Andrew Mclay, BACP

Andrew Mclay is a counsellor and psychotherapist who specialises in grief, loss and life changes. He recognises that grief is not only about bereavement and often arrives in forms that are unseen or difficult to name, from the ending of a relationship or friendship to shifts in identity, confidence or life direction. Loss can also come through the impact of drug or alcohol use - losing stability, trust, connection or a sense of self - the emotional cost of ongoing mental health struggles, changes to health, work or life plans, or the quiet sadness that follows major transitions.

Those kinds of losses can feel just as disorienting and painful as bereavement, and Andrew treats them with the same careful attention. His manner is warm, steady and down-to-earth, offering people a space to speak openly, to make sense of what they are feeling, and to move at a pace that feels right for them. There is no pressure to "move on" or to "get over it" - instead he supports clients in exploring what is happening and what they need in the present.

Andrew draws on trauma-informed practice and client-centered therapy, keeping the focus on each person’s story, emotions and the parts of life that feel heavy or confusing. He holds BACP accreditation, the UK professional association for counsellors and psychotherapists, and brings five years of clinical experience to his work. If someone feels stuck, overwhelmed or unsure how to find a way forward after loss or change, Andrew offers supportive, attentive guidance as they navigate that process.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Support

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings without letting them dictate actions; it focuses on identifying personal values and taking committed steps toward a meaningful life, which can be useful for anxiety, depression and life transitions. Client-centered therapy emphasises a respectful, non-directive relationship where the therapist listens deeply and follows the client's pace, creating space to explore identity, grief and relationship issues. Trauma-focused therapy attends directly to the effects of traumatic experiences, offering ways to process distress and reduce the impact of traumatic memories on daily life.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic journey, and Andrew will work collaboratively with each person to identify which methods suit their needs, goals and preferences. Together they will review what feels helpful, adapt strategies as therapy progresses, and prioritise approaches that align with the client's situation.

Online therapy options include video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text-based messaging, which make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules and to access support from different locations. For many people, these formats offer greater flexibility and continuity of care, allowing regular contact with a registered professional while adapting to individual routines and commitments.