Welcome to Andy Curtis Counselling
Figuring it out together
Qualified counsellor based near Bristol providing both short- and long-term counselling to adult individuals online and via the telephone.
Counselling in a safe setting
Hello and welcome to my website.
My name is Andy Curtis and I am a qualified counsellor and a Registered Member of the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy).
I am based north of Bristol in the Severnside area, near Thornbury, and currently work online with clients locally, in Bristol, the South West and nationwide.
Coming for counselling for the first time can feel daunting and it can be difficult to approach someone you don’t know to discuss personal and private matters that you may not have spoken to anyone else about before. I strive to offer a warm, friendly and non-judgmental counselling space, where we work at your pace and you always remain in control.
It’s really important that you feel comfortable with your counsellor and on these pages I will tell you a bit about me, the way I work and what you might expect from counselling. You are also very welcome to get in touch with me for an initial telephone conversation or a no-cost introductory session to discuss how it might be for us to work together.
About Me & Qualifications
I have a Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling and am a fully qualified counsellor and registered* member of the BACP (the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) and bound by its professional code of ethics.
I have completed specific additional training in online and telephone counselling: I have a Certificate in Online and Telephone Counselling and am a member of ACTO (the Association for Counselling and Therapy Online) and adhere to its Ethical Framework for Online Counsellors.
I attend regular supervision and I am fully insured. I undertake ongoing training and continuing professional development essential to furthering my professional practice.
My Approach
There are many different types of counselling and therapy and all of them can be helpful and effective. There is a lot of research to suggest that, for all models, the counsellor – client relationship is key and it is this therapeutic relationship that will underpin our work together.
My counselling approach is person centred. This means that you are in control of the content, focus, depth and pace of our sessions. I won’t seek to analyse or diagnose you, or give advice. I believe that each of us is the true expert on ourselves – even though we may often not feel that way! – and that in the right environment we all have the innate capacity to find solutions to our own problems, to bring about change and to find ways forward that are beneficial and meaningful to us and our lives.
My role is to be alongside you as we develop a relationship in which I hope you will feel supported, valued and understood, and safe to talk openly about the issues and difficulties you are experiencing in your life.
For me, the therapeutic work is not a paint-by-letters approach, but a process of figuring it out together. Having the time and space to reflect on what is (really) going on for you may help you to gain insights into how and why you are feeling the way you are or struggling with the personal problems you are facing. You may learn more about yourself in a way that helps you to connect to yourself on a deeper and more authentic level. Hopefully, you will also be able to access your inner resourcefulness and develop new strategies to cope better and to move forward in ways that feel positive and constructive and make sense for you.
Online & Telephone Counselling
I currently work online and on the telephone.
Online Counselling is an increasingly popular form of counselling that for many individuals is now the preferred way of working. Like many therapists, I have been counselling exclusively online and on the telephone since the pandemic.
For more information about Online Counselling and to decide if it’s right for you….
Fees & availability
When?
I offer appointments during the day with some availability in the evenings and occasionally at weekends.
How much?
A standard 50 minute session costs £45.
I do have some spaces available at a reduced fee for those on low income and for student counsellors. Please ask about these discounted rates if appropriate.
Free Introductory Session
I offer an initial free 30 minute introductory session to clients online or on the telephone. Here we can talk about what is bringing you to counselling and what you are hoping to gain from it, and I can answer any questions you might have.
Hopefully, this introductory session will also give you a sense of whether or not we ‘fit’ and help you to decide if you would be comfortable working with me going forwards. There is no pressure or obligation to continue after this introductory session and I will understand if you feel I am not the right counsellor for you for whatever reason.
Get in touch
If you have any questions, or wish to arrange an introductory session, please get in touch.
You can contact me directly and confidentially by completing the Enquiry Form. You can also email me at hello@andycurtiscounselling.co.uk or phone or text at 07404 530 367.
If leaving a message please give details of how and when you would like me to get back to you. So as to protect your confidentiality, please make it clear whether or not you are happy for me to leave you a message.
I will aim to get back to you within 24 hours. If not received, please check your email Spam / Junk folder for my reply.
Confidentiality
Our work will be confidential. Everything that you say to me will be held in confidence, with the exception of a few circumstances as laid out by the BACP code of professional ethics by which I am bound. Please see my privacy notice. We will also discuss the limits of client confidentiality when we meet and I will answer any questions you might have.