Anita Andrews

I'm an Integrative Counsellor, Life Coach, and Chartered Psychologist, and I bring a broad, human perspective to my work, shaped not only by professional training but by life itself.

Before training as a psychologist and therapist, I spent many years as a research biochemist, working in breast cancer research, publishing several papers in the field. That background, combined with my later psychological training, has given me a deep appreciation for how closely connected our minds and bodies really are, and I draw on both scientific and therapeutic ways of understanding when I work with clients.

I'm also a long-time practitioner of yoga and meditation, and I've navigated many of life's harder chapters myself, including family illness, caring for others, bereavement, career change, and addiction within the family. I understand these experiences aren't just topics to discuss in theory; I've lived through versions of them too.

Growing up in a family with different cultural values from the wider society around me has also given me a real sensitivity to cultural and racial difference, and to how painful it can be when that difference isn't understood or accepted. This shapes how I show up with every client: with curiosity, respect, and without judgement.

My interest in addiction has also led me to co-author a book, Addiction: A Biopsychosocial Perspective. I've also previously worked as a university lecturer in addiction psychology, which has given me a strong grounding in current research and thinking in the field. 

I work integratively, drawing on both counselling and coaching approaches and adapting my style to suit the unique needs of each client. I've found this flexibility is often more helpful than either approach alone, because it allows us to explore the deeper, underlying reasons behind a problem, as well as your values, beliefs, and future goals. This gives our work together a sense of both structure and progression.

My approach is always client-led. I listen to your story, and what's brought you to therapy, with compassion, acceptance, and warmth, and without judgement. My aim is to create a space where you don't need to fear being judged, whatever you bring.

A simple way to think about this is to imagine building a house. Counselling is a bit like the foundations, and coaching is more like the visible structure above ground. It's difficult to build something stable without solid foundations first. Through active listening, working through inner conflicts, exploring possible solutions, and offering ongoing support, this way of working can help you recognise your own resilience, resourcefulness, and strengths.

I work with clients on a wide range of issues. If I don't feel I'm the right fit for what you're bringing, I'll always be honest about that during our initial meeting, so you can be confident you're in the right hands.

Whatever brings you to therapy, my aim is to help you feel heard, supported, and equipped to move forward in a way that's right for you.

Starting therapy can feel like a big step, so I offer a full-length, 50-minute introductory session at half price, to give you a chance to see if I feel like the right fit for you, with no pressure to continue.

In this first session, we'll take time to talk through anything you're wondering or unsure about when it comes to therapy, and you're welcome to share as much or as little as you'd like about yourself and what's brought you here. There's no right way to do this, it's simply a chance for us to get a sense of each other.

Afterwards, it's entirely your choice whether you'd like to continue working together. If it doesn't feel like the right fit, that's absolutely fine, and I'll always be honest if I don't think I'm the best person to help.