Andrew Phillips

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Psychotherapist | (MA) HCPC
Accepting new clients
Accepting new clients

This professional is available for new clients.

location_on Newport, Monmouthshire, NP19
Accepting new clients
Accepting new clients

This professional is available for new clients.

About me

Hello, I'm Andrew, an Art Psychotherapist in south Wales. I provide in person appointments at my Newport practice, and also work online with clients across Britain. My experience comes from over 15 years of work with individuals and organisations in the fields of psychotherapy, mental health, and the arts. 

My therapeutic approach is focused on helping you develop a deeper understanding of yourself, towards transformative healing and personal change. You might be looking for a therapist because you are...

  • Going through a difficult time now, or would like to explore aspects of your past experience.
  • Longing to engage more fully with all areas of life. 
  • Concerned about your future.
  • Keen to navigate challenges in ways that lead to new possibilities, rather than repeating old patterns.
  • Wondering about your purpose and life's 'big questions'. 

Living a human life is complex, and involves many challenges. Often we find that contrasting thoughts and emotions are present at the same time. Or that we don't know exactly what we want, and it seems that life has come to a standstill (feeling 'stuck'). We might be pleased and content with some aspects of our life, whilst in other areas we encounter great upheaval and dissatisfaction. It is just as possible to experience conflict or a sense of disconnection within ourselves, as it is between people. 

Psychotherapy with me offers an opportunity to explore your experiences of both inner life and the world around you in confidence, without judgment or denial. Our approach will acknowledge the importance of curiosity, compassion, and working with the 'whole person'; the suffering and success, your hopes as well as fears, strengths and struggles, both the shadow and the light. 

Therapy Options

  • Open-ended therapy: Working in greater depth, over a longer period of time. 
  • Short-term therapy: This may suit those looking for focused, time-limited support of between 6 & 12 sessions, decided upon at the start of therapy.

Sessions are usually held at consistent times each week, but I do meet with some people less frequently. I may be able to offer flexibility if you have a changing schedule due to work, study or other commitments.  

Contacting me & arranging an initial consultation

To begin with we meet for an initial consultation. This is an opportunity to explore why you are considering therapy, how you hope it will be of benefit, and whether we would be well suited for working together. 

I invite you to contact me here by email, or via my website. It is helpful to include a brief summary of your main reason(s) for seeking therapy, but please do not include personal details. 

If you would like to speak on the phone before arranging a consultation, I offer a free of charge 15 minute introductory call. 

Making a beginning

The work of meaningful change is a process that occurs over time, and requires a sense of willingness and commitment from both therapist and client/patient. It can sometimes be challenging, as well as rewarding. I understand it takes courage to enter into therapy, and I'm experienced in supporting people through that process. 

It is not essential that you know exactly why you are considering seeing a psychotherapist. Initially you may have a sense that meeting could be useful, and a need for someone to listen. What brings you to therapy is something that we would come to understand together, as you begin to feel supported by the process, and find a sense of trust and safety in the working alliance between us. 

The type of therapy I offer

Whilst my approach is consistently informed by recognised therapeutic traditions, the sessions are  always different according to the needs and personality of each individual. The working alliance between us forms a very important aspect of the therapy. 

My work is mostly influenced by the theory and practice of:

  • Jungian therapy
  • Psychodynamic therapy
  • Psychoanalytic therapy
  • Transpersonal psychology
  • Ecopsychology
  • Psychosynthesis 

By paying attention to what may be happening in the unconscious, as well as our conscious mind, we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and our life experiences.

Sometimes people are concerned that in looking beyond the surface we will only find all manner of horrors. Whilst it is true that an essential element of psychotherapy is coming to terms with aspects of ourselves that may feel difficult to love (shadow work, or 'what we might prefer not to know about ourselves'), the idea is that by becoming more consciously aware of the underlying factors that influence thoughts, emotions, and behaviour, we can understand and integrate what feels undesirable, confusing or frightening within ourselves, rather than suffering from it (or making others suffer it).

What we dislike or fear can sometimes be a kind of gold in disguise, once we get to know ourselves in a new way. This is what is meant by describing psychotherapy as transformative.

Equally, psychotherapy is about bringing your gifts closer to the surface. We are on the lookout for joy, wonder, inspiration, beauty, and love, which can just as often be hidden away, disguised, or rejected. 

We will think about your past to understand how it has influenced your present, while also moving towards the future you desire to create. We will look to find any ingrained patterns of thought and behaviour that may have developed for good reason at certain points in your life, but now hinder you.

This kind of therapy involves exploring both your inner world of thoughts, emotions, memories, and dreams, as well as your outer reality of relationships, work, circumstances, and interests. We'll also consider the broader context of your life, including cultural, environmental, spiritual, and collective influences. This holistic approach can provide new ways of seeing yourself in relation to the bigger picture of life. 

Expressing yourself and being heard

The themes and direction of each meeting will be shaped by you. I will listen and witness carefully, allowing you to express whatever comes into your mind through words or image making (materials are provided). Using art materials in therapy can be a powerful way to work with deeper layers of the psyche and what cannot be expressed in words. No experience of art is required. Further details on this can be found on my website. 

