Andrew Smith - Aldershot Counselling and Psychotherapy
Counselling and Psychotherapy
Talking therapies can help people get to know themselves better by helping them understand their feelings and processing their experiences by talking through different aspects of their lives. Each person's experience of therapy will vary, and as an integratively trained practitioner, I aim to tailor our sessions to suit what you need. I draw upon person-centred, humanistic, psychodynamic, somatic bodywork, and experiential modalities to try and offer the right support.
What To Expect
Initially, I like to arrange a phone call to talk about what it is you think you'd like to get from therapy so I can explain how I might be able to support you. I encourage people to ask around and speak with different therapists before picking one to work with as a big part of how successful this can be is down to the relationship you have with the therapist. Early sessions help us establish how comfortable we are with each other and can create the foundation for future appointments.
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Therapy is a process with each session building on the last even if we talk about completely different things. There may be topics that you feel need to be discussed but can't quite go there yet, or there may be subjects that as we start talking about you do not feel need as much time or attention. Therapy is a two-way street and I am happy for you to tell me what you need, or don't need.
Child and Adolescent Therapy
When working with children and young people, I attempt to forge a positive rapport that encourages them to talk and focus on what they need to, but not make them feel like they have another adult in their life telling them what to do.
The relationship between a therapist and the young person they are working with is crucial as without it, the work cannot happen. Often, young people accessing therapy have no reference point for what to expect. Therefore, a big part of this work is helping young people to develop the independence on how to use therapy, how to form the language to communicate about the important things.
Experience
2024 - Present
Counsellor - Godalming 6th Form College
I work with the college's Health and Wellbeing team to support the welfare of 6th form students referred to the counselling service.
2017 - Present
Counsellor/Psychotherapist in Private Practice
Working in private practice has given me broader experience supporting a range of people including adults. I have particular experience supporting young adults, men and boys, neurodivergent individuals and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
2016 - 2024
Youth Counsellor - NHS Youth Counselling Service
Training in this agency, I stayed on post-qualification and became a salaried member of staff in 2021. I have experience working with young people aged 12-24, risk assessment, and safeguarding.
Get in Touch
If you'd like to understand more about my work, how I could support your child, or anything else, get in touch.
07864 393 155