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

On this page you will find information on

• An introduction to my practice

• 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 that underpin and inform the therapy I offer.

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Hello, I'm Andrew, a Psychotherapist working in person with adults in Newport, and online across the UK. My experience comes from over 15 years of professional work and research in the fields of psychotherapy, mental health & social care services, and visual art.

 

Thank you for taking the time to find out about the therapy I offer, and I hope that the information provided here will give a sense of how working together could benefit you. 

 

You are very welcome to contact me with an enquiry, or any questions you may have, by sending an email using the form or details at the foot of any page on this site. I understand that with so many therapists offering so many different kinds of therapy, it is not always straightforward to find someone who is right for you. 

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My qualification to practice is MA Art Psychotherapy (HCPC registered)

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What is Art Psychotherapy?  

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"I am no good at / not particularly interested in art!"  

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It's important for me to mention this at the top of the page, because sometimes people tell me that whilst they really like the idea of working together, they are not so sure about the 'art' element of Art Psychotherapy. One difficulty can be associations to the word itself. 'Art' can mean so many different things, and conjure up very different responses from one person to the next.

 

Art Psychotherapy is a distinct profession, but is closely related to many others in the field of counselling and psychotherapy. Our therapy sessions can be much like 'talking therapy', and I am experienced in working with people for whom use of the art materials during the sessions may be minimal.

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• Whilst I will actively encourage and support you to experience the benefits of using the art materials as part of the therapeutic process, you will never be forced to do so. 

• No experience of making art is required.

• It isn't necessary to have any particular interest in art.

• Producing 'works of art' that will be seen outside the therapy space is not the aim.

• Images don't have fixed meanings, and I will not suddenly know things about you that you haven't shared with me.

 

Although I am a great believer in the potential of art and image making to heal, help us discover more our about who we are, and generally enrich our lives, I don't require those I work with to hold identical views.     

 

You will find more information about using art materials in a psychotherapeutic context on the Art Psychotherapy page. 

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There are many reasons to consider psychotherapy. You might be going through a difficult time, looking to navigate challenges in ways that lead to new possibilities rather than repeating old patterns, longing to live more fully, or wondering about your purpose and 'big questions' in life? 

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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 a need for someone to listen. What brings you to therapy is something that we would come to understand together, as you begin to feel supported by the therapeutic process.

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The foundation for the change needed most in life (even if that seems very big or overwhelming) often comes from subtle yet profoundly felt shifts in how we relate to ourselves, other people, and engage with the world around us. This kind of transformation is usually achieved over time, and can require a deep sense of commitment to 'inner work'. It is understanding one's life in a new way that changes the options (or how we perceive the options) that are available to us, and the choices that can be made regarding them. 

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​​Psychotherapy with me offers an opportunity to explore your experiences of both inner life and the world around you in confidence, without judgment or denial. My approach acknowledges the therapeutic importance of curiosity, compassion, and keeping a sense of humour close by. We work towards your aims collaboratively and within agreed boundaries, which enables the necessary trust to work with the 'whole person'; the suffering and success, your hopes as well as fears, what you love and what you dislike, strengths and struggles, both the shadow and the light. 

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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. You must be aged 18 or over, and be able to make payments directly to me because I do not currently work with insurance companies. 

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Counselling / Psychotherapy trainees: Please be aware that I am not taking referrals for student clients at the present time.

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These are the areas that my practice focuses on.

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

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• Meaning and purpose - You may be feeling that your life is not as fulfilling as you would like it to be, or that aspects of how you are living do not feel true to your own nature. Perhaps it seems there something preventing you from 'being yourself'? 

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• Relationships of all kinds - Working with difficulties and finding greater depth within them. This might also include the absence of meaningful relationships. 

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• Times of change and transition - This could relate to changes in personal circumstances such as location, health, education, employment. More broadly, we might consider how to situate oneself within a rapidly changing world and society.​​

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• Creativity - Exploring and harnessing the potential of imagination and expression. 

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• Spirituality -  Whether you have a particular faith, or follow other spiritual paths, it is important to integrate understanding of this important area of your life into our psychotherapeutic work. 

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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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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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Using art materials in therapy can be a powerful way to work with deeper layers of the psyche and what cannot be expressed in words. The art image and the process of making it may serve to express something by itself, or we might explore its significance together through discussion. I do not pin a fixed 'meaning' on an image, instead my role is to help us consider it in different ways.

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In my experience it is understandable that adults often feel uncertain about using art materials at the beginning, but in the course of therapy making images often becomes a valued and transformative element. You do not need to have any particular interest in art, just a sense of curiosity and willingness to 'trust the process'.​ You can find more about this on the 'What Is Art Psychotherapy?' page.

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Depth Psychology (or Depth Psychotherapy) is an umbrella term used to describe forms of therapy that look beneath the surface of our awareness to acknowledge the significant role of unconscious life. Whilst my approach is consistently informed by recognised therapeutic traditions, the sessions are  always different according to the needs and personality of each individual. The unique working alliance between us forms a very important aspect of the therapy.

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My work is mostly influenced by the theory and practice of.. 

• Jungian therapy (including post-Jungian and Archetypal psychology)

• Psychodynamic therapy 

• Psychoanalytic therapy 

• Transpersonal psychology and Spiritual psychology

• Ecopsychology 

• Psychosynthesis 

 

Please see the Depth Psychology page for further information on these distinct yet related schools of thought. It is not essential that you understand what each of these terms mean, but I am happy to talk in more detail or point you towards further information.

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By paying attention to our experience in a particular way, we can consider what may be happening in the unconscious, as well as our conscious mind. This can help us to gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and our life experiences.

 

Sometimes people are concerned that in looking beyond the surface we will only find all manner of unwelcome things. Whilst it is true that an essential element of psychotherapy is coming to terms with aspects of ourselves that may feel difficult to love (sometimes termed 'shadow work', and identifying 'the secrets we keep from ourselves'), the idea is that by becoming more consciously aware of the underlying factors that influence thoughts, emotions, and behaviour, we can understand and integrate what feels undesirable, confusing or frightening within ourselves, rather than suffering so much from it (or making others suffer it).

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Sometimes what we dislike or fear can be a kind of gold in disguise. When we get to know ourselves in a new way we might find value where previously we saw only something negative. This is what is meant by describing psychotherapy as transformative.

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Depth Psychotherapy is about bringing your gifts closer to the surface. We are on the lookout for joy, wonder, inspiration, beauty, and love, which can just as often be hidden away, disguised, or rejected. Being alert to these important aspects of human life and cultivating our capacity to experience and express them is also vital in the therapeutic work, as I see it. 

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We will think about your past to understand how it has influenced your present, while also moving towards the future you desire to create. We will look to find any ingrained patterns of thought and behaviour that may have developed for good reason at certain points in your life, but now hinder you.

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Depth Psychotherapy involves exploring both your inner world of thoughts, emotions, memories, and dreams, as well as your outer reality of relationships, work, circumstances, and interests. 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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​For further information regarding what happens during the session, see 'My approach to therapy'. 

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My path into working as a psychotherapist was shaped by my own positive experiences of Depth Psychotherapy, 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.

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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 therapeutic and creative processes. I believe that these two aspects are interconnected and can work together to support personal growth and healing.

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In our therapy sessions we'll work deeply with serious topics, whilst also recognising the benefits of keeping humour and lightheartedness close at hand.

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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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Initial modules of Transformational Mentoring: A Psychosynthesis Coaching Training - With M.Jones and K.Hackwood (2024 - 2025)

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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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