette Rothschild (2025–2026, ongoing)
- Domestic Abuse & Bereavement — Treetops Hospice (2025)
- Working with Neurodiversity — UKCN (2024)
- Trauma and the Body — UKCN (2024)
- Suicide Awareness & Mental Health — Harmless / Treetops Hospice (2024)
- Working with Children & Young People (2024)
- Trauma-Informed Practice — Treetops Hospice (2024)
- Attachment Styles and Bereavement — Treetops Hospice (2024)
- Working with Life-Limiting Illness — Treetops Hospice (2024)
- Working Creatively with the Body — Dr David Tune (2024)
- Somatisation of Distress — Janus CPD (2024)
- First Aid Training — St John Ambulance (2025)
- Group Volunteer Training — Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (2022)
Yoga & embodied practice
- Yoga for Kids & Families Teacher Training — Rainbow Kids Yoga (2020)
- 300-Hour Yoga Teacher Training — Yoga Alliance, Bali (2019)
- Yoga Nidra Immersion — Yoga Campus (2019)
- Restorative Yoga Teacher Training — Yoga Campus (2016)
- 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training — Yoga Alliance, UK (2015)
Additional training
- Safeguarding Training — DCC (2012)
- Advanced Qigong Healing — D. J. Lee (2012)
- Mental Health Awareness — Framework (2009)
Professional experience
- Volunteer Bereavement Counsellor — Treetops Hospice, Risley (since 2023)
Memberships
Registered Member MBACP
British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy. Listed on the BACP Register — accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.
The first step is often the hardest
I offer a free 20–30 minute initial video consultation. No pressure, just a quiet conversation.
Book a consultation