Andy Hughes
Verified Professional
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verified by our team to ensure they have suitable credentials to practise.
FdA, MNCS Accred.
Every professional displayed on Counselling Directory has been independently verified by our team to ensure they have suitable credentials to practise.
About me
My name is Andy and I am a qualified (FdA) and accredited (MNCS Accred.) counsellor based in south Bristol. I work collaboratively with my clients, drawing on theory and methods from humanistic, cognitive, and psychoanalytic branches of psychology. This approach to counselling is often referred to as eclectic or pluralistic, but I am primarily person-centred by training. Although I do not offer art therapy, I do sometimes incorporate artistic and creative techniques into my work where appropriate although this will usually be discussed with you beforehand, so that the purpose and benefit of the approach is understood.
Please note that sometimes my response to email enquiries goes to your spam/junk mailbox. If you would like me to contact you by phone, please include your number with your enquiry. I attempt to respond within 48 hours during my working week (Monday - Thursday) - not including annual leave.
Training, qualifications & experience
My primary training is a Foundation Degree in Counselling (completed with a Distinction grade in 2021), awarded by the University of Plymouth. Prior to this, I had completed multiple Counselling certificates at various institutions in the UK. These are detailed more fully on my website.
During my training, I have gained experience working for local mental health agencies who see clients of all ages and backgrounds and a wide range of issues. I also gained some experience working with trauma and survivors of sexual abuse and rape. I have subsequently undertaken additional trauma-based training in this area. A more extensive list of my continued training (known as CPD) can also be found on my website, but this includes working with eating disorders, personality disorders, safeguarding and suicidal ideation.
Earlier in my training, I also volunteered as a group facilitator for a local mental health charity who offered support to those with mental health issues in the area. Here I gained experience with working in a group setting, working informally to help people in their journey
Member organisations
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.
National Counselling Society (NCS)
The National Counselling Society
This Not For Profit association of counsellors and psychotherapists aim to support the counselling profession, members and training organisations.
In 2013 the NCS register was accredited by the Professional Standards Authority under the Accredited Voluntary Register Scheme. Accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.
Accredited register membership
Accredited Register Scheme
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
£40.00 per session
Free initial telephone session
Concessions offered for
Additional information
All my sessions last for 60 minutes, although the initial "assessment" session may last for up to 90 minutes. I also offer free 15 minute phone initial consultation by phone to discuss your issues and the process to see if we think we might be able to work together. I also offer a concession rate of £20 for students living in the city, although I request proof of your current student status and these spaces are limited.
When I work
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I currently work Mondays 9am - 6pm, and Thursdays 9am - 2pm.
Further information
Prior to working as a therapist, I worked in the corporate world of wholesale energy for many years, and I spent many more years prior to this working in various retail positions. While I greatly enjoyed my former career in the energy industry, I decided that I wanted to change the direction of my life and find work that was more personally fulfilling. I have been lucky enough to travel extensively and experience different cultures and perspectives, living in various towns and cities around the UK and abroad. I decided to make Bristol my permanent home in 2017, having spent time here as a child (and young adult), and it is in the city that I base my practice on. I am fully committed to equality and offer an LGBT+ inclusive service.
Please note that sometimes my response to email enquiries goes to your spam/junk mailbox. If you would like me to contact you by phone, please include your number with your enquiry. I attempt to respond within 48 hours during my working week (Monday - Thursday) - not including annual leave.
