About me
Hey I'm Andrew,
My approach is grounded in the Person-Centred principle that you are the expert in your own experience. I believe that a trusting, accepting and non-judgemental therapeutic relationship is fundamental to effective counselling. Creating a sense of safety within that relationship gives you the space to explore your experiences openly and at a pace that feels right for you.
Alongside this, I draw on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to bring additional structure and practical tools into our work where these are helpful. We might explore the connections between your thoughts, beliefs, emotions and behaviours, identify patterns that may be contributing to your difficulties, and consider different ways of responding.
I also believe it is essential to pay attention to what is happening in the body alongside what is happening in our minds. Our experiences are not only something we think about; they can also be felt physically. We might explore things such as feeling unsafe, changes in breathing, feeling on edge, physical sensations, overwhelm, shutting down or feeling disconnected, and what these responses might be communicating to us.
This mind-body perspective is particularly relevant when working with stress, anxiety and the effects of difficult or traumatic experiences. I have developed my knowledge in this area through extensive reading and ongoing study of trauma, somatic responses, the mind-body connection and nervous-system regulation, alongside my clinical experience of working with clients who have experienced trauma, including sexual abuse.
Where appropriate, I can bring this understanding into our work through psychoeducation and by helping you develop greater awareness of the connections between your experiences, thoughts, emotions, physical responses and behaviours. We can explore ways of developing a greater sense of safety, grounding and regulation.
I also recognise the importance of the therapeutic relationship itself. A consistent, supportive and collaborative relationship can provide an experience of safety and co-regulation, which can be particularly important for people whose previous experiences have affected their ability to feel safe.
My approach is informed by my clinical experience, ongoing study and professional development. I am committed to continuing to develop my knowledge in this area and to ensuring that my work remains within my professional competence.
For some people, therapy may involve having the space to talk and make sense of what they are experiencing. For others, it may be helpful to work towards specific goals and develop practical strategies. Often, it will involve a combination of these approaches.
The important thing is that we work collaboratively. I won't impose a particular method simply because it is part of my training. Instead, we can draw on Person-Centred counselling, CBT, psychoeducation and an understanding of the mind-body connection to find an approach that feels appropriate and useful for you.
Taking the first step
If you're reading this, it may be that you're considering taking some action to make changes for yourself. I understand how difficult it can be to show vulnerability and ask for help.
In my experience, taking that initial step can also create an opportunity for meaningful change and personal growth. My aim is to support you through this process in a way that feels collaborative, respectful and appropriate for you.
Initially, I offer a free 20-minute telephone consultation. This gives you an opportunity to ask any questions you may have, discuss what has brought you to counselling and talk about what you hope to gain from our sessions.
Most importantly, it gives you the opportunity to decide whether you feel I am a suitable person to work with. I believe that the relationship between client and counsellor is one of the most important factors in creating the conditions for successful therapy.
There is no obligation to continue after the initial consultation; that decision is entirely yours. If you do wish to proceed, we can discuss whether weekly or fortnightly sessions would be most appropriate for you.
Areas I have experience working with include:
The impact of traumatic and difficult experiences
Anxiety
Depression
Neurodivergence
Loss and bereavement
Stress and overwhelm
Suicidal thoughts
Low self-esteem
Relationship difficulties
Work-related stress
Anger, including difficulties with male anger
Thank you for taking the time to read through this information. I hope it has given you some clarity about who I am, how I work and what I may be able to offer you.
Training, qualifications & experience
Professional Qualifications
Level 5 Diploma In Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CPCAB)
Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (ABC)
Level 3 Certificate in Therapeutic Counselling (ABC)
Professional Accreditation
Registered and Accredited Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) — MBACP (Accred)
Being BACP Accredited means that my knowledge, skills and experience have been assessed against the professional standards of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, hopefully giving you additional reassurance that I have demonstrated the level of professional competence expected of an experienced counsellor.
Member organisations
school 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.
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
Therapies offered
Photos & videos
Fees
£55.00 per session
Additional information
Free initial 20 minute telephone consultation.
For clarity the first session of the day generally starts at 9am and the last session generally ends by 3.50pm. .
When I work
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Further information
What to expect from your first session
Our first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other and for you to begin talking about what has brought you to counselling. There is no expectation that you have everything worked out or know exactly what you need to talk about. We can take things at your pace, and I'll help you feel comfortable with the process. We'll talk about what you'd like from counselling, answer any questions you may have and begin to think together about how I can best support you. You don't need to prepare anything in advance, and there is no expectation that you talk about anything before you feel ready.
