Ali Press

I work online via zoom, and face to face in SE1, Waterloo.

My face to face sessions in Waterloo are currently Wednesday evenings.

Session fees:
Daytime (to 5pm) - £75 per 50-minute session
Evening (5-9pm) - £90 per 50-minute session

I also have a limited number of lower-cost slots for those who need them.

I’m Ali, a queer, neurodivergent counsellor passionate about supporting people who feel in some way different, and not like the others. 

Feeling different from everyone else often stirs up a range of complex and sometimes conflicting emotions. These emotions can vary widely from person to person, shaped by individual characteristics, circumstances, and the underlying reasons for feeling different.

• You may find yourself feeling isolated, sensing a disconnect between yourself and those around you, which can make it difficult to find a sense of belonging. Loneliness can follow, even in the company of others, as though no one truly understands your experience.
• Perhaps you're questioning your own value, skills, or identity, especially if you don’t align with societal norms. This self-doubt can lead to feelings of insecurity, where heightened awareness of your differences makes you feel vulnerable or inadequate.
• Confusion might have become a familiar feeling as you struggle to understand why you feel different and how to reconcile your uniqueness with societal expectations.
• You might also experience frustration, anger, or irritation from being misunderstood or from the challenges of fitting in. Sadness and depression could emerge as well, stemming from feeling like an outsider or facing exclusion.
• A sense of overwhelm might be part of your day to day, draining your energy, eroding your confidence, and leaving you emotionally and mentally exhausted.
• Anxiety may set in as you worry about being judged, rejected, or not being accepted by others.

Once we truly feel seen, heard and accepted for who we are, amazing things can unfold. Get in touch, and let's have a confidential, judgement-free chat about how counselling could support you.

Living outside the norm can make us feel inadequate, leading to isolation and a sense of worthlessness. This can erode our confidence, leaving us exhausted, frustrated, and unsure of our identity. As a result, we might adopt unhealthy coping mechanisms, neglect our needs, and hide our true selves, which only deepens feelings of isolation and being stuck.

However, it's crucial to remember that change is possible; things don't have to stay this way.

How do I know this? The answer is simple: I’ve been there myself. I know what it’s like to feel out of place and unaccepted, reaching a point where I couldn't continue living as I was. As a result, I had to determine what I really needed and what steps I needed to take to live well.

By delving into and challenging the beliefs and habits that underpinned my struggles, I embraced my differences and built a life I love, where I am free to be my authentic self. Now, I proudly declare that I am not like the others and wear it as a badge of honour. Likewise, counselling with me could help you reach that place too.

Our first step towards working together is a free, 15-mins phone call or email exchange, which allows you to share a bit of what brings you to counselling and what you're looking for, and for me to assess

We will then arrange our first session, during which we will get to know one another a bit better, and go into more depth about what's happening for you.

I will ask open questions like 'what brings you to therapy at this time', as well as provide you with information about how I work and what I can offer you. My aim is for both of us to feel like we have enough information to make a decision about working together.

I will always be honest about whether I feel I can help you, and will only agree to working with you if I feel I can be of genuine help. You are also free to choose whether or not you want to work with me, and welcome to say so if you don't feel like I'm the right fit for you.