Andrew Rutledge

How can I support you in living the life that you want?

As an Integrative Counsellor and Psychotherapist, I have experience of supporting people experiencing issues including anxiety, depression, panic attacks, social isolation, loss, lack of confidence and emotional overwhelm. The support I offer is based on creating a therapeutic environment where clients can explore their thoughts, feelings and life experiences in a safe, empathetic and confidential space. 

I use an integrative approach to counselling which means that I adapt my counselling methods to best support the unique individual I am working with. I am mindful of the importance of the therapeutic relationship, which has the ability to promote healing and facilitate positive change. It is an honour to be permitted a window into other peoples’ inner worlds and I acknowledge the courage it takes for individuals to engage in therapy. 

Ways in which I can therapeutically support you include:

• Creating a safe, boundaried, confidential space where you can understand who you are and who you wish to be moving forward.
• Respecting you as an individual and valuing your life experiences.
• Listening to you without critical judgment and supporting you in accessing new approaches to your life challenges.
• Offering you an objective and empathetic perspective.
  
• Assisting you in uncovering how the past is shaping your current reality.
• Facilitating shifts in your perspective by drawing your attention to self-defeating patterns and helping you to replace them with healthier ways of being.
• By being genuine, honest and direct.

I have experience of supporting clients in alleviating the negative effects of anxiety, panic attacks and catastrophizing. I do this by creating a secure base where clients can explore how anxiety impacts them and by offering strategies to reduce the influence anxiety has on their quality of life. Some strategies I offer include breathing exercises, mindfulness and encouraging clients to notice, rather than react to anxiety inducing thoughts and feelings.

I believe that the act of seeking professional support is one of bravery, not self-indulgence and a sign of wellness, not illness. I am committed to supporting my clients through their life challenges, in setting goals and taking steps towards positive change. I build healthy therapeutic relationships through my curiosity, empathy and humour so that my clients can deepen their self-awareness and have better, more fulfilling lives.

I am a fully qualified and insured Counsellor, Psychotherapist and member of the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy). Being a registered member of this nationally recognised professional governing body means that I adhere to a comprehensive ethical framework, am held to high standards of conduct and am committed to continued professional development. 

What next?

Finding the right counsellor, is an important first step. If you would like to arrange a free introductory telephone call, please get in touch so that we can agree a good time to speak. During this call you can tell me about what has brought you to counselling and the type of support that you are looking for. I can then describe how I work so that we can determine whether our work together will be of benefit to you. Everything that you tell me will be held in the strictest confidence, whether we work together or not.

Following our introductory call, if you decide that you would like to begin counselling with me, we will arrange a date and time for our first session.

Please note there is no expectation for you commit to a minimum or maximum number of sessions. You are free to start or end counselling whenever it feels right for you.

You can contact me directly by emailing onecounselling_121@outlook.com

I provide one to one counselling for adults (18+). 

I offer a free introductory telephone session so we can determine whether I am the right counsellor for you.

Counselling sessions cost £55 for a full hour and payments are made by bank transfer. 

Students studying for a counselling qualifications are eligible for a discounted rate. Please contact me for more details. 

Availability.

I offer Daytime and Evening sessions from Monday to Friday. I also have some Saturday morning sessions available as well.