About me

My path into working as a psychotherapist was shaped by my own positive experiences of Depth Psychotherapy, combined with a lifelong passion for creativity, spirituality, and Nature. I've found this field to be incredibly broad and inspiring, encouraging curiosity about the mysteries of life and the potential for growth through human connection.

Through my work in mental health and social care services, as well as my own artistic endeavors, I've gained a developed understanding of both therapeutic and creative processes. I believe that these two aspects are interconnected and can work together to support personal growth and healing.

In our therapy sessions we'll work deeply with serious topics, whilst also recognising the benefits of keeping humour and lightheartedness close at hand.

Training, qualifications & experience

  • MA Art Psychotherapy, Goldsmiths College, University of London (2010 - 2013)
  • Ba(Hons) 1st Class, Fine Art: Contemporary Media, University of South Wales (2005 - 2008)
  • I am a current student of Transformational Mentoring: A Psychosynthesis Coaching Training - With M.Jones and K.Hackwood (2024 - present)

Experience

Current roles

  • Art Psychotherapist in private practice
  • Visual artist
  • Mentoring/Coaching 

Previous experience

  • Art Psychotherapist in an NHS Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service
  • Art Psychotherapy trainee placements in an NHS adult psychiatric inpatient setting, and also in a CAMHS service.
  • 4 years working in an NHS adult psychiatric service.
  • Day to day management (including staff supervision) of a local authority accommodation for young adults (16-25) at risk.
  • Residential adult mental health service in the private sector with NHS collaboration.

Experience of psychotherapy

It is a requirement for Art Psychotherapists to be in weekly psychotherapy for the duration of their (3 year) training. I also sought this out prior to, and following my studies. This means that I have had my own experience of what it is like to engage in the therapeutic process from a patients perspective.

Member organisations

school Registered / Accredited

Registered / Accredited

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.

HCPC
Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)

The HCPC are an independent, UK-wide health regulator. They set standards of professional training, performance and conduct for 16 professions.

They keep a register of health professionals who meet their standards, and they take action if registered health professionals fall below those standards. They were created by a piece of legislation called the Health Professions Order 2001.

Registration means that a health professional meets national standards for their professional training, performance and conduct.

Areas of counselling I deal with

Therapies offered

Photos & videos

Fees

£55.00 per session

Concessions offered for

  • check_circle Low income
  • check_circle Keyworkers
  • check_circle Students

Additional information

  • In person sessions are 1 hour - £55
  • Online sessions are 50 minutes - £55

If you are not currently able to afford the full fee I may be able to offer a concessionary rate. Please mention this when making your enquiry as it may not always be available. 

When I work

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Night

In person: 7am - 4pm

Online: 7am - 8pm 

Further information


Professional practice 

  • The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) are the regulatory body for Art Psychotherapists in the UK. I abide by their code of conduct and ethics, and standards of professional practice.
  • I engage in regular clinical supervision with a suitably qualified and experienced psychotherapist.
  • I hold the required level of professional indemnity insurance.
  • I do not begin work with a new client unless I feel that my knowledge, skills, and experience are appropriate for the presenting concerns. 

Areas Of Practice

​These are themes and concerns that I have helped clients/patients past and present to explore.

Experiences including (but not limited to): depression, anxiety, climate or eco anxiety, social anxiety, feeling sad, loneliness, low self-esteem, low self-confidence, bereavement, work-related stress, perfectionism, shame, trauma, mental health, 

Meaning and purpose - You may be feeling 'stuck', or finding that the life you are living does not feel fulfilling, or true to your own nature. Perhaps you feel there something preventing you from truly being yourself. 

​​​Relationships of all kinds -Working with difficulties and finding greater depth within them. This might also include the absence of relationships. 

Times of change and transition​​ - This could relate to changes in circumstances such as location, health, education, employment. More broadly, how to situate oneself within a rapdily changing external world and society. 

Creativity​ - Exploring and harnessing the potential of imagination and expression. 

Spirituality - Whether you have a particular faith, or follow other spiritual paths, it is important to integrate understanding of this important area of your life into our psychotherapeutic work. 
​​​​

Working with men - It is well documented that men are sometimes reluctant to seek support. There can be very understandable reasons for this, and I am experienced in working with men for whom openly discussing their experience is neither familiar, nor comfortable ground.

What are the sessions like?

  • The time and space is yours to explore whatever themes you wish to, and you are invited to speak as freely and honestly as possible.
  • There are no tasks or 'homework' between sessions. 
  • The therapist giving specific suggestions or advice does not usually form part of the therapy. 
  • I prioritise developing a safe and trusting working alliance. We will observe the relationship between us, and reflect upon it as an important and informative aspect of the therapy. 
  • We work within agreed boundaries for the safety and wellbeing of us both, and the effectiveness of the therapy. 
  • Therapy can sometimes feel challenging, as well as rewarding.
  • Whilst by its nature therapy is often concerned with serious subject matter, I understand and welcome the benefits that working with a sense of humour can bring. 

Newport, Monmouthshire, NP19

Type of session

In person
Online

Types of client

Young adults (18-24)
Adults (25-64)
Organisations

Key details

The therapy space is located on the first floor, up one flight of stairs.

Online platforms

Google Meet

Social

Andrew Phillips
Andrew Phillips