Rate Andrew Thomas

Hi, My name Is Andrew Thomas. I am a integrative counsellor.

Life can sometimes seem unfair and painful and throw up difficult unexpected situations and challenges, these can be at times difficult, upsetting, and stressful. However, through talking to a counsellor who is trained to help you understand, process, and reflect on whatever it is you're having difficulties with can help.

I have a Foundation Degree in Integrative Counselling (Fda Counselling) and am a registered member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) I follow the BACP's code of ethics for professional practice of Counselling.

I am able to provide counselling to adults (18+)

Please not I do not provide counselling for the following :-

* Active alcohol/drug dependency or eating disorders. For professional help with these please enquire through local specialist services or local G.P.

* Couples Relationship Counselling. For relationship counselling please search for a counsellor who specializes in relationship counselling. Or enquire through local specialist services or local G.P.

My approach to providing counselling is a Integrative approach. Which essentially means I am able to draw on a number of different therapeutic models of counselling. To best help tailor the counselling to the individual and what would be best help with your presenting problem(s). Also, we would look at what you need from receiving counselling and what your goals are and what you hope to achieve.

I have been practising counselling since 2018. And work in a trauma informed way whether that being providing short-term counselling or long-term counselling I am also well versed in Neuroscience and the clinical applications of Interpersonal Neurobiology. the Window of Tolerance, Polyvagal Theory and Attachment Theory.

I have a very keen interest specifically in working with trauma clinically from an Inner child work perspective.

Whether that would be: -

*Long term counselling (growth promoting work)

*Short term counselling (symptom reduction work) -providing psychoeducation and coping strategies/techniques

Clinical Approaches: -

* Psychodynamic: - Attachment Theory, Inner Child Work

* Humanistic: - Person Centred, Transactional Analysis, Gestalt.

* Cognitive Behavioural: - CBT. Reality Therapy.

* Interpersonal Neurobiology: - Window of Tolerance, Polyvagal Theory.

As your counsellor I will: -

* Provide a safe, confidential therapeutic relationship for you to explore your difficulties thoughts and feelings.

*Be honest with you – congruence.

*Try to understand your point of view – empathy.

*Not judge you – unconditional positive regard.

In your sessions, we will explore any difficulties you are experiencing in order to help improve your well-being and mental health.

An important part of the counselling would also consist of Psychoeducation of what's happening in your body and brain when your nervous system becomes dysregulated and learning coping strategies/techniques that can help restore a sense of balance safety and regulation.

You will: -

*Talk about what you are struggling with with someone trained in counselling.

*Gain a better awareness of your thinking process, feelings and learn to become better aware and regulate any somatic (bodily) dysregulation.

*Learn to implement behavioural changes that are helpful.

*Learn coping strategies that can help you with any unhelpful thinking, feelings, and behaviours.

I generally check messages daily Monday-Friday and respond within 24 hours of receiving a message. I do appreciate your patience whilst waiting for a response, as sometimes it takes a bit longer to reply as I may be tending to other clients or professional responsibilities.

I am able to provide both: -

• Short term counselling (symptom reduction work)

• Long term counselling (growth promoting work)

Please feel free to send me a message if you have any further questions or look at my current availability on my calendar to book a appointment with myself.

I look forward to hearing from you.