Andrew Brown

Choosing the right therapist is such an important first step. For such personal and important work you need to find someone you feel you can trust, work closely with and of course, talk with.

It is equally important that the therapist you choose to work with has undertaken accredited training, and is accredited with the relevant professional bodies. 

I am professionally qualified to Level 7 and BACP accredited as a Psychotherapist and Psychotherapeutic Counsellor, with further post-graduate training in Integrative Psychotherapy.

How I work.

My job is to meet you where you are at right now and relate to you on a very human level. It's about you being heard and understood then together finding a way forward. It's about using simple, down-to-earth language moving at your pace and with endless patience.

My core belief is that the therapeutic relationship is central to the healing process. I give every client my genuine interest and endeavor to create an open, friendly, calm, compassionate and non-judgmental environment.

My working style is based around "integrative practice" where the treatment methods are always tailored to suit the client’s unique needs and preferences. 

Counselling is not "one size fits all". No single approach is necessarily flexible enough to be helpful to all.

I am particularly interested in working with complex trauma using an advanced mode of treatment called EMDR.  This is an incredible technique that is amongst the few recommended by the World Health Organization and N.I.C.E. for wide-ranging trauma including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

I am keen to blend in mindfulness, breathing and imagery work as part of therapy. Therapeutically, I find mindfulness techniques particularly effective when working with anxiety, panic, emotional difficulties and even pain management. Mindfulness practice can also be something that a client can continue long after ending therapy increasing autonomy, empowerment and ongoing wellbeing.

You are about to embark on a challenging and hopefully life-enhancing journey.  It goes without saying that you need to chose carefully who comes along with you.   The initial session can help in this respect.

The theme of your first session is different to the following sessions.  At the start you will be given an explanation of the ethical principles of counselling including confidentiality and all exceptions to confidentiality.  Also an explanation of the relevant data protection responsibilities will be given (in line with the latest GDPR legislation).  

I then ask you to sign the consent forms allowing the counselling process to begin and also for me to gather and process your personal information. 

Once you have given this consent, I will ask for some emergency contact details (GP, Next of Kin, Family etc.) and your agreement for me to contact them if I believe you are in urgent need of additional support.  Please note that this is rarely needed, and is purely in the interests of your safety and wellbeing. 

The counselling process can then begin. You will be given time and space to talk about your reason for seeking counselling.  I understand that this can be a very challenging experience - often clients share things that have never been spoken of before.  You may not feel able to share everything at this stage and that is completely okay.  I will always work at your pace and I fully appreciate and respect your need to develop trust.   

It may be of some comfort to know that I have experienced several years of my own personal therapy as part of my training. I have sat in your seat. 

I will offer as much (or as little) support, structure and guidance as you need. 

I will usually ask some background questions and of course, I will answer any questions you may have.

You are under absolutely no obligation to continue therapy.  If you decide to try a different therapist I will offer my support in helping you find this.

​Your wellbeing is always my primary concern.