Claire McAndrew

My main hours of practice are Thursday 1pm - 6pm, Friday 1pm - 4pm. Other times may be available

I am available for initial consultation / assessment calls each evening 6pm - 6.30pm.

You are welcome to make enquiries via phone / text or via my facebook / instagram pages at 'Here to Listen Counselling'

Hello, I'm Claire and I am an experienced counsellor in Mirfield where my office is also based.  I am also used to  offering online and phone counselling so am happy to welcome clients from further afield. 

I am not only a counsellor, I am also a nurse and have worked in the NHS  for the last 26 years. I've people from all walks of life  who bring diversity   in their life experiences. 

 I often council people living with life limiting or end of life conditions This is one of the most fulfilling aspects of being a counsellor. I also work with carers and people who have experienced loss.

I am a single mum to three boys, one of whom lives with neuro-diversity. I am a big advocate for being open and positive when talking about mental health / ill health and I believe we all have the right to live happily whenever we can.

I have worked with women and men experiencing different types of domestic abuse, including those from the Muslim community. I have also worked with people living with low self-esteem, anxiety and depression.

I am a considerate, curious and kind person by nature with a good sense of humour which I do think is not only essential in life but is really important at times in the counselling room.

I understand how difficult it can be making that first contact with a counsellor and the risk you are taking in putting your trust in me, especially if you have experienced things that have been upsetting/ traumatic. I have sat in that chair myself as a client and experienced first hand the difficult but ultimately rewarding journey counselling takes you on.

I take the responsibility of counselling  very seriously and what benefits you most will always be my priority. Considering this, I offer any possible new clients a 30 minute consultation by phone so you can see if I am the right 'fit' for you and I can make sure what you want to bring to the sessions is within my capabilities.

My approach is flexible; we can agree a set number of sessions or work on a long or short term basis.

My practice is led by a person-centred approach...you might be wondering what the heck that even means. Well, the benefit to you as a client is that you are the expert. I am not there to tell you what you 'should' do, or give you instructions or advice. Rather, I am there to really listen to you and hear what is going on for you and help you explore what you want to. You are the centre of the work we do and, together, we will explore your issues and find a way forward that works for you.

You will have a space that is just for you and is safe and free from judgement and where what you say and who you are is valued. That's not to say I will simply agree with everything or be silent during our sessions. Counselling is brave, hard work and can be challenging and upsetting, sometimes all in one session. But I will be there for you and with you, actively listening, sometimes challenging, acknowledging and accepting. Who I am in life is who I am in the room with you, genuine and empathic.

Our first session together will involve us getting to know each other, agreeing our boundaries and working contract and then it will be over to you to lead the way. I may ask you what you want to achieve from counselling but, at that point, you might not yet know, and that is OK.