Andrew Abernethy

Face to face availability is Tuesday 15:00 - 21:00 & Wednesday 17:00 - 21:00

My working hours for video and telephone counselling is as follows:

Monday: 08:30 - 21:00

Tuesday: 08:30 - 21:00

Wednesday: 08:30 - 21:00

Thursday: 08:30 - 18:30

Friday: 08:30 - 17:00

I use an integrative approach to counselling. The core approach that I use is person centred – I am empathic, genuine, open and accepting without judging. I also encompass elements of CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) if I feel that you could benefit from these techniques.

I'm an open person in life and this is reflected in my counselling. Sometimes I have shared with client's how I have helped myself to move on. This has helped normalise the situation and has in turn helped them to heal.

I will often ask questions about your past if I feel that this may still be troubling you today, understanding this can help you to build resilience and move on. I will encourage you every step of the way and regularly check in with how you are feeling.

I’m described as warm and non-judgmental, sometimes I add humour to a session as this can break the ice and it allows a space for nervous energy and heaviness to be released.

I originally worked as an autism support worker for 8 years and I have counselled a lot of people on the autism spectrum. I have also worked as a volunteer counsellor for Youth Information services. I have counselled people of various age, culture, backgrounds and professions.

I am calm but also pro-active with helping people through difficult times. I have over 6000 hours experience and I am an affiliate counsellor for Health Assured (EAP)Employee Assistance Programmes. EAP sessions are short-term solution focussed and so this has taught me to be pragmatic, adaptable and pro-active in my counselling approach. If you thrive on having a weekly task to focus on then we can work together to set yourself a target to work on between sessions.

I am particularly passionate about helping those on the autism spectrum, relationship issues, self-esteem problems, depression, anxiety and working through adverse childhood experiences.

I offer a free 15 minute phone or video consultation which allows us to get to know each other and determine whether we are a good match for working together. I will ask what brings you to counselling and what you would like to achieve from the sessions.

The consultation helps the first counselling session to flow better as I will already have an understanding of why you have come from counselling.