ABCounselling&Psychotherapy
About me
I’m Andy, a qualified therapist registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). I work with adults 16+ in Scunthorpe, the surrounding areas, and online. I’m drawn to the idea that we are more than just our thoughts and the roles, stories, or labels we’re given throughout life which can often shape our sense of who we are. Beyond all of that, there’s something more fundamental to us that isn’t defined by our ego, our past experiences, or our expectations. Therapy can be a space to reconnect with that. Outside of work I value time in nature, being offline and keeping active. I feel these practices help to shape the grounded presence I bring to my work.
My approach
For me, therapy isn’t just about certain techniques. It’s about building a genuine connection. Often, this is what can allow real shifts in perspective to happen. My approach focuses on understanding you as a person while supporting you to develop healthy ways to regulate emotions and recognise the freedom you have to make choices in your life. Over time, my hope is that you will feel more confident trusting your own intuition, allowing you to live more authentically, make meaningful changes in how you see yourself, respond to challenges, and relate to others. To give you more of a feel for how I work, I offer a free initial conversation. It’s a chance to ask questions, talk about what brings you here and see whether it feels right.
Qualifications:
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Masters Degree - Integrative Counselling & Psychotherapy
- Bachelors Degree - Psychology
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Diploma - Counselling Skills
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Diploma - Health and Wellbeing Advising
What I Can Help With
Below I offer some insight into how I view and work with some common mental health difficulties. The list does not include all the areas I cover but may offer a brief sense of how I can help you.
Feedback
Having the support from Andy has helped me cope with the loss of my son and assisted me with the difficulties I find hard to deal with alone! I appreciate the help he gives me & the fact that he can make me laugh and feel better in myself by the end of each session is a godsend!
Andy listened with empathy and helped to reframe my thoughts. He did not judge or offer impractical advice/comments. He was always approachable and provided a very safe place to talk. I found the sessions incredibly helpful.
Andy is wonderful at his job, he has truly helped me process my thoughts during a challenging time in my life. The self help literature he recommends is thoughtful and I always appreciate being invited to the sessions he runs. He is empathetic and professional and his work has been of great support to my well being.
Andy has been the comforting active listener I needed during those difficult weeks. He was able to gently unpick and make sense of the feelings of confusion I was experiencing. He brought insight with compassion and understanding.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between Counselling and Psychotherapy? There's no strict difference between counselling and psychotherapy they’re often used to mean the same thing. I include both terms to help make things clear and welcoming for anyone seeking support.
How many sessions will I need? It’s hard to say in advance how many sessions will feel right for you, everyone’s needs are different. We’ll talk about this early on, and regularly check in on how things are going. If you’re working within a specific budget or timeframe, just let me know and we can shape your goals accordingly, making the most of the time we have.
Is everything I say confidential? Yes, in nearly all cases, what you share in your sessions will remain confidential. However, there are a few legal and ethical exceptions such as concerns about serious harm or safeguarding which will be explained clearly in your first session. Wherever possible, you’ll be informed before any information is shared. If you ever have questions about confidentiality, feel free to ask at any time.
What can I expect in the first session? The first session is a chance for us to get to know each other. I’ll ask a few questions to understand what’s bringing you to therapy and what you’d like support with. You’re welcome to share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with. It’s also a space for you to ask any questions and get a feel for how I work, so we can decide together if it feels like a good fit.
Do you offer online sessions? Yes, I offer sessions online via secure video call. Some people find this more convenient or comfortable, especially if they have a busy schedule or prefer to speak from home.
