About me
About Me
I’m Andrew McLay, a psychotherapist who works with adults navigating the many forms of loss that can reshape a life. People often come to me when something significant has ended—whether through bereavement, divorce, the breakdown of a relationship, or a shift in identity that leaves them feeling unanchored.
Loss doesn’t just change what’s around us; it changes how we see ourselves. My role is to help you make sense of that change with steadiness, compassion, and clarity.
Alongside my general therapy practice, I am a specialist in loss, bereavement, and grief, and I also work as a grief educator. I support people through the emotional, relational, and practical upheaval that follows endings—both expected and unexpected. You don’t need to have the right words or a clear story. We begin with whatever feels true for you.
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How I Work
My approach is calm, thoughtful, and grounded in genuine curiosity about your experience. Together, we explore:
• the emotional impact of bereavement
• the grief that follows divorce or relationship breakdown
• the identity shifts that come with major life changes
• the quieter, less visible losses that still carry weight
I offer a space where you can speak openly about what hurts, what feels confusing, and what you’re trying to rebuild.
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Why I offer a free first session
I believe that finding the right therapist is a deeply personal decision – especially when you are going through a difficult time. The first session is an opportunity for us to meet without any financial pressure, so you can:
- Share your story in a safe, confidential space, at your own pace.
- Ask questions about how I work, what to expect, and whether we might be a good fit.
- Get a feel for the therapeutic relationship – trust and connection are essential to healing, and that starts from the very first conversation.
There is no obligation to continue. My goal is to help you take that first step towards support, with no strings attached. If we decide to work together, we can then discuss a regular fee that works for you. All sessions last 50 minutes.
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Qualifications
BSc (Hons) Counselling.
Level 5 Foundation Degree in Counselling. Certified Grief Educator.
BSc (Hons) Psychology.
Registered Member of the BACP.
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What I Work With
Bereavement • Divorce • Relationship breakup • Loss • Life transitions
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Therapies Offered
Person‑Centred Therapy • Psychodynamic.
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Who I Work With
Adults • Older adults • Trainee therapists
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How I Offer Therapy
Face‑to‑face • Online • Telephone
Short‑term or long‑term work. Time-limited therapy.
Training, qualifications & experience
I possess a first-class BA (Hons) in Counselling and a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Psychology from Middlesex University. Additionally, I have completed a Level 5 Foundation Degree in Counselling from Middlesex University, which is accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). Furthermore, I have attained a Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies from the Counselling and Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body (CPCAB) and a Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Studies, also from CPCAB.
In terms of my work experience, I am actively involved as a volunteer at Samaritans and a therapist for Barnet Bereavement Services and Pegasus—Men’s Wellbeing Centre. Previously, I volunteered as a therapist at Phoenix Counselling and Psychotherapy Services.
Member organisations
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.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Other areas of counselling I deal with
I am a certified Grief Educator
A Certified Grief Educator is committed to providing the highest level of grief support through education, experience, and insights into the often unacknowledged rocky terrain of grief.
As a Certified Grief Educators I have completed a certificate program designed by world-renowned grief expert, David Kessler. I bring his unique methodology, tools, and decades of experience to help people navigate the challenges of grief.
Therapies offered
Fees
£80.00 per session
Concessions offered for
Additional information
I have several open slots available for concessions
When I work
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Further information
Availability:
I am available for sessions on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Weekends. These sessions can be conducted in person, remotely via video, or over the telephone.
My Face-to-Face practice is located in Enfield and is wheelchair accessible.
My first session:
Our first session can be arranged in a way that suits you best-whether it's by telephone, email, or text. We will agree on a mutually convenient time, daytime or evening, to ensure your comfort and convenience.
Online: I will email you a Zoom link before the session and invite you to our meeting.
Telephone: I will call you at the start time of the session we agreed on.
Face to Face: When you arrive at the venue, ring the bell, and you will be given access to the reception area.
What I can help with:
Abuse, Anxiety, Bereavement, Depression, Disability, Loss, Men's issues, Redundancy, Relationships, Stress, Work related issues
Types of therapy:
Person-centred
Clients I work with:
Adults, Older adults, Trainees
How I deliver therapy:
Long-term sessions, Long-term face-to-face work, Online therapy, Short-term sessions, Short-term face-to-face work, Telephone therapy, Time-limited
