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Psychotherapy
Newport (Monmouthshire) & online nationwide
MA, HCPC registered

Andrew Phillips. Visual artist and psychotherapist in Newport.

Working together for your healing and

wholehearted living

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Hello, I'm Andrew, a psychotherapist working in person with adults in Newport, and online nationwide. My experience comes from over 15 years of professional and personal engagement in the fields of psychotherapy, mental health & social care, and the arts. You can contact me by sending an email using the form or details at the end of any page on this site. 

 

On this page you will find information on

  • The themes and issues that I help people to explore. 

  • How to contact me.

  • The type of therapy I offer. 

  • My experience and background.

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Other therapy pages can be accessed from the menu at the top.

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See the 'Practical information' page for 

  • Fees 

  • Appointment times 

  • Location

  • Therapy options 

  • Beginning therapy

 

'My approach to therapy' will provide a sense of what the therapy sessions are like in practice and how the process works. 'Depth Psychology' introduces some of the key elements of the work I offer.

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Are you longing to live more wholeheartedly, navigate life's challenges in ways that lead to new possibilities for living, or simply wondering about your purpose? My therapeutic approach is focused on helping individuals gain a deeper understanding of themselves, leading to transformative healing, growth, and personal change.

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Psychotherapy begins with a desire for change, regardless of your current life situation. Working collaboratively, we'll carefully explore your experiences and the world around you, without judgment or denial. Our therapeutic approach emphasises curiosity, compassion, and a willingness to look at any aspects of your life. 

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​​​Who I Work With​​

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I have worked with people from a wide range of backgrounds, with very different personal histories. You might have engaged in a form of counselling or psychotherapy previously, or this could be your first such experience. 

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​It is not essential that you know exactly why you are considering seeing a psychotherapist. Initially you may have a sense that meeting would be useful, and awareness of a deeply felt need to be heard. What brings you to therapy is something that we would come to understand together, as you begin to feel supported by the therapeutic process, which includes a feeling of trust and safety in the working alliance between us. 

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Areas Of Practice

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These are themes and concerns that I have helped clients/patients past and present to explore.

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Experiences including (but not limited to): depression, anxiety, feeling sad, loneliness, low self-esteem, low self-confidence, bereavement, work-related stress, perfectionism, shame, trauma.​

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Meaning and purpose - You may be feeling 'stuck', or finding that the life you are living does not feel fulfilling, or true to your own nature. Perhaps you feel there something preventing you from 'being yourself'. 

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Relationships â€‹

Times of change and transition​​

Creativity​

Spirituality

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Working with men - It is well documented that men are sometimes reluctant to seek support. There can be very understandable reasons for this, and I am experienced in working with men for whom openly discussing their experience is neither familiar, nor comfortable ground.​​

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How To Contact Me

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If you would like to explore the possibility of working together, the next step is arranging to meet for an Initial Consultation. You can contact me using the form or details at the end of any page on this website. It is useful if you can let me know the main reasons why you are considering therapy, but there is no need to include any further personal details in your message. 

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If you would like to speak on the phone before arranging a consultation, I offer a free of charge 15 minute introductory call.

 

During our first meeting we will think about why you are considering therapy, how you hope it will be of benefit, and whether we would be well suited for working together. 

 

I understand that reaching out to a therapist can sometimes feel daunting, so I aim to make the process as straightforward as possible for you.

 

*I always reply within 72 hours. Please check your 'spam' folder in case the reply goes there.*

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The Type Of Therapy I Offer

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My qualification to practice is Art Psychotherapy (MA)

 

The way I work has much in common with the more familiar 'talking' forms of counselling and psychotherapy. In addition to the verbal interaction between us, you also have an option to use art materials (provided) during the sessions, if you wish to. This can be particularly useful when it is difficult to find the words for something, and exploring deeper layers of experience that are beyond words. The purpose is communication, expression, and exploration that leads to new ways of understanding, rather than making a 'work of art' in the formal sense. 

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In my experience it is understandable that adults often feel uncertain about using art materials at the beginning, but as we work through these feelings together in the course of therapy, making images often becomes a valued and transformative element. It is not necessary to have any prior knowledge or experience of 'art' to work with me.​ You can find more about this on the 'What Is Art Psychotherapy?' page.

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My specialism is in Depth Psychology 

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I specialise in exploring the underlying patterns and beliefs that shape our thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. By paying attention to the conscious mind, as well as the unconscious, we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and our life experiences. This is often referred to as 'Depth' Psychology/Psychotherapy.

 

My approach considers your past to understand how it has influenced your present, while also looking towards the future you desire to create. It involves exploring both your inner world of thoughts, emotions, and memories, as well as your outer world of relationships, work, and circumstances.  I believe that problems, symptoms, and challenges are not just isolated events but rather invitations to look deeper into ourselves. By exploring the underlying significance of your experiences, you can gain valuable insights and develop a deeper sense of self-awareness which helps move towards healing and growth.

 

In addition to individual exploration, we'll also consider the broader context of your life, including cultural, environmental, spiritual, and collective influences. This holistic approach can provide new ways of seeing yourself in relation to the bigger picture of life. 

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Please see the Depth Psychology page for further information.​

 

​For further information regarding what happens during the session, see 'My approach to therapy'. 

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​About Me

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My path into psychotherapy was shaped by personal experiences with depth therapy, combined with a lifelong passion for creativity, spirituality, and nature. I've found this field to be incredibly broad and inspiring, encouraging curiosity about the mysteries of life and the potential for growth through human connection. Through my work in mental health and social care services, as well as my own artistic endeavors, I've gained a developed understanding of both the therapeutic process and the creative process. I believe that these two aspects are interconnected and can work together to support personal growth and healing. In our therapy sessions, we'll work deeply with serious topics while also recognising the importance of humour and light-heartedness.

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Education / Qualifications

& Professional Experience​​

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MA Art Psychotherapy, Goldsmiths College, University of London (2010 - 2013)

 

Ba(Hons) Fine Art: Contemporary Media, University of South Wales (2005 - 2008)

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I am a current student of Transformational Mentoring: A Psychosynthesis Coaching Training - With M.Jones and K.Hackwood (2024 - present)

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The Art Psychotherapy training I undertook was an immersive three year course, with an emphasis on a Psychoanalytic and Psychodynamic theoretical model, specialising in working with creative processes within the therapy session. 

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Before beginning a private practice I gained over a decade of professional experience from diverse roles in mental health and social care services. Prior to and during Art Psychotherapy training I worked in adult psychiatric services within the NHS. Following qualification I worked at an NHS Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service, and later in a management and supervisory role within a local authority accommodation for young adults. Other employment has included a third sector mental health setting, and with people who have Learning Disabilities. 

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My experience as an artist provides me with first-hand knowledge of creative processes, which then aids and informs my work with people in the therapy session. I am an elected Professional Member of the Society Of Scottish Artists, and continue to exhibit my paintings and drawings regularly.​​​​

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