Reviews for Alex Pledger - Time to Change. Counsellor in Birmingham.

Client Reviews

Reading reviews from real people is a great way to decide if a service is right for you.

I’ve helped so many people over the years and, in these real client reviews, some of them share their experiences of working with me. If you have thought it, or felt it, then there is a review in here where someone else has too!

It's Time to Change Sunflower bud (Alex Pledger - Counselling and coaching in Birmingham)

It's Time to Change Sunflower (Alex Pledger - Counselling and coaching in Birmingham)

It's Time to Change Sunflower opening (Alex Pledger - Counselling and coaching in Birmingham)

"Alex was recommended to me when I was experiencing anxiety and depression. She said at the start that therapy would give me back control to be the person I wanted to be. At the beginning, that made no sense, but a few months down the line I really do feel in control of who I am. I am much happier in every aspect of my life. i cannot stress enough how thankful I am to Alex for helping me get through this difficult time and come out the other side.”

Holly

“When I was referred to Time To Change I was suffering with anxiety. I was nervous before my first session but was surprised how welcomed I felt and how quickly I was able to relax. I became inspired and took the opportunity to open up about things in my present and past that have prevented me from moving forward for a long time. It was truly my ‘time to change’ and I thank Alex for supporting me to do this.”

Rachael

“To this day, when in a sticky moment, I simply apply some of the ideas and techniques Alex taught me, or simply wonder what she might say if I was sitting with her. It helps me to cope and continue. More than anything, I always felt that Alex cared about me and never judged me. For this I am eternally grateful and wouldn't hesitate in recommending her."

George

"Alex is a true professional. She has a lovely steady, calming manner and makes you feel at ease. I found it amazing when she would summarise what I said ... I wanted to shout "yes, that's it, you've got it!" She has an ability to make sense of the mess in your head with such accuracy, sensitivity and gentleness and it was such a relief! Following my sessions with Alex, I feel like a different person. I have said goodbye to some past demons and can move ahead with my life more confidently and happier in my own skin."

Caroline

"My Dad arranged my first appointment, I couldn’t even pick up the phone. At my first meeting with Alex she made me feel so comfortable and accepted. I had become a shadow of myself, overpowered by anxiety. Gradually we began to work out what needed to change and I now feel stronger, more confident and back on track. Alex taught me to tackle the things that I can change and accept the things that I can't. This experience definitely changed my life. I wish I had done it sooner."

Charlotte

“Having worked with a few counsellors in the past, I can honestly say Alex is an amazing therapist who has supported me through several very tough years in my life. She helped me deal with significant anxiety, very low mood, a distressing marriage breakup and considerable work stress. Thanks to her support I’ve come through the other side stronger, happier and wiser! I will always value the support and encouragement she has given me.”

Joanna

"I always thought I could sort 'stuff' out alone - otherwise I was weak. I now know that going it alone can be just treading water and not moving anywhere. I saw Alex for just over 18 months during which time I felt safe and respected. She told me there was no magic wand but took the time to get to know me and had faith in my recovery, even when the days were dark. Alex gives the therapeutic profession a good name,. She is boundaried yet caring and worked hard to make me feel in control during one of the most out of control times of my life."

Bec

“Alex taught me how to take a step back and put the brakes on my thoughts. I learnt how to be more mindful of what was going on in my head, not to see things as being so black and white, or thoughts as being “good” or “bad”. These skills help me every day, in my relationships and even at work. Counselling won’t make your life perfect but now I can recognise that and use strategies to cope. If you need to try and make sense of what’s on your mind and you’re fed up with negative thoughts holding you back, I would absolutely recommend getting in touch with Alex.”

Matthew

“I sought counselling suffering with intense anxiety and depression. I was hanging on by a thread and had lost all confidence. I was very sceptical about how “talking about my problems” would help but I tried it. BEST THING I HAVE EVER DONE. Alex didn't offer solutions but something so much better - the skills to deal with my problems rationally whilst being kind to myself. With her kind, professional nature I slowly began to rebuild myself. I still use the tips Alex gave me regularly and I probably will forever. I am so grateful I had Alex to listen and learn from.”

Anne

"I started counselling when I was at a really low point. I had no idea how I was going to get through the next 6 months but my sessions with Alex helped me get through week by week. After each session I would realise something and slowly, as I took small practical steps forward, I started knowing I could cope with much more than I thought. I'm not sure how I would have got through without Alex's guidance but I have now dealt with some massive issues, and have a feeling of being able to cope and think clearly. Thank you Alex for your support!"

Rebecca

"I started to see Alex after a very difficult time at work. Alex was very calm and professional and, slowly, I learnt how to talk about what had been happening in my life. The work issue was quickly resolved but we then spent time looking at the root causes of other problems including relationships and work-life balance. She supported me to recover from an operation which, without her support, could have been a major setback. She really took the time to understand my problems in a non-judgemental and compassionate way. I would whole-heartedly recommend her."

Claire

"I decided to seek counselling after a very traumatic breakup. I wanted to understand my feelings, not just to be able to move forward, but to be able to use this experience to grow. Immediately I met Alex, I knew she was the right person for me. I found it easy to be open and honest with her about my thoughts and feelings, and she helped me unravel emotions that had been influencing me all my life. With Alex by my side, I freed myself from all my the inner rules and regulations and have embraced a brave new world - my world, on my own terms. Thank you Alex."

Sarah

"I had five sessions of counselling with Alex, which were a huge support through a very difficult time. Alex is extremely professional, insightful and was able to rapidly help me to see the situation from the outside looking in, and to help me find a way to resolve the problem. Alex also provided techniques to use in between sessions which enabled me to make significant progress in a short space of time."

