About Me
Hi, I’m Cinzia, the therapist and founder of Alba Counselling and Psychotherapy.
I am a BACP registered Masters level integrative counsellor and psychotherapist in private practice, which means I draw on a range of approaches to tailor therapy to your individual needs. I currently work with adults 16 years and over.
As a BACP member, I’m committed to working compassionately, ethically and to the highest professional standards. I’m also fully insured, GDPR compliant, and hold an enhanced DBS certificate.
Outside of counselling I have 20 years experience therapeutically supporting individuals, and am the mum of a child with SEND.
One of the meanings of Alba is dawn or sunrise, and just like the start of a new day, I believe counselling can bring light, clarity and a sense of possibility when things may feel heavy or stuck.
Why Therapy?
Life isn’t always straightforward.
We all face challenges, sometimes sudden
& overwhelming, other times slowly building
until they feel too heavy to carry alone.
Therapy offers a safe, supportive space
to make sense of what’s on your mind.
You don’t need a crisis to seek counselling.
Maybe you’re feeling stuck, weighed down by emotions
you can’t ignore, or simply unsure why things don’t feel right.
Whatever has brought you here,
counselling can help you untangle difficult thoughts and feelings,
explore new perspectives, and find a way forward.
Does this sound like you?
If so, I’d be happy to offer a free, 15 minute telephone consultation.
You don’t have to figure it all out on your own.
Life can be messy, unpredictable, and overwhelming at times,
and it’s okay to reach out for support.
Why Alba Counselling?
I offer a warm, reassuring space where you can feel heard and understood.
My experience spans 20 years supporting adults, children, families in the care system, new mothers, unpaid carers and those navigating the SEND system. With both lived and professional experience of neurodivergence and unpaid caring, my approach is compassionate, inclusive and neuro-affirming.
Alongside my private practice, I also work within a small collective of therapists at Arbour Counselling and Psychotherapy in Leeds and as a counsellor co-ordinator supporting trainee therapists in Calderdale.
Areas of Therapeutic Support
I work with a wide range of issues including:
Supporting unpaid carers and their mental health
Anxiety, low mood, depression, and burnout
Family and relationship challenges
Boundaries, people-pleasing, and emotional overwhelm
Self-exploration, gender and identity struggles
Body image and self-esteem
Adult survivors of parental neglect
Living with neurodiversity and/or chronic illness
Understanding how the past shapes the present
Qualifications and Assurances
2023-2025
Integrative Counselling
Master of Arts
Leeds Beckett University
2022-2023
Interpersonal and Counselling Skills
Post graduate Certificate
Leeds Beckett University
2015-2022
Child and Family Studies
Bachelor of Arts
University of Leeds
2016-2017
Management Coaching
and Mentoring
CMI Level 5 | University of Leeds
Assurances
Current Enhanced DBS| Insured | Supervision Compliant with BACP Guidelines | BACP Registered Member | GDPR Compliant | ICO Registration
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does therapy cost?
Therapy fees can vary depending on location, the therapist’s experience, and the length of sessions. My fee is £55 per session, both in person and online, which reflects my training, qualifications, and ongoing commitment to professional development.
Do you offer concessions?
Yes, I offer reduced fees to help make therapy more accessible:
-
£45 per session for unpaid carers claiming Carer’s Allowance
-
£45 per session for those receiving Universal Credit
How many sessions will I need?
This really depends on your needs and goals. Some people come for just a few weeks, while others prefer longer-term work. As a guide:
-
Short-term: 6–12 sessions for specific issues
-
Long-term: deeper exploration or ongoing support
How often will we meet?
Most clients choose weekly sessions, but fortnightly may also work depending on your circumstances.
Is therapy confidential?
Yes. What you share stays private, except in rare cases where there’s risk of harm or if disclosure is a legal requirement. I’ll explain this fully in our first session.
What is a counselling agreement?
A simple written outline of how we’ll work together, including: goals, session frequency, fees, confidentiality, and responsibilities.
What is a clinical assessment?
This is a gentle conversation about what brings you to therapy, your history, and your hopes.
What happens in therapy?
Therapy is a safe, supportive space to explore your thoughts and feelings at your own pace. Together, we’ll make sense of your experiences and work towards your goals, exploring different patterns of behaviours, unresolved issues and concerns that are impacting you, whether that's from your past or your present. My role is to work with you at your own pace, offering a compassionate, tailored approach to support greater self-understanding and change.
Therapy isn’t about labelling or diagnosing you, it’s about understanding your story and finding ways forward that feel right for you. Although therapy may feel daunting, with the right therapist and an approach that suits you, the outcome can life-changing.
If you’d like to talk it through, I offer a free, no-pressure 15 minute telephone consultation. Just send me a message, either using the button or form below and I'll get in touch to arrange a chat at a time that suits you.