Andrew Mclay, BACP

Andrew Mclay is a counsellor and psychotherapist based in the United Kingdom who works primarily with grief, loss and life changes. He recognises that grief extends beyond bereavement - people often carry invisible losses such as the end of a relationship or friendship, shifts in identity or confidence, the impact of drug or alcohol use on stability and connection, the emotional strain of ongoing mental health struggles, changes in health or work plans, or the quiet sadness that follows major transitions. These experiences can be disorienting and deserve thoughtful attention.

His approach is warm, steady and down-to-earth, offering a space where people can talk openly, make sense of their feelings, and move at a pace that feels right for them. There is no pressure to "move on" or to hurry through emotions; instead Andrew focuses on understanding what is needed in the present moment. He draws on trauma-informed practice and Person-Centred Therapy, and he holds membership of the BACP, the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.

Andrew concentrates on the person rather than a diagnosis, exploring individual stories, emotions and the parts of life that feel heavy or confusing. If someone is feeling stuck, overwhelmed or unsure how to move forward after a loss or life change, Andrew offers steady support to navigate that process and to identify practical steps toward coping and adjustment.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Support

Andrew uses evidence-informed approaches to guide online work and explains them in clear, practical terms. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings without getting overwhelmed by them, and supports taking meaningful action in line with personal values - it can be useful for anxiety, stress, and life transitions. Client-Centred Therapy focuses on creating an accepting, nonjudgmental space where the client’s own goals and insights lead the way - this approach is especially helpful for grief, self-esteem issues, and navigating relationship changes. Trauma-Focused Therapy offers ways to address the effects of traumatic experiences by gradually processing memories and building coping skills to reduce their ongoing impact.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Andrew works collaboratively with each person to identify what fits best with their needs, goals and preferences. He adapts methods over time so the work remains relevant and effective.

Online therapy with Andrew can include video calls, phone sessions, live chat or text-based messaging, which allows for greater flexibility around work, family and location. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care, fit sessions into busy schedules, and access support from wherever the client is located, including international clients.