Alan Malt – Person-Centred Counsellor in Retford

My name is Alan. Person-centred counselling isn't just how I work, it's how I see people. It's a way of being in the world that I find myself returning to in every conversation, every relationship, every part of my life.

The thing that drew me to this approach, and keeps drawing me back, is its fundamental belief: that people aren't broken. That given the right conditions, real warmth, genuine honesty, and the experience of being truly heard without judgement, something in us already knows how to move. I didn't adopt that as a professional position. I believe it.

So when you're sitting with me, I'm not running through a checklist or steering you towards a conclusion I've already reached. I'm genuinely curious about you. About what you're carrying, how it got there, and what it might mean. That curiosity isn't a technique, it's just who I am.

I've worked with people facing anxiety, grief, burnout, identity, complicated relationships, neurodivergence, caring responsibilities, and the many things that are hard to name but heavy to carry. Whatever brings you here, I'm interested in you as a person, not as a set of symptoms to be managed.

If you choose to work with me, you don’t need to arrive knowing exactly what to say, what you want to work on, or where to begin. You can simply bring whatever feels important to you, in your own words and at your own pace. My four years of training, alongside my experience working with people in community and hospice settings, have helped me develop the skills to offer a safe, thoughtful and supportive space. I also have regular clinical supervision, which helps me reflect on my practice and ensure I’m working responsibly and ethically. But none of that makes me the expert on you. You are the person who knows your own life and experiences best. My role isn’t to tell you what you should do or how you should feel, but to be alongside you as we explore what is happening for you. You decide what we talk about, what feels important, what feels helpful, and ultimately whether counselling feels right for you.

If you are looking for face-to-face sessions, read about counselling in Retford.