Alon Harshak

I am an integrative arts psychotherapeutic counsellor, specialising in working with young people between the ages of 12 to 25. What this means is that I use a variety of tools and theories to support young people experiencing a wide range of difficulties and challenges. 

I provide a confidential, non-judgemental space where I am there to listen to you and accept you. I aim to create a sense of trust and safety for my clients that allow us to work together to better understand and explore what has brought you to therapy and what might be causing you pain.

I do this mainly through talking, but I also draw on creative and somatic methods when helpful. This includes drawing, painting, clay, storytelling, sandtray and miniatures. I find that for many young people, the use of arts and metaphor helps us both better understand your experiences and express feelings that might be difficult or impossible to say out loud.

I follow the rigorous code of ethics and guidelines set out by the BACP, am fully DBS checked (enhanced) and am up-to-date on the latest safeguarding policies and procedures to keep the young people I work with safe. 

Maybe you are reading this considering therapy for the first time, and I appreciate that for many young people starting therapy can feel big and scary. It takes a lot of bravery to begin, and I seek to honour that and be guided by you and your needs to help you feel as comfortable as I can.

I have worked with young people for over 10 years in many different settings, including schools, universities, youth and community groups. I have worked with young people from a range of backgrounds, faiths, cultures, sexual and gender identities. I also have experience supporting young people with neurodivergence, including autism and ADHD.

The most important lesson I’ve learnt from the young people I have worked with is that feelings of trust and safety are central to any meaningful work we will do together. Through my acceptance, openness, empathy and creativity I will seek to help you deeply explore whatever it is that has brought you to seek therapy.

Whilst I cannot provide a magic wand solution, as an attentive, active and curious listener I can accompany you on a journey towards identifying, expressing and understanding what's happening for you. My desire for all my clients is that during our time together you feel listened to, cared about and understood, and that you leave our sessions with tools and ways of thinking and being that support you in your future.

Free 15-30 minute initial phone consultation

I suggest an initial conversation (with parent/carer if young person is under 18) to discuss your needs and what you are looking for. This will give me a chance to understand why you've sought out therapy, and help you to see if I'm the right person to work with you or your young person. I will probably seek to better understand the reasons for coming to therapy, and you can ask any questions you have.

First face-to-face session:

If you wish to continue after this phone call, we can arrange a first session face-to-face. During this time I will provide a counselling contract outlining the way we will work together, timings, practicalities and more.

I offer both short and longer term therapeutic work. This can be decided during our first session, or we can begin in a more open-ended way with no time limits and review as we go along. 

Reviews:

I usually recommend a conversation to review on our sessions after 6 sessions together, after which we can check in about how you/your young person is finding the therapy, and if they wish to continue. 

Finally, there may be times that I suggest meeting with parents/carers separately. This is only ever done with the consent of the young person and in support of their therapeutic journey.