Andrew Leighton, BACP

Andrew Leighton places the therapeutic relationship at the centre of his practice, aiming to create a space where people feel heard and supported. He brings a compassionate, empathic and non-judgemental approach, encouraging sessions that are primarily led by the client while offering guidance to unpack personal narratives, limiting beliefs and life scripts that may be keeping someone stuck.

As a BACP-registered practitioner he works as an integrated psychotherapist, drawing on a range of methods to tailor therapy to each person. He holds a Level 7 Post Graduate Diploma in Integrated Psychotherapy, a postgraduate qualification that underpins his integrative practice, and has undertaken additional training in addiction therapy, substance misuse counselling, grief and loss, existential anxiety, recovery pathways and compassionate enquiry.

His clinical work covers a wide range of concerns including stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, depression, coping with life changes, relationship and family difficulties, grief, intimacy-related issues, eating and sleeping problems, parenting, self-esteem, career challenges, compassion fatigue and ADHD. He also focuses on issues such as abandonment, attachment difficulties, blended family dynamics, body image, commitment and communication problems, dissociation, divorce and separation, domestic violence, drug and alcohol addiction, feelings of emptiness, fatherhood issues and forgiveness.

He aims to adapt therapeutic approaches - including person-centred, cognitive behavioural, gestalt, narrative and attachment-based methods - to suit individual needs and goals. He welcomes enquiries and is available to discuss how therapy might help someone move forward.

Therapeutic approaches and online support

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT focuses on helping people clarify their values and build psychological flexibility. It encourages mindful acceptance of difficult thoughts and feelings while taking steps toward a meaningful life, which can be useful for anxiety, stress and life transitions).

Attachment-Based Therapy explores how early relationships influence current patterns in connections and emotional responses. By understanding attachment styles, clients can work on improving intimacy, communication and relationship difficulties.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT helps people identify unhelpful thoughts and behaviours and develop practical strategies to change them. It is commonly used for anxiety, depression and coping with challenging daily problems).

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process and will be explored collaboratively. Andrew uses an integrative framework and will work with each person to determine which methods best match their needs, goals and preferences, adjusting the plan as therapy progresses.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions can take place by video call or phone, or through live chat and text-based messaging to suit different schedules and communication styles. These options make it easier to access consistent support from registered professionals while balancing work, family and other commitments.