Alan Opfer, BACP

Alan Opfer helps people who are struggling with addiction and the mental health issues that often come with it. He speaks plainly and aims to make therapy feel practical and non-judgemental. Alan is based in the United Kingdom and works in English. He is registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and has three years of professional experience.

Alan's background includes focused work on alcohol and substance use, including pre- and post-detox support, harm-reduction, and coping strategies for binge or controlled use. He also spent time as a housing support worker and has experience working alongside community and clinical teams. That background informs a practical, real-world approach to problems people bring into sessions.

He uses a person-centred style that treats the client as the expert on their own life. Sessions are organised around what the person needs right now rather than a rigid programme. He also draws on mindfulness practices to help reduce stress and anxiety, and on solution-focused ideas to identify small, achievable steps.

Alan says his own lived experience with addiction shapes how he listens and responds. He aims to offer straightforward guidance without judgement. He supports a wide range of concerns including depression, grief, relationship issues, self-esteem, trauma and long-term health challenges.

People who choose him should expect calm, practical conversations that prioritise the person's goals. To begin, readers are invited to use the Start Therapy process on the site and complete the short matching questionnaire to arrange sessions.

How his approaches translate to online therapy

Client-Centred Therapy focuses on listening without judgement and shaping sessions around what the person needs. This helps when someone wants to talk through feelings about addiction, loss or life change and set their own goals. Mindfulness Therapy teaches simple present-moment practices to reduce stress and anxiety and to manage cravings or overwhelming thoughts. Solution-Focused Therapy looks for small, practical steps and past successes to build momentum and solve immediate problems.

Finding the right mix of approaches is collaborative. The therapist will work with the client to decide which methods fit their goals and daily life. Sessions can shift over time as needs change, so the plan evolves with the client's progress and preferences.

Confirm the current session options before booking as formats are not specified here. Online therapy can help fit sessions into a busy week, avoid travel time and make it easier to keep regular check-ins. It can also allow shorter or more flexible appointments when needed, and make it simpler to practise mindfulness exercises between sessions. Registered or accredited professionals can adapt these approaches to suit a person's schedule and circumstances.