Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Andy and I'm a person-centred counsellor based in Bristol, England. I began my training all the way back in 2015, albeit not knowing that I would one day become a counsellor.

I'd had a general interest in psychology since quite a young age and had always wanted to work somewhere in that field. My training began with a short listening skills course which I had originally undertaken to help develop my interpersonal communication and resilience as, at the time, I worked in a fast-paced office environment within the wholesale energy industry which required clear and effective communication between colleagues and counterparts all over the world, as well as multiple teams performing different functions within my own department. It was a high pressured job which could often be tense and stressful, so being able to be patient, transparent, and personable as you could be was essential.

I greatly enjoyed my role within the industry, having had the opportunity to work in various different areas of the business: finance, legal and contractual negotiation, data analysis, product development, IT testing and project implementation, but after nearly a decade in that environment, I decided I needed a change to something I found fulfilling but in a more personal way. Remembering my interest in psychology, I deiced to explore a possible career somewhere within that field...

Having taken a career break, I decided to enrol on more comprehensive counselling skills courses which not only further developed my listening skills, but my also the theoretical knowledge which drove the skills themselves. Towards the end of this training I decided this was the new career path that I wanted to take, so I enrolled upon a Foundation Degree (FdA) in Counselling, awarded by the University of Plymouth.

During my training, I volunteered with multiple local mental health agencies in various capacities, working as a peer support group facilitator, and gaining experience in both the administrative processes of the third-sector while working as a receptionist for another. I also worked as a trainee counsellor for agencies in Bristol, Bath and Gloucestershire, where I gained experience working with clients of all ages, genders, and backgrounds.

Prior to working in the energy industry, I had spent the previous decade working in various retail positions around the UK, from fashion to photography, music to pharmacies - meeting people from all walks of life as I went.

I have been lucky enough in my adult life to travel extensively and experience different cultures and perspectives, having lived and/or worked in various towns and cities both in the UK and abroad. Although I am not fluent in any other language than English, I have also managed to pick up a little French, German, Spanish, Italian and Japanese along the way - although it's probably best not to test me on those...

I have interests in music, film, photography, art, travel, books - and food - and love to meet new people. I also have a passion for conservation and wildlife.

I decided to make Bristol my permanent home in 2017, having spent time here as a child (and young adult), and it is in the city that I base my practice.

I am accredited with the National Counselling Society (MNCS Accred.). My membership number is: NCS19-07896. I also hold a clean, enhanced DBS certificate which can be seen upon request.