Mr Andrew Perry

If any counselling relationship is going to be effective, it is
iessentialto set clear expectations about the potential outcomes. Clients can
expect counselling to provide a safe space for reflection and emotional
support. For some individuals, families, and organisations, counselling can
lead to significant personal transformation and growth. For others, it can
serve as a valuable tool for managing stress more effectively and increasing
resilience. A realistic understanding of counselling and its process helps set
the stage for a successful therapeutic experience and confidence in the helping
relationship.


Counselling can be either online or in person. I work from home, where I have a
dedicated counselling room that is detached from the main property. We can
incorporate one of my therapy dogs during sessions for those who find their
presence comforting and therapeutic. Therapy dogs can provide emotional
support, enhance comfort, and help create a calming environment for clients. However,
for clients who might prefer not to have a therapy dog present, participation
is optional, and I am dedicated to ensuring each client feels comfortable and
at ease. I have integrated my therapy dogs into my practice for many years,
with positive outcomes.

I have over 23 years of experience. However, experience counts for very
little if a counsellor cannot fully understand exactly what problem the person
is facing in their working environment, their family, or as an individual.
There is an art and a skill that take years for a counsellor to develop,
so an effective counsellor can create a sense of security, helping a person
feel heard and fostering trust between the counsellor and the person they are
working with.

Adults, young persons and families all need to be heard to understand
what the person might be trying to deal with. It is not unusual that when a
client describes something, they are actually telling a mental health
condition. This can be scary, but with the right support, the client can learn
new coping strategies.

Trust is the key ingredient in developing a confidential space where someone
can feel safe, allowing them, along with the appropriate level of support, to
begin addressing whatever needs to be worked on in counselling.


Trust is also a key ingredient for parents of a young person who is seeking
support from a counsellor.


Understanding how a person thinks and how their mind works is an essential part
of the counselling relationship. Most counsellors are trained within generic
theories, styles, and concepts. The real skill of an effective counsellor is to
blend and adapt ways of working into a style that, when delivered to the
individual client, feels natural and is received in the learning style that
suits the individual. This way of working often results in a very quick
transformation, with the client feeling heard and understood.

Exploring the problem is only the beginning of the work. This can
sometimes take us off in all sorts of directions in order to solve the
presenting problem. With the solution always in mind, an effective counsellor
might be able to call on a person’s past ways of solving situations to inform
new ways of addressing current dilemmas.

It is the counsellor’s job to look at all aspects of what has caused a person
to seek out a counsellor. Often, looking at the symptoms in a logical, systemic
way and seeing what connects to what, a bit like piecing a jigsaw together.

Sometimes counselling may involve other agencies. If this is the case, I am
very experienced in multi-agency working. Clients can rest assured that
confidentiality is paramount in my practice. I adhere to strict privacy
guidelines to protect all information. Information shared during sessions is
confidential and will be disclosed only to other agencies with the client’s
explicit consent, unless there are legal or ethical obligations to do so, such
as when there is a threat to the client’s or others’ safety or when there are
legal requirements to disclose.

Andy has been a BACP-accredited counsellor/psychotherapist since 2004.
This accreditation from the British Association for Counselling &
Psychotherapy signifies adherence to a high standard of practice, ensuring
clients receive competent and ethical care. Safeguarding is everyone's
responsibility, and it is crucial to stay up to date with the latest
regulations, including those on domestic abuse and prevention measures. Andy's
commitment to ongoing professional development reassures clients about both
their safety and the practice's professionalism.

Andy also has an enhanced DBS check (with working from home) on the live
update system, which organisations with access to the DBS checking system can
check at any time.

To help clients feel prepared, a typical counselling session usually
lasts about 50 minutes. Sessions are designed to provide a structured yet
flexible space to explore and address issues at a comfortable pace. Clients can
schedule or cancel sessions with ease (with 24 hours' notice) by contacting me
directly via email or phone, ensuring a convenient process that respects their
time and commitments.

Most of Andy's work comes from referrals and recommendations from past
clients, and Andy is a registered provider with most major medical insurance
companies.

I run my private practice so I can take urgent referrals at very short
notice to accommodate immediate needs. Prospective clients or those referring
others can book sessions by contacting me directly via phone or email to ensure
a swift response. This approach provides flexibility and timely support
whenever needed.

I work diligently across a spectrum of issues to support my clients in
various aspects of their lives. This comprehensive list underscores my breadth
of experience and my ability to address diverse challenges.

I have extensive knowledge in working with ADHD and Autism

Please feel free to call me on 07976 281187 or email andy@akousis.org.uk