I am Andrea Aylward, an experienced and professionally qualified counsellor and psychotherapist.
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I believe that therapy is about moving on from the challenges that can block our lives and seeking change through exploring the hope, potential and opportunity within us.
The first change that occurs is in someone recognising that they need support and then taking the positive step of making contact. The support I offer is in gently and safely assisting them to explore, challenge and change the things that are standing in their way.
Therapy is also about developing positive mental health skills and strategies, in order to maintain long term health and happiness.
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My hope is to enable others to move beyond their challenges, reach their goals and enjoy more fulfilling lives.
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Call on 0770 823 8215 or email andrea@aylwardcp.com
Counselling is an opportunity for a person to talk about their problems and feelings in a confidential, safe and supportive environment. Counselling aims to help you deal with and overcome issues that are causing emotional pain or making you feel overwhelmed and preventing you from enjoying your life fully.
As a counsellor I have completed years of training and obtained professional qualifications to enable me to support you and respect your views. I won't give advice, but will help you find your own insights into and understanding of your concerns. I will listen with empathy, offering a non-judgmental space in which you can explore what is blocking you from living a more healthy and happier life.
What is the difference between counselling and Psychotherapy?
Counselling usually refers to a brief treatment that centres around behaviour patterns. Psychotherapy focuses on working with clients for a longer-term and draws from insight into emotional problems and difficulties.
For counselling to be effective, you need to build a trusting relationship with your counsellor. I will enable that trust to build by ensuring and maintaining your confidentiality and by keeping safe boundaries within our therapeutic relationship.
In order for you to trust in my skills as a counsellor, I have been accepted as an accredited member on the government's voluntary Professional Standards Authority (PSA) register.
I am also a Registered Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).
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As a therapist registered with a professional association I have had to meet the PSA's high standards for governance, standard setting, education and training, information, management and complaints. In order to remain a member, I also agree to maintain high ethical and professional standards, adhering to BACP ethical framework. This offers you greater protection, and guarantees a level of training and continuing professional development.
It can be a great relief to share your worries and fears with someone who acknowledges your feelings and is able to help you reach a positive solution.
Counselling can often involve talking about difficult or painful feelings and, with the help and support of your therapist, you will soon begin to feel better and learn to manage your feelings whilst experiencing long term improvements in your life.
In most cases, it takes a number of sessions before the counselling starts to make a difference and a regular commitment is required to make the best use of the therapy.
During your counselling sessions, you'll be supported and encouraged to express your feelings and emotions. By discussing your concerns with you, I will help you gain a better understanding of your feelings and thought processes, as well as identifying ways of finding your own solutions to the problems that are overwhelming you.
Counselling can help you:
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cope with a bereavement, loss or relationship breakdown
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cope with redundancy or work-related stress
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explore issues such as sexual identity
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explore overcome and manage issues related to addiction, abuse or anger
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deal with issues preventing you achieving your goals and ambitions
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deal with feelings of depression or sadness, and have a more positive outlook on life
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deal with feelings of anxiety, helping you worry less about things
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understand yourself and your problems better
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feel more confident
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develop a better understanding of other people's points of view
Abuse, Addiction(s), Anger Management, Anxiety, Bereavement, Cancer, Career Coaching, Child Related Issues, Cultural Issues, Depression, Disability, Dissociation, Eating Disorders, Grief, Health Related Issues, Identity Problems, Infertility, Leadership Coaching, Life Coaching, Long-Covid, Loss, Men's Issues, Mental Health Issues, Obsessions, OCD, Personal Development, Phobias, Redundancy, Relationships, Self-Esteem, Self-Harm, Service Veterans, Gender Identity, Spirituality, Stress, Trauma, Women's Issues, Work Related Issues.
I offer a safe place for you to explore your concerns, whether it is online, or face-to-face.
Counselling can take place:
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Face to face
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Online
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Walking Therapy
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Telephone
You may be offered counselling as a single session, as a short course of sessions over a few weeks or months, or as a longer course that lasts for several months or years.
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I offer a reduced rate fee for an introductory session, before commencing any therapy.
This offers an opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have about the counselling process. It also allows us both to discuss and explore whether I am the right therapist to support you through your issues and concerns. If you feel that you wish to go ahead with your therapy, at this point, we will agree the terms of your support; such as time, place, cost, frequency, and any other special arrangements needed.
Introductory Session
Online £40
Face-to-face £40
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Full Session
Face-to face £60
Online & Telephone £60
Walking Therapy £60
Registered MBACP
BACP Register of Counsellors and Psychotherapists Registration No: 62883
Professional Standards Authority (PSA) Register approved
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BA (Hons) Professional Studies (Counselling)
FdA Counselling
Diploma Counselling
ACTO Accredited Certificate in Online and Telephone Counselling
