Alan Opfer , BACP

Alan Opfer is a UK-based counsellor with three years of professional experience, focused on supporting people through substance use and broader mental health challenges. He has developed particular expertise in alcohol and substance abuse work, including pre- and post-detoxification support, binge use, harm-reduction strategies, approaches to controlled use, and practical coping techniques for day-to-day recovery. Alongside this specialist work, he has broadened his skills across a wide range of mental health concerns to support clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, relationships, grief, and life changes.

Alan brings additional experience from a year working as a housing support worker and is registered with the SSSC - the Scottish Social Services Council - which has informed his understanding of multi-disciplinary clinical and community supports. He is open to working with a variety of client groups and welcomes people from diverse backgrounds, including those navigating LGBT issues, family and relationship concerns, or complex co-occurring difficulties.

Having personal lived experience of addiction and periods of poor mental health, Alan combines professional training with an empathetic, recovery-informed stance. He holds BACP - membership of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy - and practices from a client-centered perspective, adapting sessions to each person’s needs. He also draws on mindfulness and solution-focused techniques to help clients find practical ways forward. Alan aims to offer nonjudgmental, practical support and is committed to high professional standards as clients work toward greater wellbeing.

Therapeutic Approaches for Online Care

Alan works with several established approaches that translate well to remote sessions. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on the client as the expert in their own life; the therapist provides empathetic listening and adapts the process around each person’s priorities, which can help with issues like self-esteem, relationship concerns, and life transitions.

Mindfulness Therapy teaches simple attention and grounding practices that help reduce reactivity and improve emotional regulation. These techniques can support people dealing with anxiety, stress, chronic pain, and ongoing cravings. Solution-Focused Therapy concentrates on identifying practical steps and small changes that move a person toward their goals, making it useful for time-limited work or when clients want concrete strategies for coping and recovery.

Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the therapeutic process. Alan works collaboratively with clients to identify which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting the plan as progress is made. Sessions can be delivered by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging, offering flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. Online sessions make it easier to access consistent support from a licensed professional without the need to travel, helping clients maintain momentum in their recovery and wellbeing.