Andrew Lewis-Smith

Andrew Lewis-Smith is a Psychotherapist with over seven years of experience at The Salisbury Practice, specialising in the treatment of children, young people, and adults dealing with a range of psychological issues. His work focuses on clients aged 12 and above, particularly in areas such as anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, eating disorders, and related emotional difficulties.

He also supports students in higher education, offering both face-to-face appointments during holidays and online sessions via Zoom for when they are away at university. Adults with anxiety, including those experiencing conditions like IBS, also benefit from his expertise. One of Andrew’s core areas of specialism is eating disorders, where he provides expert interventions for individuals with long-standing conditions, poor body image, shame, guilt, low self-esteem, and those in the early stages of recovery.

Andrew’s career path has been unique. Initially studying Geography at the undergraduate level, a key encounter led him to pursue a professional qualification in Social Work, which he followed with a postgraduate degree. He then went on to complete a Master’s degree in Linguistics and Communication with distinction, alongside gaining extensive clinical experience. His work placement in the Netherlands further shaped his professional outlook.

His clinical training includes psychoanalytic and attachment theory training at the Tavistock Clinic in London, where he honed his therapeutic skills working with complex cases. He worked extensively with children in the court system, including the High Court, and later studied Family and Systemic Psychotherapy. He co-ran the London Mennonite Centre’s mediation and conflict resolution service, focusing on peace-building and reconciliation.

Andrew’s core therapeutic approach is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which he studied at the Institute of Psychiatry (The Maudsley Hospital) in London. However, he has continued to develop his skillset by incorporating other therapeutic techniques, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), and Family and Systemic Psychotherapy (though he no longer holds formal registration for Family Therapy). Additionally, he offers techniques from Mind Body Medicine, which he is trained to an advanced level.

As someone who follows a Buddhist path, Andrew integrates Buddhist Psychology and practices into his therapeutic work, particularly for those seeking alternative or complementary approaches to mental health and well-being.