*Consultations and appointments available within 24 hours, no waiting lists or referrals required...support at the point you need it*
Your Time Counselling Services.
In‑person counselling and support for Adults, Young People, Couples and Families in Bolton.
Online and phone counselling available across the UK.
“ I specialise in working with adults, young people, children, and families, with particular experience in trauma, relationship and family difficulties, anxiety, low mood, confidence issues, loss, and the impact of domestic abuse. I will listen to you. Together we can start to make sense, process and move forward, clients usually report improvements within around 6-8 weeks.” Alison Downs - Founder - Your Time Counselling Services.
Support tailored to you.
Hello and welcome to my website. I am Alison, a qualified person-centred counsellor registered with the BACP. With over 20 years of experience supporting older people, adults, young people, children, and families across local authorities and the voluntary sector.
Your Time Counselling Services brings together everything I have learned professionally and personally to offer therapy and a range of support services tailored to each individual.
I pride myself on offering immediate support, no waiting lists, no referrals - good quality accessible support at the point you need it. Click on the link below for a chat and to arrange your first appointment.
About our founder: Alison Downs.
(BA Hons Degree Social Work and Welfare Studies, Post Graduate Diploma in Social Work, Post Qualifying BA Hons Degree in Advanced Social Work Practice, Practice Educator Qualification, Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling, Parent Assess Trained and Freedom Programme Facilitator.)
My approach is professional and supported by my academic background but it has always remained person-centred - I meet each person with care and respect. You’re listened to without judgement, and we work at a pace that feels right for you.
I have an up to date Enhanced DBS check and can be found on the DBS updating system. I hold an up to date first aid certificate. I am trained in safeguarding.
I offer a Person Centred bespoke approach.
I am a qualified Therapeutic Counsellor, Freedom Programme facilitator and the founder of Your Time Counselling Services. Drawing upon years of supporting individuals through my background as a practicing Social Worker, I now specialise in providing dedicated therapeutic support to clients of all ages and backgrounds. My practice is built upon the robust training received during my Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling, supplemented by my deep understanding of complex social systems gained from my previous career.
You are in safe hands.
This dual experience allows me to offer a truly person-centred empathetic approach. I am passionate about creating a safe space where individuals can explore challenges and navigate paths toward improved well-being.I offer person‑centred counselling and advocacy for adults, young people, families and couples who want a space that feels calm, safe, and genuinely supportive. I help people through many of life’s challenges such as low mood, stress, relationship worries, family pressures, domestic abuse, adverse experiences, complex trauma, loss and grief.
We provide counselling and support for a wide range of experiences....Meeting you exactly where you are.
Discover more about our extensive range of professional services. We constantly update this page, but if you still can’t find what you’re looking for, please feel free to get in touch with us – we will be more than happy to help.
Wellbeing:
•Anxiety, worry, and overwhelm
•Low mood, sadness, and depression
•Stress and burnout
•Addiction and recovery
•Health and wellbeing - chronic pain
•Emotional regulation and grounding
•Building self‑compassion/confidence
Trauma & Safety:
•Childhood trauma and adverse experiences
•Complex trauma and long‑term patterns
PTSD and trauma responses
•Victim/Survivor of crime - recovery
•Domestic Abuse, Safety Planning,
Freedom Programme 1-1 and groups
Relationships & Connection:
•Relationship difficulties and communica tion challenges
•Family conflict or estrangement
•Healthy relationships education
•Boundaries, people‑pleasing, and self‑advocacy
•Support for those navigating separation, divorce, or loss of connection
•Non-statutory support for care experi enced adults
•Non-statutory post-adoption support for birth parents/adopters
Identity & Self-Understanding:
•Self-esteem and self-worth
•Identity exploration
•Neurodiversity-affirming support
•Understanding personal needs, values, and patterns
•Forgiveness - Rebuilding self-trust
Life Transitions & Change:
•Grief and bereavement
•Major life changes (career, family, health, relocation)
•Women's Health
•Menopause
•Adjusting to new roles or responsibilities
•Feeling “stuck,” lost, or disconnected
Workplace & Professional Stress:
•Burnout and compassion fatigue
•Stress in caring professions
•Navigating workplace conflict
•Support for teachers, therapists, social workers, and frontline staff
Young People & Education:
•Emotional wellbeing for children and young people.
•Anxiety low mood, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and self harm
•Low self-esteem
•Lonliness
•Peer pressure
•Navigating friendships
•Bullying and its impact
•Social media impact and safety
•Healthy relationships education
•Impact of parental issues or fam ily conflict
•Support for neurodivergent pupils
•School-based wellbeing and staff support
•Non-statutory support for care experienced young people
General Support:
•Overwhelmed?
•Disconnected?
•Do you feel like you need support but you are unsure why?
•Unsure where to even start?
•Feel your mood dipping, do you need a quick top up?
•In need of a calm, non-judge mental space?
•Ready to explore your story at your own pace?
•Might you benefit from some personal coaching?
