A. J. Farrell Counselling

About

My name is Andy and I am a qualified person-centred counsellor. I strongly believe that we all have the ability to navigate the challenges life provides by drawing on our own experience and capabilities. As a person-centred counsellor, my role is to enable clients to explore whatever they choose to bring to sessions in order to gain a deeper understanding of how it is impacting them and enabling them to create positive change. I do this through actively listening and offering useful reflections of key themes I may notice including any changes over time. I will ask clients questions that will encourage them to think about their experiences in new ways and will never judge or lead anyone into talking about something they are not comfortable with.

I have over 10 years’ experience in a variety of mental health and wellbeing roles. I have spent a significant period of this time working for front-line services within the charity sector. I have supported a wide range of different client groups around their mental health, housing, addiction and employment needs and have worked with individuals from a variety of backgrounds and communities such as the LGBTQ+ community, migrants & refugees and people with disabilities. This experience feeds into the counselling I provide and gives me a deeper understanding of some of the specific challenges people can face. I am also a registered member (384603) of the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy and therefore work in accordance with their ethical framework and professional conduct procedure. My relevant qualifications are listed below:

ABC Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling - Leeds City College
BSc (Hons) Psychology 2:1 – The University of Leeds
Certificate in Online & Telephone Counselling - Association for Counselling & Therapy Online
Level 2 Award in Independent Advocacy – City & Guilds
​Various in-work training including: confidentiality & data protection, safeguarding adults, domestic abuse, mental health & creativity, equality & diversity, bereavement skills & many more.

I understand how daunting it can feel accessing therapy (especially with somebody you haven’t met before) so I offer a free 15 minute telephone consultation to make the process as comfortable as possible. This is an informal chat for me to find out a bit more about what you are hoping to gain from counselling to ensure my skills and experience are aligned with this. It will also give you the opportunity to get a sense of how we might work together and ask any questions you may have to help you decide if you would like to proceed with an initial appointment.

During our first session, we will go over the counselling agreement to ensure we both understand the arrangements moving forward. The rest of the time will be for us to start exploring whatever you choose to bring in order to gain a deeper understanding of how it is impacting you. We will regularly review how the therapy is going and when the time feels right we can work towards an ending. This means you have the choice to work with me for as long as you choose in line with your personal needs and preferences.

I look forward to hearing from you.

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