Andrea Lawton
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This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
I work as an integrative psychotherapist, which means I will incorporate a variety of approaches depending on your needs. I originally trained in Person Centred and Humanistic theory, and more recently as a Relational Psychotherapist. My approach is not directive, so I won't push forward solutions, which is often what happens when we turn to family and friends for support. Instead, I aim to provide a safe relationship, where we can together, gently explore your feelings and experiences and reach a clearer understand of what is going on. Whatever is happening for you right now, if you are tired of coping alone, I would encourage you to take the first step and get in touch. I am very happy to see if I am the right person to help.
Whilst I am aware that some mental health issues can crossover into medical diagnoses, I also commit to seeing you as a person, and believe the best approach to healing is a holistic one. I am trained in working with more serious mental health problems, and will work openly and honestly with you if I have concerns. Likewise, if you are already under mental health services, I am committed to working alongside any ongoing care.
I am aware of the issues of prescribed drug dependency and withdrawal. If you are thinking of coming off antidepressants or other psychiatric medication, I can support you through this process (Working with Psychiatric Drugs - BACP, 2021)
Whether this is your first time seeking therapy, or whether you have had help in past, I encourage you to get in touch and find out more about how I can help. Remember, no problem is too big or too small!
Training, qualifications & experience
Finding the right therapist who can help you gain perspective and cope with your issues is crucial.
I am an experienced and fully qualified psychotherapist, originally trained at Keele University, studying an MSc in Counselling Psychology. More recently, I have completed UKCP training in Advanced Clinical Practice at the Minster Centre. I am an Accredited Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. I also hold a Level 4 certificate (CPCAB) qualifying me to work with children, although I no longer work with under 16s. My first degree is in English and History, and I have a PGCE.
My training equips me to work with most issues. I have a long-standing interest in mental health and well-being in all age groups and cross-sections of society. I have completed many hours as a volunteer counsellor, working with clients experiencing anxiety and depression. Mental health issues are still something people can be made to feel ashamed of and I commit to seeing you as a whole person, not defined by your problems. Mental health issues, may be a result of difficult life experiences, and I can support you as you explore them. I have worked with survivors of sexual abuse and domestic violence. I also worked as a counsellor in a university counselling service, and have a lot of experience of working with students and the issues they face at university. I have completed many hours as a counsellor for a bereavement charity, and am able to offer support and counselling in complex grief, including suicide and life-changing illnesses.
I have a passion for working with young people, and have extensive experience of working as a teacher. I completed my Masters' research on the subject of Bowlby's theory of Attachment, and have a special interest in how early attachment patterns can affect our adult relationships, and strongly believe in the possibility of the healing which comes about through 'earned secure attachment'; something which can be achieved through the therapeutic relationship. I hold enhanced and updated DBS certificates for working with both vulnerable adults and children and have completed safe-guarding training for work with children.
I continue to be interested in research, and held a workshop in Meditation and mindfulness at the 2018 Keele University Counselling (Research and Practice) Conference.
I am committed to non-discriminatory practice and welcome diversity. People from minority groups are often marginalised and I will work to ensure I do not contribute to this.
Member organisations
Being registered/accredited with a professional body means an individual must have achieved a substantial level of training and experience approved by their member organisation.
The UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) is a leading professional body for the education, training and regulation of psychotherapists and psychotherapeutic counsellors. Its register is accredited by the government's Professional Standards Authority.
As part of its commitment to protect the public, it works to improve access to psychotherapy, to support and disseminate research, to improve standards and to respond effectively to complaints against its members.
UKCP standards cover the range of different psychotherapies. Registration is obtained by training or accrediting with one of its member organisations, or by holding a European Certificate in Psychotherapy. Accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.
BACP is one of the UK’s leading professional bodies for counselling and psychotherapy with around 60,000 members. The Association has several different categories of membership, including Student Member, Individual Member, Registered Member MBACP, Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Accred) and Senior Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Snr Acccred).
Registered and accredited members are listed on the BACP Register, which shows that they have demonstrated BACP’s recommended standards for training, proficiency and ethical practice. The BACP Register was the first register of psychological therapists to be accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).
Accredited and senior accredited membership are voluntary categories for members who choose to undertake a rigorous application and assessment process to demonstrate additional standards around practice, training and supervision.
Individual members will have completed an appropriate counselling or psychotherapy course and started to practise, but they won’t appear on the BACP Register until they've demonstrated that they meet the standards for registration. Student members are still in the process of completing their training.
All members are bound by the BACP Ethical Framework and a Professional Conduct Procedure.
Accredited register membership
The Accredited Register Scheme was set up in 2013 by the Department of Health (DoH) as a way to recognise organisations that hold voluntary registers which meet certain standards. These standards are set by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).
This therapist has indicated that they belong to an Accredited Register.
The Accredited Register Scheme was set up in 2013 by the Department of Health (DoH) as a way to recognise organisations that hold voluntary registers which meet certain standards. These standards are set by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).
This therapist has indicated that they belong to an Accredited Register.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Therapies offered
Photos & videos
Fees
£65.00 per session
Health Insurance/EAP
Additional information
£65 per 50 minute session. Some concessionary rates available.
When I work
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Week days and some evenings
Further information
Accessibility: There is a flight of stairs where I work, so wheelchair access is not possible. Please mention if you have a mobility restriction when you contact me.