Tracey

“I decided enough was enough and wanted to change. I was stuck in a cycle of worry/panic/try to please everybody else rather than put myself first. I found Alex online and loved the website and the logo. At first I thought Alex must think “what have I here?” but again that was my thought process. We got to the bottom of why I was thinking the way I did and I started to change. I have begun to think better and do really feel a happier person. At times I do have very mini ‘old me’ thoughts but talk myself through them and feel good that I can do that now..”

Joanne

"The sessions I had with Alex made an enormous difference to me, both at that time, and still today. She enabled me to become emotionally self-sufficient at a time when I felt a huge amount of guilt, sadness, regret, low self-esteem and a deep fear of the future. Alex supported me to challenge many of the assumptions I made about myself and those near to me and to adjust my thought processes to cut down the bad mental habits I had developed.”

Georgina

"I was referred to Time to Change and I was given an appointment very soon after contact.. I found Alex very helpful and insightful. She was easy to talk to and is on completely neutral territory, and helped me to look at things in a different light. To say the least my life has completely changed for the better. Very recommended."

Cath

"I came to Alex looking for help with a history of long term depression and substance misuse. The integrative approach Alex uses really appealed to me as I had found previous counselling, such as CBT, of limited use. Working with Alex has allowed me to explore the root cause of my behaviours in a safe space and allowed me to make gradual but significant changes which I can truly say have transformed my life."

Becky

"I was sceptical about therapy, but after years of encountering the same problem in social situations, I decided something had to be done about it. Within a few sessions with Alex, I discovered the root cause and learned how to deal with it. Without Alex's help, I don't think I would ever have come to this level of self-understanding. There's no miracle cure, but the positive results are obvious to me and others."

Gary

"I was referred to Time To Change after being involved in an incident at work. I was apprehensive about going to counselling, as opening up does not come easily to me, but on meeting Alex, I found her to be friendly and approachable. I found the first session quite difficult, but after that I started to quite enjoy the counselling thanks to Alex's professional and knowledgeable expertise in her field. I would not hesitate to recommend Alex."

Simon

"I had sessions with Alex over a 6-month period and they have had such a positive impact on my life. After several years of suffering with depression and a series of emotional problems I am a different, more positive person now. I deal with situations in a much more balanced manner and can now do things in a social environment that I never dreamed were possible. I cannot express how grateful I am for all her support in what was a very difficult, emotional time."

Dee

"I have and would again recommend Time to Change to anyone in need of support. Sessions with Alex Pledger have helped me to work through some personal issues in a safe place. Thanks to this I am gaining confidence and feeling emotionally stronger and more able to cope with the pressure and stresses of life."

Emma

"Alex is a fantastic counsellor. I noticed that I started to feel a lot better within a few sessions and after each session I grew from strength to strength. Within a few months I felt like a totally different person. From first meeting Alex I felt comfortable and relaxed, she put me at ease, is supportive and helpful . Counselling helps you to see things in a completely different light. I'd definitely recommend speaking to Alex if you are struggling to sort things out on your own.”

Jane

“I went to see Alex for work-related stress. I was so worried that I was miserable, obsessive, and depressed. In the first few sessions Alex helped me to stop spiralling into deeper depression and then we explored my anxieties. When I acknowledged I’m human and can’t be ‘perfect’, I got a clearer perspective, learned to manage my worries and started to enjoy life again. Alex always seemed to know the right questions to ask. I was very impressed by her professionalism but also by her kind, caring nature and I'm really happy I chose her as my therapist."

Ellie

“Alex’s natural warmth and empathy make her easy to talk to. She really listens and focuses on what’s important to you. You can put your trust in Alex and know that, whatever you say, she’ll respond in an understanding, respectful and supportive way. She expertly balances a non-directive approach with sharing her knowledge and wisdom, and I have learnt so much from her that I continue to draw upon throughout my life. She takes a holistic view of wellbeing which has been key in helping me make lasting changes to my mental health and happiness.”

Jo

“There are points in your life when things become blurred and overwhelming, and despite this, it sometimes feels easier just to carry on, despite the unhappiness, fear and anxiety. Alex supported me to navigate my way through the fog; look at life through a range of different lenses and get back the balance between, work, rest and play. Thank you, Alex.”

Jayne

“I contacted Alex after struggling with some confusing, dark thoughts. I didn't know if counselling would really help. Alex is patient, compassionate, and a great listener – I was genuinely surprised by some of the details she would remember! Her calm, non-judgmental manner and good sense of humour made it easy for me to open up and say things that I’d never said before. If you’re really lucky you might even get to play with coloured card and felt tip pens (yes I’m serious) – this was one of my favourite and most valuable sessions and I’m in my mid 30s!”

Matt

"I was at a tipping point in my life when I found Alex, and I never thought I would be where I am now in such a short time. She helped me rediscover who I am and accept past pain to work through present ones. I now feel fearless and believe I can handle anything especially knowing that I have the support from Alex. I’ll always be so grateful."

Natalie

“ I found Alex really supportive and easy to talk to and at the same time she challenged me where needed in order to help break my destructive thinking patterns. She has a non-judgmental approach and I am truly grateful for the tears and the laughter she brought out in me along with the resulting calm to my thoughts and actions.”

Lea

I hope these reviews help you to make a decision, but if you still have any questions please look at the FAQ page, or feel free to contact me.

All reviews shared here are with the consent of the individuals who wrote them. Names & identifying details have been changed for confidentiality.