Andrew Leighton, BACP

Andrew Leighton offers a compassionate, person-centred style of counselling that aims to make people feel heard and respected. He focuses on building a strong working relationship first, so clients can explore their concerns at a pace that suits them. Andrew holds BACP accreditation, which is listed as his professional credential.

In sessions he encourages personal exploration while helping to gently guide the conversation. He listens for recurring stories and beliefs that may keep someone feeling stuck. Together he and the client look at those patterns and consider different ways of responding to them.

Andrew combines elements from several approaches to match each person’s needs. He draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, attachment-informed ideas, mindfulness practice and narrative work. That mix is used to address issues such as anxiety, stress, addiction, grief and relationship concerns.

Practical matters are part of the work too. He helps people identify unhelpful thoughts, notice avoidance, and practice small changes between sessions. He also supports those coping with major life changes, sleep or eating difficulties, and challenges around parenting or fatherhood.

With four years of clinical experience Andrew works with individuals to clarify goals and try manageable steps towards them. He aims to keep things straightforward and collaborative, inviting people to feed back on what is and isn’t helpful as therapy progresses.

How therapeutic approaches work online

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings while committing to actions that reflect their values. It is useful for anxiety, avoidance and when someone wants clearer life direction. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and trying practical changes to behaviours and routines. It can help with low mood, anxiety, sleep and eating difficulties. Attachment-Based Therapy pays attention to how early relationship patterns affect current connections and emotional responses, which can help with intimacy, abandonment worries and trust issues.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will discuss your goals, preferences and what has or hasn’t helped before. He will then recommend ways of working and check in regularly so the plan can change if needed.

If you are considering online therapy, confirm the available session formats before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit appointments around daily life, reduce travel time and allow shorter check-ins when needed. It can also let people use mindfulness exercises and behavioural tasks between meetings to build momentum outside sessions.