Tailored Support:
•Specialist therapeutic support for adults, children and young people with physical or learning disabilites.
•Tailored to individual need and experiences
•Home visits available
•Walk and talk therapy available
•Music and art based therapy availble
Your Time Counselling Services - a flexible, safe space for everyone at affordable prices.
I understand that taking the first step toward seeking support can feel daunting. That’s why I offer a free, confidential 30 minute call to listen, connect, and explore what kind of support you may need.
Prices start at £70 per session and last around an hour. Concessions are available for those on a low income - just ask!
Over 20 years of experience working in social care.
When you’re choosing someone to talk to, you want to know they get it - not just in theory, but in real, lived, human ways.
My background includes over two decades in social care, supporting people through some of the most challenging, complicated, and traumatic moments of their lives. That experience shapes the way I work today as a counsellor.
Safe and patient environment.
We provide a non-judgmental, empathetic space for you to explore your feelings and any difficulties you or your family may be encountering.
We have a 100% retention rate from the first sessions onwards. When advocating we feel strongly that your voice should be heard. We offer a consultation within 24 hours and work flexibly including offering home visits when required. Support is available at the point you need it.
Tailored Support.
Each session is designed to meet your individual needs. We provide a service to all irrespective of age, gender, sexuality, ethnicity or background.
We listen and assess then offer bespoke support to meet your individual needs. We meet you where you are - we review, adapt and change the support we offer as required.
Focus on Growth.
We proudly offer you a safe, steady space to talk, reflect, and understand yourself more clearly. This helps you untangle thoughts and feelings, make sense of patterns, and explore what you need.
This is done without judgement and at your own pace. We offer a place to process experiences, set your own goals and build coping strategies that fit your life. We encourage you to speak your truth. Most clients report a noticable change within 6-8 weeks.
Our Additional Services.
At Your Time Counselling Services, we are dedicated to creating safe, supportive spaces where people feel heard, valued, and empowered. Our services are flexible and accessible, offering both emotional and practical support.
We branched out and now we proudly offer the following additional services:
Your Time Connection:
Starts at £60
•Companionship, practical support & conversation for older clients or anyone seeking social/human connection or assistance.
Your Time Student Support: Starts at £60.
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•Personal therapy & coaching for all ages and abilities to build resilience & confidence during studies. Ideal for therapists, social workers and key workers. Mentoring - how to build your private practice.
Your Time Form Filling and Advocacy: Starts at £60.
•A calm reassuring presence to enable you to express your experiences using your own words.
Additional Services.
Your Time Family Support and Reconciliation Service: Starts at £100
•Consultation and therapeutic support with civil matters such as contact agreements. Navigating the family court system, coaching and support with paperwork.
•Where appropriate letters and court reports can be provided at an additional cost.
Your Time McKenzie Friend Service: Individually priced.
•Independent advocacy and sup port when attending court.
•Anywhere in the North West or online.
•Includes consultation and support before and after.
•You will not find a greater ally!
•See information sheet below for more information.
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Your Time Self Help and Training: Individually priced.
•Training, resources & tools to encourage emotional wellbeing & personal growth for all ages.
•There is no charge for self help resources used within counselling sessions.
•Scroll down to access our FREE in person support events, self-help and training materials.
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Events.
Here at Your Time Counselling Services - we believe strongly that good quality therapeutic suppport should be accessible for all - please see our community offers.
Free online weekly support group for those navigating the family court system.
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Calm and Create; a therapeutic creative space for young people who need a little extra calm, confidence and support.
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Calm and Create; a therapeutic creative space for adults designed to support emotional wellbeing and self expression.
Testimonials.
All Testimonials are shared anonymously and consent has been given.
Your Time Student.
''Alison has helped me so much on my journey. I am a trainee counsellor who was looking for counselling to support me personally, professionally and academically. She has been an absolute god-send. Alison gave me a space to share my experiences and work through them. I would highly recommend Alison as a counsellor - thank you!''
Your Time Counselling.
''Alison has helped me to get my life back, I cannot thank her enough, I feel like I have a toolbox for life, just wish I did this sooner.''
Your Time Form Filling.
''I was so stressed out I kept hiding the form and nearly did not apply for PIP. Alison came and sat with me and really listened, she helped me to put down in my own words exactly how my disability impacts on me, this took my anxiety away. She even posted it for me.''
Blog/Resources.
Here at Your Time Counselling Services we believe that you know yourself best...check out our blogs, webinars and self-help resources!
Keep you eyes peeled for our blogs and online webinars.....COMING SOON!!!! For now, see our FREE self-help resources below.
Self-help resources!
I have a range of self-help resources and workbooks suitable for adults, young people and children - covering a range of topics. If you cannot see something suitable, feel free to call me for a quick chat.
Click on the image to view in fullsize. Please note: I do not own the rights to all of the images below some have been adapted from original sources.
Self-help resources!
All self - help resources are free - if you can't find what you are looking for - just ask!
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